Many people looking to live and work in the UK ask whether it’s possible to sponsor themselves. This question often comes from business owners, consultants and overseas professionals who want greater control over their immigration status.
While there is no official visa called self-sponsorship, UK immigration law does allow individuals to sponsor themselves indirectly through a UK business. This process must be handled carefully, as it’s closely scrutinised by the Home Office.
In this article, we discuss what sponsoring yourself in the UK really means, how the process works and what steps are involved. We also explain how to arrange a free 30-minute consultation with an immigration solicitor to find out whether self-sponsorship is suitable for you.
What does sponsoring yourself actually mean?
Sponsoring yourself doesn’t mean bypassing the immigration rules. Instead, it involves using an existing visa route, most commonly the Skilled Worker visa, through a UK company that you own or control.
The company applies for a sponsor licence and, once approved, sponsors you in a genuine role within the business. Although you may own the company, the Home Office treats the business and the individual as separate entities.
This means the business must meet all sponsor licence requirements and the role must meet the skill level and salary thresholds set under the Skilled Worker route.
Step 1: Setting up or acquiring a UK business
The first step in self-sponsorship is having a UK company that can act as a sponsor. This may involve setting up a new company or acquiring an existing one.
The business must be genuine and either actively trading or able to demonstrate a credible intention to trade in the UK. The Home Office will assess whether the business is realistic, viable and capable of complying with sponsorship duties.
Simply registering a company isn’t enough. The business should have a clear structure, defined activities and evidence that it will operate lawfully in the UK.
Step 2: Applying for a sponsor licence
Once the company is in place, it must apply for a sponsor licence. This application is made to the Home Office and requires detailed information about the business, its operations and its ability to manage sponsored workers.
The company must show that it has appropriate systems in place to monitor immigration compliance, keep records and report changes to the Home Office. The Home Office may carry out checks or request further information before making a decision.
If the sponsor licence is refused, self-sponsorship won’t be possible. This makes preparation and compliance at this stage particularly important.
Step 3: Creating a genuine sponsored role
For self-sponsorship to succeed, the UK company must offer a genuine role that meets the requirements of the Skilled Worker route. The role must be at the appropriate skill level and paid at or above the minimum salary threshold.
The Home Office will assess whether the role is necessary for the business and whether the duties reflect the reality of the company’s operations. Roles created solely to secure a visa, without a genuine business need, are likely to be refused.
Careful drafting of job descriptions and clear evidence of the business’s activities are essential at this stage.
Step 4: Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the sponsor licence is granted and the role is confirmed as eligible, the company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is an electronic document that links the individual to the sponsored role.
The Certificate of Sponsorship contains key information about the job, salary and length of employment. Accuracy is critical, as errors can lead to visa refusals or compliance issues later on.
Step 5: Applying for the Skilled Worker visa
After receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship, the individual applies for a Skilled Worker visa. This application must meet all visa requirements, including the English language requirement and suitability checks.
The Home Office will assess whether the role, salary and sponsorship arrangements comply with the rules. If successful, the visa allows the individual to live and work in the UK for the approved period.
Common reasons self-sponsorship fails
Combining sponsor licence requirements with individual visa rules is complex. Mistakes at any stage can lead to refusal or long-term immigration issues. Self-sponsorship applications are often refused due to sponsor licence refusals, roles being considered non-genuine or failure to meet salary requirements.
Ongoing compliance is equally important. Sponsor licence holders are subject to audits and enforcement action. Failure to meet reporting or record-keeping duties can result in licence suspension or revocation.
Is self-sponsorship right for you?
Self-sponsorship can be suitable for individuals with a genuine business plan and a realistic long-term strategy. It’s not appropriate for those seeking a quick or low-effort route into the UK.
Understanding the risks and responsibilities involved is essential before proceeding. If you’re considering sponsoring yourself in the UK, professional advice can help you understand whether this route is viable and how to proceed correctly.
If you need an immigration solicitor experienced in sponsor licences and self-sponsorship, Osbourne Pinner Solicitors can provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.
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.
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Title tag: How Can I Sponsor Myself in the UK?
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