UK Self Sponsorship Visa
Your Complete Path to Living and Working in the UK
The UK currently does not offer a dedicated “self sponsorship visa.” However, you can work in the UK by sponsoring yourself through three main routes: the Skilled Worker visa, Innovator visa, or Start-up visa.
This guide focuses primarily on the Skilled Worker visa route, which allows you to establish a UK company and use it to sponsor your work visa.
What is Self Sponsorship?
Self sponsorship is an immigration strategy that enables non-UK citizens to work in the UK by owning and operating their own business. Through this process, you create or acquire a UK-based company, obtain a sponsor licence, and then use your company to sponsor your own work visa.
Essential Features of Self Sponsorship
- You can apply for permanent residency after living in the UK for 5 years
- Your spouse, partner, and children under 18 can join you in the UK
- You can start any type of legitimate business
- There is no minimum investment amount required
- You do not need to create additional jobs
- You get access to free NHS healthcare
- Your children can access free education in the UK
- Your visa cannot be cancelled by an employer
- You have more control over your immigration status
Understanding Self Sponsorship
Self sponsorship allows non-UK citizens to work in the UK by owning and operating their own businesses. Through this process, you create or acquire a UK-based company, obtain a sponsor license, and then use your company to sponsor your own work visa.
Route Comparison Table
Feature |
Skilled Worker |
Innovator Founder |
Start-up |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duration |
Up to 5 years |
3 years |
2 years |
|
Investment Required |
No minimum |
No minimum |
No minimum |
|
Endorsement Needed |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Lead to Settlement |
Yes (5 years) |
Yes (3 years) |
No |
|
Business Requirements |
Any legitimate business |
Innovative business |
New business |
The Three Main Stages of Self Sponsorship
Each stage of self sponsorship requires careful planning and execution. Here’s what you need to know about each phase:
Company Formation
This is the foundation of your self sponsorship journey. You must:
- Register your company with Companies House
- Open a UK business bank account
- Choose an appropriate business structure (usually a Private Limited Company)
- Register for Corporation Tax and VAT if applicable
- Set up PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system
- Create detailed business documentation
- Establish a registered office address in the UK
STAGE 1
Sponsor Licence Application
Once your company is established, you need to:
- Apply to the Home Office for a sponsor licence
- Appoint key personnel in the UK (including a Level 1 User who must be British or settled)
- Show your business is genuine and operating lawfully
- Demonstrate your ability to monitor sponsored workers
- Prove you can meet sponsorship duties
- Pay the appropriate licence fee
- Submit supporting documents
STAGE 2
Skilled Worker Visa Application
After receiving your sponsor licence, you must:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your company
- Meet the minimum salary requirement (typically £38,700 per year)
- Prove your English language ability at B1 level
- Show you have at least £1,270 in maintenance funds
- Complete the visa application form
- Submit required personal documents
- Pay all relevant fees
STAGE 3
Detailed Requirements
Business Requirements
The Home Office needs to be satisfied that your company is genuine and capable of sponsoring workers. They conduct thorough assessments to prevent the creation of shell companies. Your business must demonstrate genuine trading activity or a clear plan to begin trading. Your business must:
- Be a legally registered and active company in the UK
- Have a genuine need for the position you're creating
- Maintain proper HR systems to track employee attendance and records
- Keep detailed documentation of all business activities
- Have a UK business bank account with sufficient funds
- Operate from genuine UK business premises
- Show evidence of current or future trading
- Comply with all UK business regulations and tax requirements
Personal Requirements
The Home Office has strict requirements for individual applicants to ensure they can contribute to the UK economy. These requirements focus on your qualifications, financial stability, and language skills. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have enough money to support yourself (£1,270)
- Meet the English language requirement at level B1
- Have no serious criminal convictions
- Not fall for grounds of refusal under UK immigration rules
- Hold relevant qualifications for your proposed role
- Receive a salary that meets both the general threshold and the 'going rate'
- Not be applying for a role created mainly for immigration purposes
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Costs and Fees
Understanding the complete cost structure is essential for proper financial planning. Most fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. The costs span multiple stages of the application process.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Application Fees Table
Fee Type |
Small/Charitable Company |
Medium/Large Company |
|---|---|---|
|
Sponsor Licence |
£536 |
£1,476 |
|
CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) Issue |
£239 |
£239 |
|
Immigration Skills Charge (1st year) |
No |
Yes |
|
Lead to Settlement |
£364 |
£1,000 |
|
Visa Application (up to 3 years) |
£719 (outside UK) |
£719 (outside UK) |
|
Healthcare Surcharge (per year) |
£1,035 |
£1,035 |
Optional Services
Service |
Cost Outside UK |
Cost Inside UK |
|---|---|---|
|
Priority Processing |
£500 |
£500 |
|
Super Priority |
£1,000 |
£800 |
*Fee and cost are subject to change
Required Documentation
Documentation is a critical aspect of the self sponsorship process. Each document must meet specific Home Office requirements regarding format and authenticity. Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons for application refusal.
