Self-Sponsorship Visa Solicitors in London, UK
Expert solicitors in London, UK, specialising in self-sponsorship visas
- Extensive experience with over 1000 successful visa applications
- Full support for all aspects of self-sponsorship visa applications
- Skilled in handling Home Office compliance visits, audits and renewals
- Dedicated to quick and efficient processing of all visa applications
- Clear fee structures with flexible payment options and 'No Win, No Fee' guarantee
- 100% success rate in UK self-sponsorship visa applications
We will always get the best possible result for our clients!
Our lawyers represent you with a proactive & forward-thinking mindset.
Apply for Your Self-Sponsorship Visa Application with Expert Solicitors
The UK self-sponsorship visa pathway is a unique route, designed for individuals aiming to establish and run their business within the UK while securing the right to work and live in the country.
A successful self-sponsorship visa application involves intricate steps, including the establishment of a UK entity, securing a sponsor licence and ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations. With Osbourne Pinner Solicitors, you won’t have to navigate these steps on your own.
Our skilled team of London-based solicitors specialises in the UK self-sponsorship visas, providing personalised legal advice and comprehensive management of your visa application. If you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced professional, our services are tailored to help you achieve your goals.
Contact us at [email protected] or 0203 983 5080 for a free 30-minute consultation and explore how we can assist you in achieving a successful visa application with our proven track record.
Free Initial Consultation
No Win, No Fee
100% Success Rate
Efficient Case Handling
What is a Self-Sponsorship Visa?
The self-sponsorship visa is an immigration pathway designed for ambitious entrepreneurs and business professionals hoping to establish and manage their businesses within the UK.
This visa category allows individuals to set up or take over a UK company and subsequently sponsor their own employment, giving them the opportunity to stay in the country. It acts as a viable route for those aiming to expand their business ventures and personal careers on UK soil.
Created for individuals who can demonstrate the ability to contribute to the UK economy, the self-sponsorship visa requires careful planning and compliance with immigration authorities. With its potential to lead to permanent residency, it is a life-changing investment for a person’s future.
Benefits of the Self-Sponsorship Visa
The self-sponsorship visa offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to expand their horizons in the UK. Here are the key advantages:
- Business Ownership and Control
This visa allows individuals to own and directly manage their business in the UK, giving them full control over the operation and growth of their enterprise.
- Pathway to Residency
Successfully running a business can pave the way for permanent residency in the UK, as the visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a qualifying period.
- Networking Opportunities
Living in the UK enables visa holders to build valuable business relationships and access a wide range of networking opportunities that can enhance business growth and development.
- Family Inclusion
Self-sponsorship visa holders can bring family members to the UK, which helps in settling more comfortably while pursuing business interests.
This visa not only facilitates business and professional growth but also offers substantial personal and family benefits, making it a comprehensive immigration solution.
This visa not only facilitates business and professional growth but also offers substantial personal and family benefits, making it a comprehensive immigration solution.
Eligibility Criteria for Self-Sponsorship Visa
To qualify for a self-sponsorship visa, applicants need to meet several important requirements. These are designed to ensure that only genuine and capable entrepreneurs can establish and run a business in the UK. Here are some of the key criteria you’ll need to meet:
- Business Establishment
When it comes to business establishment, applicants need to either set up a new business or take over an existing one. The business in question has to be viable and meet regulatory requirements.
- Investment Funds
There is no minimum investment required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), but applicants will need to demonstrate that they have appropriate funds to establish and sustain their business. How much you will need depends on the scale of your business.
- Experience and Qualifications
Anyone applying for this visa will require relevant business experience or qualifications that prove they know how to run a business. You might need educational qualifications or previous ownership / management roles in your history.
- English Language Proficiency
To guarantee they can run their business and execute all administrative duties, applicants must achieve a minimal English language requirement, usually at the B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Sponsor Licence
The UK-based business that is requesting self-sponsorship needs to get a sponsor licence. This entails proving the company is legitimate, able to carry out its sponsoring obligations and won’t jeopardise immigration control.
