In recent years, the concept of “self sponsorship” has gained significant attention among those wishing to live, work, or set up a business in the United Kingdom. While not a formally named route in the same sense as the Skilled Worker or Innovator visas, the idea of a “Self Sponsorship Visa” refers to a legitimate process where an individual sets up a UK company, obtains a sponsor licence for that company, and then sponsors themselves as an employee of their own business. This approach can be particularly attractive for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small business owners keen to establish a foothold in the UK without seeking a third-party employer.
What Is the UK Self Sponsorship Visa?
A “UK Self Sponsorship Visa” is not an officially listed category by the Home Office, but rather a strategy leveraging the existing immigration system, most notably the Skilled Worker route. Typically, to work in the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa, one must find employment with a Home Office-approved sponsor. However, with self sponsorship, you set up and register your own UK-based company, apply for a sponsor licence under that entity, and then effectively sponsor yourself as an employee. This allows you to live and work in the UK under the conditions of the Skilled Worker route, as long as all eligibility requirements are met.
Benefits of a Self Sponsorship Visa
Choosing to self sponsor can offer numerous advantages:
- Autonomy and flexibility. You work for your own business, giving you greater control over your role, working hours, and strategic direction.
- Potential path to settlement. Skilled Worker Visa holders may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years, provided they meet specific requirements.
- Expansion opportunities. Once established, your company can hire other employees, sponsor more workers, and grow within the UK market.
- Business credibility. Having a presence in the UK market can greatly enhance your business’s reputation, whether you trade domestically or internationally.
Eligibility Criteria
While the concept of self sponsorship appeals to many, it is crucial to understand that the requirements mirror those of other sponsored work visas, alongside the legal obligations tied to being a licensed sponsor. Below are some primary eligibility considerations:
- You will need to provide evidence that the business you establish is legitimate, with a clear plan for trading in the UK. Simply forming a shell company without genuine operations is not acceptable.
- The business must qualify to hold a sponsor licence. This includes having appropriate HR systems, a physical presence in the UK, and meeting the Home Office’s compliance standards.
- The role you undertake within your own company must align with the Skilled Worker occupation codes and be at a suitable skill level. You must also be paid the appropriate minimum salary for that occupation.
- As with most UK work visas, you are required to demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English at the requisite level.
- You will need sufficient funds to not only start and maintain the business but also to support yourself during the initial period. The Home Office usually requires evidence of personal savings or a reliable income stream.
Application Process
- The first step is to set up your UK company with Companies House.
- Once your company is established, you need to apply for a sponsor licence from the Home Office. As the sponsor, you must show you have appropriate HR processes, a genuine need for the role you are sponsoring, and the financial capability to pay the required salary.
- After the licence is granted, you can issue yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role in your own company. The job must meet the eligible criteria under the Skilled Worker guidelines.
- With the CoS, you proceed to submit your Skilled Worker Visa application. This involves providing personal information, evidence of your English language ability, proof of funds, and the CoS reference.
Conclusion
Securing a UK Self Sponsorship Visa via the Skilled Worker route can be a promising option for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners seeking to establish themselves in the United Kingdom. If you are considering this route, thorough preparation and expert guidance are key to navigating the complexities of UK immigration successfully.