Years Experience
Processing Times and Timeline
Different stages of the application have varying processing times. The total timeline can be affected by application volume and complexity.
Typical timeframes:
- Company registration: 1-2 weeks
- Bank account setup: 2-4 weeks
- Sponsor licence application: 8 weeks standard processing
- Certificate of Sponsorship: 1-5 working days
- Skilled Worker visa application: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Total estimated timeline: 6-8 months from start to finish
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Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Business Responsibilities
Your business must maintain consistent compliance with sponsor duties throughout the sponsorship period. The Home Office can conduct compliance visits at any time without notice. You must:
- Keep accurate records of all sponsored workers
- Track and record employee attendance
- Report any significant changes to the Home Office
- Maintain appropriate salary levels
- Keep HR systems updated
- Participate in Home Office compliance visits
- Monitor visa expiry dates
- Update Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
Personal Responsibilities
As a sponsored worker, you have ongoing obligations to maintain your immigration status. Failing to meet these requirements can result in visa cancellation. You must:
- Work only in your sponsored role
- Maintain minimum salary requirements
- Report any changes in circumstances
- Keep contact details updated
- Not take additional employment without permission
- Apply for visa extensions before current visa expires
- Maintain residence requirements for settlement
- Record and report any extended absences from work
- Notify the Home Office of any significant changes to your role
- Keep copies of all relevant documents
Path to Settlement
5-Year Route Requirements
Requirement |
Details |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Residency |
5 years continuous |
Max 180 days absence per year |
|
Employment |
Continuous sponsorship |
Same/similar role |
|
Salary |
Meet threshold |
Throughout period |
|
English |
B1 level |
Plus Life in UK test |
|
Character |
Good character |
No serious breaches |
Alternative Routes Comparison
Feature |
Skilled Worker |
Innovator |
Start-up |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Initial Duration |
5 years max |
3 years |
2 years |
|
Extension |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Investment |
None required |
None required |
None required |
|
Endorsement |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Business Type |
Any legitimate |
Innovative only |
New business |
|
Settlement |
5 years |
3 years |
N/A |
|
Dependents |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Switch In-Country |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Extensions and Settlement
The self sponsorship route can lead to permanent settlement in the UK. Understanding the requirements helps you plan your long-term stay effectively.
Requirements include:
- Complete 5 years of continuous residence
- Maintain your sponsored employment
- Meet the salary requirements throughout
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Meet English language requirements
- Have no excessive absences from the UK
- Demonstrate good character
- Pay the settlement application fee
- Provide evidence of your integration into UK society
Common Reasons for Refusal
Understanding common reasons for application refusals helps you avoid these pitfalls in your self sponsorship journey.
Sponsor Licence Application Refusals
Non-Genuine Business
Your business must be genuinely trading in the UK. Applications often fail when companies cannot prove active trading or appear to be shell companies created solely for visa purposes. Ensure you have clear evidence of business activities, contracts, or detailed business plans.
Inadequate HR Systems
The Home Office requires proper systems to monitor sponsored workers. Applications fail when businesses cannot demonstrate appropriate tracking methods for attendance, personnel records, and right-to-work checks. Implement comprehensive HR systems before applying.
Key Personnel Issues
Applications are often refused when key personnel are not properly UK-based or qualified. Ensure your Authorising Officer and Level 1 User meet all requirements and are genuinely based in the UK.
Compliance Concerns
Previous immigration breaches or non-compliance with sponsor duties can lead to refusal. Maintain a clean immigration record and ensure full understanding of sponsor responsibilities.
Skilled Worker Visa Refusals
Genuine Vacancy Requirement
The most common refusal reason is failing to prove the role is genuine. The Home Office will refuse applications where they believe the job was created mainly for immigration purposes rather than genuine business need.
Financial Requirements
Applications fail when candidates cannot prove they have held the required maintenance funds (£1,270) for the specified period. Ensure funds are held in an acceptable account and for the required duration.
English Language Evidence
Incorrect or invalid English language evidence leads to many refusals. Only submit approved English language qualifications or test results that meet the specific requirements.
Salary Thresholds
Applications are refused when the proposed salary doesn’t meet both the general threshold and the specific occupation code requirements. Ensure your salary meets or exceeds all applicable thresholds.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing or incorrect documents frequently cause refusals. Use a comprehensive checklist and ensure all documents meet Home Office format requirements.
