The idea of a self-sponsorship visa has become increasingly popular among entrepreneurs and business owners looking to live and work in the UK. While there is no official visa called a self-sponsorship visa, UK immigration rules do allow individuals to sponsor themselves through a UK company under the Skilled Worker route.
Because this type of application is closely examined by the Home Office, understanding the requirements in advance is essential. Both the business and the individual must meet strict criteria for the application to succeed.
In this article, we explain the key requirements for self-sponsorship in the UK, including what the Home Office expects from the business and the individual. We also explain how to arrange a free 30-minute consultation with an immigration solicitor to assess whether you meet these requirements.
Is there a self-sponsorship visa in the UK?
There is no separate self-sponsorship visa category. Instead, self-sponsorship is a way of using the Skilled Worker visa route through a UK company that you own or control.
This means all Skilled Worker rules apply. The Home Office will assess the application in the same way as any other sponsored work visa, while paying close attention to whether the arrangement is genuine.
Understanding that self-sponsorship is a structure rather than a visa is an important starting point.
Business requirements for self-sponsorship
The UK company plays a central role in any self-sponsorship application. It must meet the requirements for holding a sponsor licence.
The business must be genuine, lawfully operating and capable of complying with sponsor duties. This includes having appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored workers, keep records and report changes to the Home Office.
The company must also be able to demonstrate that it’s actively trading or has a credible plan to begin trading in the UK. Simply registering a company without real activity or intention is unlikely to be sufficient.
Sponsor licence requirements
To sponsor anyone, including the business owner, the company must successfully apply for a sponsor licence.
As part of this application, the Home Office will assess whether the business is trustworthy, organised and capable of managing sponsorship responsibilities. This may involve reviewing documents, business plans and internal processes.
The Home Office may also conduct checks or request further information before making a decision. If the sponsor licence application is refused, self-sponsorship won’t be possible.
Individual requirements for self-sponsorship
In addition to the business meeting sponsor licence requirements, the individual being sponsored must meet all Skilled Worker visa criteria.
The individual must have the skills, qualifications or experience required for the sponsored role. The Home Office will assess whether the applicant is suitably qualified to carry out the duties of the position.
The individual must also meet the English language requirement and satisfy suitability requirements, including immigration history and criminality checks. Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in refusal, regardless of how strong the business case may be.
Role and salary requirements
The sponsored role must be genuine, skilled and necessary for the business. It must meet the minimum skill level set under the Skilled Worker route and be aligned with an appropriate occupation code.
The salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. The Home Office won’t accept arrangements where salary levels are artificially inflated or unsupported by the business’s financial position.
The role must reflect the reality of the business’s operations. Positions created solely to secure a visa, without a genuine operational need, are likely to be refused.
Ongoing compliance requirements
Self-sponsorship doesn’t end once the visa is granted. Sponsor licence holders have ongoing duties to report changes, maintain records and comply with Home Office rules.
The business may be subject to compliance visits and audits. Failure to meet sponsorship duties can lead to licence suspension or revocation, which would affect the sponsored individual’s right to remain in the UK.
Maintaining compliance is essential for both the business and the individual throughout the sponsorship period.
Common reasons self-sponsorship applications fail
Self-sponsorship involves combining complex sponsor licence rules with individual visa requirements. Errors at any stage can result in refusal or long-term immigration issues.
Self-sponsorship applications often fail due to sponsor licence refusals, non-genuine roles or failure to meet salary requirements.
Other common issues include weak business plans, lack of evidence of trading activity or poor preparation for Home Office scrutiny.
Understanding these risks in advance can help applicants avoid costly mistakes.
Speak to an immigration solicitor about self-sponsorship requirements
If you’re considering a self-sponsorship visa in the UK, professional advice can help you understand whether you meet the requirements and how to proceed correctly.
An immigration solicitor can assess whether you meet the requirements, help structure the application correctly and guide you through both the sponsor licence and Skilled Worker processes.
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.
