Self-Sponsorship (work visa route)

What is Self-Sponsorship and how can one apply?

Here’s a concise overview of the UK self‑sponsorship route—a strategic way for entrepreneurs to live and work in the UK through their own company:

📌 What Is the Self‑Sponsorship Route?

It’s not a distinct visa category, but a route using the Skilled Worker visa system.
In practice, you set up a UK limited company, obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, and then that company sponsors you in a genuine role under the Skilled Worker rules
Often referred to as the self-sponsorship route, it offers an alternative to the Innovator Founder visa—especially when your business doesn’t meet innovation/endorsement criteria

✅ Eligibility & Key Requirements

Company setup: Register a UK-limited company, open a business bank account, secure premises, appoint at least one UK-based Authorising Officer or Level 1 User (who must be settled in the UK)
Genuine business role: You must hold a real job in the company that meets Skilled Worker criteria—eligible occupation codes and salary threshold (currently around £38,700 per year or the “going rate”)
Proof of viability: Show a credible business plan, financial capability, marketing research, and that the business is genuine—not created just to facilitate a visa
Fund evidence: No official minimum capital, but most providers recommend at least £30,000‒£150,000 to cover startup, compliance and salary commitments
Visa prerequisites: Fulfil Skilled Worker requirements, including English B1 level, sufficient personal funds, and role-specific qualifications and experience.

🛠️ Application Process: 3 Main Stages

Set up a UK business — Register the company, open accounts, appoint necessary personnel, and build a credible business plan.
Apply for a Sponsor Licence — Submit evidence to the Home Office that your business is legitimate and able to sponsor employees (including HR systems, banking records, and trading proof).
Apply for the Skilled Worker visa — Once licence granted, you’re issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and apply personally for the visa, which can stretch up to five years and lead to settlement after continuous residence

Typical processing times are about 6–12 weeks at each stage (2–3 months per stage)

🎯 Benefits

Total independence: You act as both employer and employee—all within your own UK company.
No innovation requirement: Unlike Innovator Founder visas, you don’t need a business judged as “innovative” by an endorser
Family inclusion and settlement path: You may bring dependants; after five years, you're eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually citizenship

⚠️ Risks & Considerations

this route is complex and poorly structured cases can be deemed scams or high-risk operations
The Home Office scrutinises new businesses closely: they expect real trading activity, genuine vacancies, and robust compliance systems. Poor preparation can lead to refusal or licence revocation

Example Scenario

See below:

Here’s an example to illustrate how the UK self-sponsorship route works in practice:

👤 Example: Priya – Tech Entrepreneur from India

Background:

Priya is a 35-year-old software engineer with 10+ years of experience in AI development.
She lives in Bangalore and runs a small AI consultancy.
She wants to move to the UK to expand her business and live there permanently.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How Priya Uses Self-Sponsorship

1. Set Up a UK Business

Priya registers "AI Vision Ltd" as a private limited company in the UK (via Companies House).
She appoints a trusted UK-based accountant (who is British or settled) as the Authorising Officer for sponsor licence purposes.
She opens a UK business bank account and develops a 5-year business plan to show future growth, hiring, and revenue strategy.

2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Priya applies for a sponsor licence under the Skilled Worker route, showing:
- Her business is real and intends to trade.
- There’s a genuine vacancy for a Chief Technology Officer (eligible role under Skilled Worker list).
- The salary will meet the minimum requirement (e.g. £55,000/year).
After 6–8 weeks, the Home Office approves the licence and gives AI Vision Ltd the right to sponsor workers.

3. Sponsor Herself

As Director of the company, Priya issues herself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Level 1 User for AI Vision Ltd's SMS system.
She applies for a Skilled Worker visa using that CoS, proving:
- Her qualifications and experience.
- Her English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent at B1).
- She has enough personal funds to support herself.
She is granted a 3-year visa, which can be extended.

👩‍👧‍👦 What She Gains

Brings her family (husband and daughter) as dependants.
Runs her business legally in the UK and receives a salary as an employee.
Can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Ultimately, she may apply for British citizenship.