Self sponsorship visa in the UK
The self sponsorship Skilled Worker visa
You can set up your own business in the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to establish a UK company, obtain a UK Skilled Worker sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before applying for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship.
The self sponsorship Skilled Worker visa route can lead to settlement in the UK and your dependent partners and children can join you in the UK.
Requirements for a Self Sponsorship visa:
In order to sponsor yourself for a Self-Sponsorship visa, you will need to satisfy the Home Office that:
- You are aged 18 or over;
- There is an established UK company which is active and genuine;
- Your UK company has successfully applied for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence;
- Your UK company has assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to you for the job you are planning to do;
- Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
- Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
- 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;
- Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
- You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1;
- You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
- You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
- You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required; and
- Any other requirements depend on your circumstances.
You can apply for a Self-Sponsorship visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK.
Visa Duration
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.
Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain:
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK.
Partner and Children
Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. They’ll need to complete separate applications.
To discuss your self-sponsorship Skilled Worker visa application, contact our immigration advisers on 078 2869 4424.