- Maintenance Funds
Candidates must also demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their living expenses while in the UK and support themselves without the need for government assistance.
Fulfilling these requirements is essential for a self-sponsorship visa application to be approved, as it highlights the applicant’s potential to support the economy and society of the United Kingdom.
Fulfilling these requirements is essential for a self-sponsorship visa application to be approved, as it highlights the applicant’s potential to support the economy and society of the United Kingdom.
Application Process for Self-Sponsorship Visas
The self-sponsorship visa process includes several difficult steps. To improve the chances of their application being accepted, candidates must make sure they have everything ready and that all conditions are fulfilled:
1. Business Plan and Preparation
Before applying, applicants must develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines their business. This should include the business’ nature, goals and financial forecasts. This plan should demonstrate the business’s viability and potential for growth within the UK market.
2. Company Formation and Registration
The applicants’ business must be duly established in the United Kingdom. This entails registering the company with Companies House and making sure that it complies with all applicable UK business laws.
3. Applying for a Sponsor Licence
The newly formed or acquired company must apply for a sponsor licence to employ the applicant. The application must include proof of business premises, a viable business plan and evidence that the company can meet sponsorship duties.
4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once the sponsor licence is approved, the company can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant. The CoS is a critical document that the applicant will need for the visa application, as it confirms the job offer and sponsorship.
5. Visa Application
With the CoS, the applicant can then apply for the self-sponsorship visa. This application must be accompanied by the necessary supporting documents, including proof of financial maintenance, English language proficiency and the CoS.
6. Biometric Information
Applicants are required to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process.
7. Interview
Depending on individual circumstances, the applicant may be required to attend an interview where they will need to discuss their business plan and intentions in the UK.
8. Visa Decision
Once all steps are completed, the UK Visas and Immigration will review the application and make a decision. If successful, the applicant will be granted a Self-sponsorship visa, allowing them to manage their business and reside in the UK.
It is advisable to seek guidance from experienced immigration solicitors like Osbourne Pinner to navigate this complex process efficiently and effectively.
Common Self-Sponsorship Visa Challenges
Applying for a self-sponsorship visa is often a complex process with several hurdles. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards navigating the visa application process effectively.
- Complex Application Process
The application process for a self-sponsorship visa is intricate and demanding, requiring meticulous attention to detail. Applicants must navigate through numerous forms and documentation, which can be overwhelming without proper guidance.
- Meeting Financial Requirements
One of the key challenges is demonstrating sufficient funds and a viable business plan. Applicants must prove financial stability and the potential for business growth, which requires thorough and persuasive financial documentation.
- Compliance with Immigration Laws
Keeping up to date with all of the UK’s evolving immigration regulations is another significant challenge. Applicants must ensure that their business operations and visa status remain compliant with current laws, which can be a complex and ongoing requirement.
- Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
Securing a sponsor licence is a crucial prerequisite for a self-sponsorship visa. This involves proving that the business is legitimate, meets all regulatory criteria and has a genuine need for the role intended to be filled by the applicant. Meeting these criteria often requires substantial preparation and proof.
Each of these challenges can complicate the path to obtaining a self-sponsorship visa. However, with the right guidance from experienced immigration solicitors, you can navigate these complexities effectively.
Each of these challenges can complicate the path to obtaining a self-sponsorship visa. However, with the right guidance from experienced immigration solicitors, you can navigate these complexities effectively.
Why Choose Osbourne Pinner Solicitors for Your Self-Sponsorship Visa?
Tailored Legal Advice
Get tailored legal guidance based on your self-sponsored visa application. Our committed team knows the complexities of establishing a company and navigating the immigration system in the UK, helping ensure your application is compliant and well-positioned to be approved.
