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Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
If you are interested in setting up a new business in the UK or you own an existing UK business, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship, which involves being sponsored by your own UK company. Before applying for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, your UK business must obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
The self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa route can lead to settlement in the UK, and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.
Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
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You are aged 18 or over.
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There is an established UK company which is active and genuine.
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Your UK company has successfully applied for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
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Your UK company has assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to you for the job you are planning to do.
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Your job offer is a genuine vacancy.
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Your job is at an appropriate skill level.
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You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code.
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Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.
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You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).
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You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
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You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required.
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You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.
The specific requirements you must meet to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa will vary based on your circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice is recommended.
How to Apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to complete the following four steps:
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Establish a UK Company
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Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
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Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
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Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
Stage 1: Establish a UK Company
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, you must register a new company in the UK or have already registered a company in the UK.
Is It Possible to Register a UK Company from Overseas?
Yes, it is possible to register a UK company from overseas. Directors of UK companies, including non-UK residents, must meet certain requirements and obligations. If a non-UK resident director cannot fulfil their duties, such as attending board meetings, they may appoint a UK-based representative.
Stage 2: Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
Once you have registered a UK company, the next step is for your business to apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
Licence The Home Office requires proof that:
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Your UK business is genuine and operating lawfully.
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Your UK business can effectively carry out its sponsor duties.
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Your UK business is offering genuine employment that meets the salary and skill level requirements of the Skilled Worker route.
Documents Needed for Sponsor Licence Applications for Start-ups
If your business has been trading in the UK for less than 18 months, you typically need to include:
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Evidence of a current corporate bank account with a UK-registered bank.
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Three of the following documents:
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Proof of HMRC registration for PAYE and National Insurance.
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Proof of VAT registration.
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Proof of employer’s liability insurance cover for at least £5 million.
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Proof of ownership or lease of business premises.
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Most recent annual accounts.
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Can a Non-UK Resident Open a UK Business Bank Account?
Yes, a non-UK resident can open a UK business bank account, though requirements vary by bank. Typically, you will need to provide identification, proof of address, and proof of income or funding source. Some banks may require a UK address or tax residency, and may necessitate an in-person visit.
Research different banks and their requirements for non-UK residents, and consult a professional if needed.
Does the UK Business Need to Be Trading in the UK?
Your UK business must be registered with Companies House, have a UK business bank account, and usually be registered for PAYE/NI and VAT. It does not need to be actively trading or have generated revenue. However, demonstrating your business is genuine may be easier if:
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You have an existing overseas business actively trading.
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You have a detailed business plan.
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You have sufficient investment funds.
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You have undertaken early-stage business activities like setting up a website, telephone number, and email address.
Business Capable of Carrying Out Its Sponsor Duties
All licensed sponsors must fulfil certain duties, including record-keeping and compliance with UK immigration laws. The Home Office will assess your human resources and recruitment systems and may conduct a compliance audit.
Genuine Employment That Meets Salary and Skill Level Requirements
The Home Office will review documentation to ensure:
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The job meets the skill level requirement (normally RQF Level 3 or above).
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The job meets the salary level requirement (at least £38,700 per year, or lower thresholds if scoring alternative points).
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The job is genuine.
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There is a direct employer-employee relationship.
Documents Required for Sponsor Licence Application
You will need to provide:
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An explanation of why your company is applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
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A current hierarchy chart.
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A list of employees if your business has 50 or fewer employees.
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Job details for the roles you wish to fill.
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If a candidate has already been identified, details on how they were selected.
Appointing Key Personnel
You must appoint three Key Personnel before submitting your sponsor licence application:
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An Authorising Officer to manage the licence.
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A Key Contact to liaise with the Home Office.
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At least one Level 1 User to manage sponsorship activities.
Key personnel must be based in the UK and fulfil specific roles. In practice, you will need a trusted UK-based person who is either British or settled in the UK.
Stage 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once your sponsor licence application is approved, your business can apply for and assign a Defined CoS. Each CoS is an electronic record with a unique reference number, enabling you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Your CoS must include:
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Details of your name, job, and salary.
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A start date within three months of your visa application.
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Confirmation that the CoS has not been used in a previous application or cancelled.
Stage 4: Apply for a Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker Visa
Once assigned a CoS, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship. Your application must demonstrate:
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Your CoS is valid.
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The job is a genuine vacancy.
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The job is at an appropriate skill level.
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The salary meets or exceeds thresholds.
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Any required Immigration Skills Charge is paid.
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Competence in English (CEFR Level B1).
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Financial stability without public funds.
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A criminal record certificate, if required.
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A valid TB certificate, if required.
You can apply up to three months before your job start date. Decisions are typically made within three weeks for overseas applications and eight weeks for switching or extending a stay in the UK. Priority services may be available.
How Can We Help?
We, at Hextons help employers and skilled workers across various industries. We assist with sponsor licences, maintaining compliance, and providing clear, reliable immigration advice tailored to your needs. Get in touch today with one of the options below!
Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Can I be a Director and shareholder of the UK company if I sponsor myself for a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, if you sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa you can be a Director and hold up to 100% of the shares in your company.
Q- Will I need to show a certain amount of investment funds to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship?
No, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa applicants do not need to satisfy an investment funds requirement and so no minimum amount of investment funds is required. However, the Home Office will need to 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.
Q- Does the UK business have to be innovative or unique?
Unlike the Innovator Founder 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 there are no restrictions on the type of business activity that the company can engage in. Any business type can qualify for the Skilled Worker self-sponsorship visa route.
Q- Will I need to receive a salary while I am in the UK on a self-sponsorship Skilled Worker visa?
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 and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation (as set out in the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code), 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.
Q- Can I qualify for indefinite leave to remain if I sponsor myself for a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders can qualify for Settlement as a Skilled Worker, after spending a continuous period of 5 years in the UK. 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 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
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