The UK Self Sponsorship visa strategy offers a unique way to move to the UK and work for yourself without needing an employer. In this UK visa guide, we’ll explore how this option works, the steps involved, and who it’s best suited for.
The UK government has unveiled major immigration reforms impacting both skilled workers and international students. These changes make the Skilled Worker route more challenging. However, alternative pathways remain available.
You can find all the updated details here.
Can you sponsor yourself in the UK?
Yes, you can sponsor yourself in the UK through the Self-Sponsorship route. The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa is not a separate visa category but a strategic way to apply UK Skilled Worker Visa without needing an external UK employer to sponsor you.
Instead of relying on an external sponsor, you set up your own UK company and use it to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa.
How does the UK Self Sponsorship visa work?
Set up a UK business: You establish a company in the UK that meets the Home Office requirements.
Get a Sponsor Licence: Your company applies for a Sponsor Licence, allowing it to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
Sponsor yourself: Once your company has a Sponsor Licence, it can issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for your Skilled Worker visa application.
Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa: With the CoS, you apply for a Skilled Worker visa under your own company's sponsorship.
Live and work in the UK: You can now legally run your business and work in the UK, with the opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
One of the biggest advantages of the Self-Sponsorship route is that you don’t need a UK employer to apply for a visa. Normally, to get a Skilled Worker visa, you need a job offer from a UK company that is willing to sponsor you. With self-sponsorship, you create your own UK business and use it to sponsor yourself. This means you can work in the UK without relying on an employer.
Another great benefit is that you have full control over your business. Since you own the company, you decide how it runs, how much salary you take, and what business decisions you make. You don’t have to work under someone else, giving you the freedom to shape your own career in the UK.
Unlike some other business visas, there is no set amount of money you must invest. For example, the Innovator Founder Visa requires a minimum investment, but self-sponsorship does not. However, it is recommended that you have at least £50,000 to cover the costs of setting up your business, applying for a Sponsor Licence, and paying visa fees.
Self-sponsorship also provides a pathway to UK residency. After living and working in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay permanently. After getting ILR, you may also qualify for British citizenship, which gives you full rights to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions.
Who should apply for the UK Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker visa?
You should consider this route if you:
Have business experience and want to start or expand a company in the UK.
Meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including the minimum salary and English language test (B1 level).
Skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering, education, finance, and other industries that include UK visa sponsorship jobs.
Have at least £50,000 (recommended) to support your business and visa process.
Prefer independence over working for a UK employer.
