Self-Sponsorship Route
f you are planning to establish a business in the UK or already own one, the self-sponsorship route allows you to obtain a Skilled Worker visa through your own company.
SELF-SPONSORSHIP SKILLED WORKER VISA (UK)
If you are planning to establish a business in the UK or already own one, the self-sponsorship route allows you to obtain a Skilled Worker visa through your own company.
Under this route, your UK business becomes a licensed sponsor and can employ you in a genuine role that meets immigration requirements. This visa also provides a pathway to settlement (ILR) and allows you to bring your dependent partner and children.
OUR SUPPORT AS IMMIGRATION ADVISERS
We provide end-to-end strategic guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring your application is compliant, credible, and aligned with Home Office expectations.
Our services include:
• Assessing your eligibility and business viability
• Advising on the most suitable structure for self-sponsorship
• Preparing and managing your sponsor licence application
• Drafting all required supporting documents and representations
• Ensuring compliance with Skilled Worker requirements
• Managing the visa application process from start to finish
KEY REQUIREMENTS (OVERVIEW)
To qualify under the self-sponsorship Skilled Worker route, you must meet the core UK immigration requirements, including:
- A genuine and active UK business
• A valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• A genuine role meeting the required skill level
• Salary meeting the applicable threshold and going rate
• English language requirement (minimum B1 level)
• Compliance with financial and suitability requirements
Each case is assessed individually, and meeting the requirements in practice requires careful planning and correct presentation of evidence.
THE SELF-SPONSORSHIP PROCESS
We guide you through a structured 4-stage process:
- BUSINESS SET-UP OR REVIEW
We advise on establishing or structuring your UK business in a way that supports a credible sponsorship application. - SPONSOR LICENCE APPLICATION
We prepare and submit your sponsor licence application, ensuring your business meets Home Office compliance standards and is capable of fulfilling sponsor duties. - CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP (CoS)
Once your licence is approved, we assist with assigning a valid Certificate of Sponsorship aligned with your role and business activities. - SKILLED WORKER VISA APPLICATION
We prepare and submit your visa application, ensuring all eligibility, salary, and genuineness requirements are clearly evidenced.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Self-sponsorship is a highly scrutinised route. The Home Office will carefully assess:
• Whether the business is genuine and actively trading
• Whether the role is credible and necessary
• Whether there is a real employer-employee relationship
Incorrect structuring or weak documentation can lead to refusal. Strategic preparation is therefore essential.
WHY WORK WITH US?
We do not simply process applications — we build a clear immigration strategy tailored to your business and long-term goals.
Our approach ensures:
• Strong, well-documented applications
• Full compliance with sponsor duties
• Reduced risk of refusal or compliance issues
• A clear pathway towards settlement in the UK
If you would like to explore whether self-sponsorship is suitable for your situation, you can book a consultation with us for a tailored assessment and step-by-step strategy.