The term “self-sponsorship visa” is becoming increasingly common, particularly among business owners, entrepreneurs and overseas professionals looking to live and work in the UK. However, it’s important to understand that there is no official visa called a self-sponsorship visa.
Instead, self-sponsorship refers to a lawful way of using the UK’s existing immigration system to sponsor yourself through a UK-based business. Understanding how this works and whether it’s suitable for your circumstances is essential before taking any steps.
In this article, we explain what self-sponsorship means in the UK, how it works in practice and what is required to qualify. We also explain how to arrange a free 30-minute consultation with an immigration solicitor to discuss whether self-sponsorship is a viable option for you.
What does self-sponsorship mean in the UK?
Self-sponsorship isn’t a separate immigration route. It’s a way of structuring an application under the Skilled Worker visa route using a UK company that you own or control.
In practice, this involves setting up or purchasing a UK company and applying for a sponsor licence for that business. Once the company is licensed, it can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa in a genuine role within the business.
Although the business and the individual are linked, the Home Office treats them as separate legal entities. This means the company must meet all sponsor licence requirements and the role must be genuine, skilled and paid at the appropriate salary level.
Is there an official self-sponsorship visa?
There is no official self-sponsorship visa in the UK. The term is commonly used to describe the process of sponsoring yourself through your own business, but the visa itself is a Skilled Worker visa.
Because the Skilled Worker route is designed for employees, applications involving self-sponsorship are carefully scrutinised by the Home Office. The business must be able to demonstrate that the role is genuine and necessary and that all sponsorship duties can be met.
Understanding this distinction is crucial. Misunderstanding the nature of self-sponsorship or assuming it’s a guaranteed route can lead to refusals and wasted costs.
How self-sponsorship works in practice
Self-sponsorship usually involves several stages. First, a UK company must be established or acquired. This company must be actively trading or genuinely intend to trade in the UK.
The company then applies for a sponsor licence, demonstrating that it’s capable of complying with its legal duties as a sponsor. This includes having appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored workers and report changes to the Home Office.
Related: Can a Sole Trader Apply for a Sponsor Licence?
Once a sponsor licence is granted, the company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the individual. The individual then applies for a Skilled Worker visa based on that sponsorship.
Who is self-sponsorship suitable for?
Self-sponsorship can be suitable for a range of individuals, but it’s not right for everyone. It’s most commonly used by overseas entrepreneurs and business owners who want greater control over their work and immigration status.
It can also be an option for company directors, consultants or senior professionals who have a viable business plan and wish to operate through a UK company rather than relying on an external employer to sponsor them.
Self-sponsorship isn’t designed as a shortcut to settlement. The Home Office expects the business to be genuine, sustainable and compliant with all sponsor licence obligations. Individuals considering this route must be prepared to actively run and develop a UK business.
Key requirements to qualify
To succeed with self-sponsorship, both the company and the individual must meet strict requirements.
The UK company must be genuine, properly registered and capable of complying with sponsor duties. It must have appropriate systems in place to manage sponsorship and reporting obligations.
The sponsored role must be at the required skill level and meet the minimum salary threshold under the Skilled Worker route. The role must also be genuine, meaning it reflects the needs of the business and isn’t created solely to facilitate a visa.
The individual must meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including the English language requirement and suitability criteria. Failure to meet any of these requirements can result in refusal.
Advantages of self-sponsorship
One of the main advantages of self-sponsorship is control. Rather than relying on a third-party employer, individuals can manage their own sponsorship through their business.
Self-sponsorship can also provide a clear route to settlement, provided all requirements continue to be met over time. Dependants may also be able to join the main applicant in the UK.
For those with a viable business idea, self-sponsorship can offer flexibility and long-term stability compared to other business or investment routes.
Risks and common mistakes
Self-sponsorship applications are closely examined by the Home Office. Common reasons for refusal include sponsor licence applications being rejected, roles being considered non-genuine or salary requirements not being met.
Ongoing compliance is equally important. Sponsor licence holders are subject to audits and enforcement action if duties aren’t met. This can lead to licence suspension or revocation, which would affect the sponsored individual’s immigration status.
Because of these risks, careful planning and compliance are essential from the outset.
Speak to an immigration solicitor about self-sponsorship
Self-sponsorship involves navigating both sponsor licence requirements and individual visa rules. Errors at any stage can lead to refusals, delays or long-term immigration problems.
An immigration solicitor can assess whether self-sponsorship is appropriate, structure the application correctly and guide you through the sponsor licence and Skilled Worker processes. Early advice can significantly reduce risk and improve the chances of success.
Please note that this article is solely for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for legal advice. We encourage readers to contact Osbourne Pinner for case specific guidance.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation. You can speak with us via video call or visit our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. To arrange your consultation, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or complete the form below.
