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Suppose you are interested in setting up a new business in the UK or you own an existing UK business. In that case, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, that is, by being sponsored by your own UK company. Your UK business must obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence before you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship.
The self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa route can lead to settlement in the UK, and dependent partners and children can join applicants.
Are you considering sponsoring yourself as a Skilled Worker? Please get in touch with our team of immigration professionals.
In order to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
The requirements you must satisfy to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
In order to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to complete 4 steps:
In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, you will first need to either register a new company in the UK or have already registered a company in the UK.
It is possible to register a UK company from overseas. There is no requirement for a director of a UK company to be a UK resident or British citizen. However, all directors of UK companies, including non-UK residents, must meet specific requirements and obligations.
If a non-UK resident director is unable to fulfil their duties, such as attending board meetings or signing official documents in person, they may appoint a UK-based representative.
Suppose you are not familiar with the UK company registration process or UK laws and regulations. In that case, you may wish to engage the services of a professional company formation agent who can guide you through the process and ensure that all the requirements are met. Additionally, you will need to ensure that you comply with any relevant laws and regulations in your home country regarding the registration of overseas companies.
Once you have registered a UK company, the next step towards obtaining a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship is for your UK business to apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
If you are considering applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. However, in outline, the Home Office will want to be satisfied that:
No, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa applicants do not need to satisfy an investment funds requirement, so no minimum investment funds are required. However, the Home Office must be satisfied that your UK business is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK. This may be easier to demonstrate if you can show that you have sufficient investment funds to grow your UK business and cover minimum salary levels.
Any business type can qualify for the Skilled Worker self-sponsorship visa route. Unlike the Innovator Founder Visa Route, the Skilled Worker route does not require the sponsoring UK business to be innovative, viable or scalable. There is no requirement for the business to be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body and no restrictions on the type of business activity the company can engage in.
A business plan is not mandatory. However, if you are looking to sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, it will often be easier to satisfy the Home Office that your UK business is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK if you have a detailed business plan for your UK business.
Our immigration specialists can guide you on the requirements for a business plan in support of your sponsor licence application. We can also assist you in identifying a suitably qualified professional business plan writer and then liaise with the plan writer to ensure that your business plan satisfies the requirements of the Home Office.
A business plan is not mandatory. However, if you are looking to sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, it will often be easier to satisfy the Home Office that your UK business is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK if you have a detailed business plan for your UK business.
Our immigration specialists can guide you on the requirements for a business plan in support of your sponsor licence application. We can also assist you in identifying a suitably qualified professional business plan writer and then liaise with the plan writer to ensure that your business plan satisfies the requirements of the Home Office.
Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders need to receive a salary from their company which must (subject to being able to rely on alternative tradable points) equal or exceed both a general salary threshold, the ‘going rate’ for the occupation (as set out in the relevant occupation code) and a minimum hourly rate (if applicable), whichever is higher. Our immigration barristers can advise you on the exact amount that you will need to be paid based on your occupation, qualifications and other criteria.
In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship you will need to demonstrate English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to at least level B1 (intermediate).
Applicants applying for entry clearance or leave to remain as a self-sponsored Skilled Worker will satisfy the English language requirement if they:
Suppose your application to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa is approved. In that case, you will be granted entry clearance or permission to stay for a period ending 14 days after the end date of your Certificate of Sponsorship (which may be up to a maximum of 5 years after the start date of your Certificate of Sponsorship).
Self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders are permitted to work in the job they have been sponsored for. They may also undertake supplementary employment provided that it meets the definition of ‘supplementary employment’ and they continue to work in the job they are being sponsored for.
Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders can qualify for settlement as skilled worker, after spending 5 years in the UK without interruption. You will need to satisfy a residence requirement and pass the Life in the UK test (unless an exemption applies).
Your UK business will still need to be a Home Office-approved sponsor and require you to work for them for the foreseeable future. You will also need to be paid at least the general ILR salary threshold (which, for most applicants, is £26,200 per year) or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
Our business immigration barristers regularly assist new and established UK business owners in securing Skilled Worker sponsor licences and sponsoring themselves to live and work in the UK.
Whether you require an assessment of your prospects of successfully applying for a Skilled Worker visa by self-sponsorship, advice on preparing a successful Skilled Worker sponsor licence application, or professional assistance with preparing and submitting an application to sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, our immigration barristers can manage your self-sponsorship Skilled Worker route application on your behalf.
We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our business clients’ needs. We are a highly driven team dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice directly to business owners as part of a professional and friendly service.