How to Avoid Refusals
For Sponsor Licence
- Ensure genuine business trading before applying
- Implement proper HR systems
- Appoint qualified UK-based key personnel
- Maintain detailed records
- Study and understand sponsor duties
For Visa Application
- Create genuine job roles based on business need
- Maintain required funds for correct period
- Obtain proper English language certification
- Meet all salary requirements
- Submit complete, correct documentation
Supplementary Employment Rules
The Skilled Worker visa allows for additional work under specific conditions:
Permitted Additional Work
Type |
Hours Allowed |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Same Occupation Code |
Up to 20 hours |
No additional sponsorship needed |
|
Different Occupation |
Up to 20 hours |
Must be on Shortage Occupation List |
|
Voluntary Work |
Unlimited |
Must not replace paid work |
|
Study |
Unlimited |
Must not interfere with main job |
Restrictions
- Must maintain main sponsored job
- Additional work cannot be main source of income
- Must report additional employment to Home Office
- Cannot be self-employed or contracted
- Cannot set up your own business unless permitted
Dependent Rights and Requirements
Eligible Dependents
Dependent Type |
Requirements |
Rights |
|---|---|---|
|
Spouse/Partner |
Genuine relationship |
Work without restrictions |
|
Children under 18 |
Financially dependent |
Study at any level |
|
Children over 18 |
Dependent before 18 |
Same as main applicant |
Financial Requirements
Number of Dependents |
Funds Required |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Partner |
£285 |
28 days |
|
First Child |
£315 |
28 days |
|
Each Additional Child |
£200 |
28 days |
Business Structure Options
Comparison of Business Structures
Structure Type |
Advantages |
Considerations |
|---|---|---|
|
Private Limited Company |
Limited liability, Professional image |
More paperwork, Annual returns |
|
Sole Trader |
Simple setup, Less paperwork |
Personal liability, Less credible for sponsorship |
|
Partnership |
Shared responsibility |
Complex for sponsorship |
|
LLP |
Combined benefits |
More complex setup |
Recommended Structure
- Clear ownership structure
- Professional status
- Limited liability protection
- Preferred by Home Office
- Easier to obtain sponsor licence
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The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Regulated Industries
Industry |
Additional Requirements |
Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Services |
FCA registration |
Financial Conduct Authority |
|
Healthcare |
Professional registration |
GMC/NMC/HCPC |
|
Legal Services |
Law Society registration |
SRA/Law Society |
|
Education |
DfE requirements |
Department for Education |
Industry Salary Variations
Sector |
Minimum Salar |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
IT/Technology |
£38,700+ |
Higher in London |
|
Healthcare |
£30,960+ |
NHS specific rates |
|
Education |
£30,960+ |
Academic year basis |
|
Engineering |
£38,700+ |
Experience dependent |
Regional Considerations
London-Based Business
Setting up in London offers advantages like:
- Access to larger client base
- Better networking opportunities
- International connections
- Higher profile business address
Regional Operations
Operating outside London provides benefits such as:
- Lower operational costs
- Less competition
- More affordable office space
- Potentially easier recruitment
Current Changes and Updates
Post-Brexit Environment
Recent changes have affected various aspects of the sponsorship system:
- Updated salary thresholds
- Modified skill level requirements
- New points-based system considerations
- Changed settlement requirements
Immigration Rule Updates
Stay informed about the latest changes:
- Regular Home Office updates
- New compliance requirements
- Changed application processes
- Modified documentation needs
Frequently Asked Questions
A process where you establish a UK company and use it to sponsor your own Skilled Worker visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK legally.
Typically 6-8 months from company formation to visa approval, including 8 weeks for sponsor licence processing.
There's no minimum investment requirement, but you need enough funds to cover application fees and prove your business is genuine and trading.
Yes, your spouse/partner and children under 18 can join you with full rights to work and study in the UK.
Generally £38,700 per year, though some roles may have different thresholds based on occupation codes.
Yes, you must prove English language ability at B1 level through an approved test or qualification.
Yes, up to 20 hours per week in the same occupation code, alongside your main sponsored job.
Initial visa is up to 5 years, with possibility to extend and apply for permanent residence after 5 years.
A Private Limited Company is recommended as it's most suitable for sponsorship and provides limited liability protection.
£1,270 for yourself, plus additional funds for dependents (£285 for partner, £315 for first child).
Yes, but changes must be reported to the Home Office and maintain compliance with sponsor duties.
Yes, you need a registered UK office address for your company and sponsor licence application.
Your visa could be curtailed if your business closes. You'd need to find alternative sponsorship or leave the UK.
Yes, but you must maintain UK presence and meet all sponsor compliance requirements.
No, there's no requirement to hire additional employees for self sponsorship.
You must be at least 18 years old, but there's no upper age limit.
Yes, but it must be genuine, trading, and meet sponsor licence requirements.
Yes, a detailed business plan is required to prove your business is genuine and sustainable.
Yes, you can live and work anywhere in the UK once your visa is approved.
Standard processing is 3 weeks outside UK or 8 weeks inside UK, with priority services available for faster processing.