Proactive Mediation
Our proficiency in proactive conflict resolution and mediation is essential for handling the intricacies of immigration petitions. Our strategy reduces the anxiety related to legal proceedings and increases the probability of a positive result, allowing for more seamless transitions for our clients' business and immigration objectives.
Vigorous Legal Representation
Our solicitors provide strong legal representation, which is especially valuable when dealing with complex self-sponsorship visa cases. We advocate on your behalf during Home Office negotiations and in all proceedings, ensuring your interests are robustly defended.
Transparent Fixed Fees
We believe in complete transparency, particularly concerning fees. Our fixed-fee structure is communicated upfront, allowing you to plan financially without fear of unexpected costs, making the visa application process as straightforward as possible.
Specialist Expertise
Our specialists are highly knowledgeable in UK immigration laws, particularly in relation to the self-sponsorship visa. This expertise allows us to handle your case with precision, avoiding common pitfalls that could delay or impede your application.
Fast Response Times
Understanding the urgency and anxiety that often accompany immigration processes, we are committed to responding swiftly to all queries. Our team is ready to assist you, whether in person or via video call, ensuring you remain informed and confident throughout your application process.
Meet our business immigration team
Richard Young
SENIOR LITIGATION SOLICITOR
Yee Han
IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATE
Santhosh Kumar
SENIOR SOLICITOR
SAMINA AKUJI
IMMIGRATION SOLICITOR
Schedule Your Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation
Our self-sponsorship visa solicitors provide expert guidance and services, all tailored to your immigration needs. With our free 30-minute consultation, offered either in person at our offices in Piccadilly or Harrow, or via video call, we can help find the right pathway for you. This session is designed to help you understand the self-sponsorship visa process and how we can assist you in successfully navigating it. To book your consultation, contact us at [email protected], call 0203 983 5080 or complete our online enquiry form.
- Extensive experience with over 1000 successful visa applications
- Clear fee structures with flexible payment options and 'No Win, No Fee' guarantee
- 100% success rate in UK self-sponsorship visa applications
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
We do not offer Legal Aid.
Self-Sponsorship Visa FAQs
A self-sponsorship visa allows individuals to establish or take control of a UK business and then sponsor themselves to work in that business. This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs and business professionals who want to manage their enterprise directly within the UK. In the short term, this can help you grow your business. It also offers a pathway to long-term residency and citizenship under certain conditions.
A solicitor specialising in immigration can significantly streamline your self-sponsorship visa application process. They can help:
- Ensure that your business plan and financial proofs meet the Home Office requirements.
- Navigate the complexities of the UK’s immigration laws and keep you up to date with any changes.
- Prepare and submit a comprehensive application to maximise the chances of success.
- Represent you in any appeals or disputes with the Home Office.
The cost of a self-sponsorship visa can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the business proposal and legal fees. Typically, the visa application fee may range from £610 to £1,408. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate they have adequate maintenance funds and pay the healthcare surcharge, which is generally around £624 per year.
Legal fees can vary. Contact us to discuss the associated costs for your application.
Yes, self-sponsorship visa holders can bring their dependents, including spouses and children under 18, to the UK. Dependents must apply separately but can live, work and study in the UK during the visa period.
Yes, Osbourne Pinner Solicitors offers a free 30-minute initial consultation with our immigration experts. This session is a great opportunity to understand more about the visa process and how we can help you achieve your business and immigration objectives. Contact us at [email protected] or 0203 983 5080 to book your consultation and begin your journey.
If your self-sponsorship visa application is denied, our immigration solicitors can review the reasons for the refusal and help you move forward. The circumstances of your application status may require you to simply provide additional evidence or try to get a visa with alternative options, such as a skilled worker visa. Our legal team’s goal is to help you overcome any obstacles you encounter.
This can vary depending on the complexity of your situation, as well as the volume of applications that are being processed. Our team will be able to give you an estimate and try to speed up the process, but the time it takes once an application is submitted is ultimately down to the efficiency of immigration authorities.
