The Self-Sponsorship Route offers entrepreneurs and skilled professionals the opportunity to live and work in the UK without needing a traditional UK-based sponsor. This pathway is ideal for individuals who want to establish or expand their own business in the UK while gaining the freedom to manage their visa independently.
✅ Who Can Apply for Self-Sponsorship?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are an experienced entrepreneur or business professional
- Plan to start or acquire a UK-based business
- Have a viable business idea and an active role in running the business
- Can meet the Skilled Worker visa eligibility through your company
🔍 Key Requirements for the Self-Sponsorship Route
1. Establish a UK Company
- You must incorporate a private limited company in the UK (e.g., through Companies House).
- You should be either the sole director or hold a significant ownership stake.
2. Secure a Sponsor Licence
- Your UK business must obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office to sponsor workers, including yourself.
- The business must prove it is a genuine trading entity and meet compliance obligations.
3. Create a Genuine Role
- The business must offer a genuine, skilled role that meets the requirements of the UK Skilled Worker visa (e.g., management, tech, marketing, etc.).
- The job must meet minimum salary thresholds set by the Home Office.
4. Meet the English Language Requirement
- You must prove English proficiency at CEFR level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening), unless exempt.
5. Financial Requirement
- You should demonstrate you have enough personal funds to support yourself (usually £1,270 in your account for 28 days).
- Business funding is not mandated but is recommended for sustainability and operations.
📄 Supporting Documents Typically Required
- Certificate of incorporation of the UK company
- Business plan outlining your role, activities, and viability
- Sponsor licence approval letter
- Employment contract and job description
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- English language certificate (if required)
- Proof of maintenance funds
⏳ Timeline & Validity
- Sponsor Licence: ~8 weeks (standard processing)
- Skilled Worker Visa: ~3 weeks (after submission)
- Visa Validity: Initially up to 5 years with a path to permanent residency (ILR)
💡 Why Choose the Self-Sponsorship Route?
- No dependency on a UK employer
- Freedom to run and grow your own business
- Clear route to UK settlement
- Ideal for founders, freelancers, and business owners
🚀 Start Your Self-Sponsorship Journey Today
If you’re ready to take control of your UK immigration path, the self-sponsorship route could be your ideal solution. At [Your Firm Name], we offer end-to-end support — from company formation and sponsor licence applications to visa submissions and compliance.