UK Self-Sponsorship Visa

1. What is the Self-Sponsorship Visa route?

The Self-Sponsorship route is a strategy that allows you to:

• Set up or buy a UK business
• Apply for a Sponsor Licence
• Sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker

Since the Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 (in Dec 2020), you can now own 100% of your company and still be sponsored.

2. Who is eligible for self-sponsorship?

You may qualify if:

• You already own a UK company
• You have purchased a UK business
• You plan to start a business in the UK
• You have the financial resources and skills to run the business

3. Do I need a unique business idea like the Start-up Visa?

No. Unlike the Start-up or Innovator routes:

• Your business does NOT need to be innovative or endorsed
• It simply needs to be legal, genuine, and operational

You can start: A restaurant or café, A consultancy or tech firm, A retail or service-based business.

4. How much investment is required?

There is no fixed minimum investment. However, you must show:

• Sufficient funds to start and sustain the business
• Ability to pay salary requirements under Skilled Worker rules

5. What are the key requirements for self-sponsorship?

You’ll need:

• A registered UK business
• A Sponsor Licence
• An Authorising Officer (AO) based in the UK
• A compliant HR system
• Supporting business documents

6. What documents are required for a Sponsor Licence?

You must provide at least 4 of the following:

• Business bank statement (minimum 1 month)
• Lease agreement / proof of premises
• Employer liability insurance (£5 million cover)
• HMRC PAYE registration
• VAT certificate (if applicable)
• Regulatory approvals (if required)
• Signed annual accounts (if trading >18 months)

7. Who can be the Authorising Officer (AO)?

The AO is the main contact with the Home Office. They should:

• Be a senior employee or director
• Have knowledge of company operations
• Ideally be a UK resident (British citizen or ILR holder)

8. Why is an HR system required?

The Home Office requires proof that your company can:

• Track employee records
• Monitor visa compliance
• Report changes

Without a compliant HR system, your licence can be refused or revoked.

9. How long does the Sponsor Licence process take?

• Standard processing: ~8 weeks
• May take longer if: The Home Office conducts checks or A compliance visit is required

10. What happens after getting the Sponsor Licence?

Once approved:

1. You assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
2. You assign it to yourself
3. You apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

11. Can I really sponsor myself?

Yes. Under current rules:

• There are no shareholding restrictions
• You can be owner + employee + sponsored worker

However, your role must still be: Genuine, Skilled, and Paid at the required salary level.

12. What visa do I get through this route?

You will apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows you to:

• Live and work in the UK
• Bring dependents
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

Step 1: Set Up a UK Company
Register your business and establish operations.

Step 2: Apply for Sponsor Licence
Prepare documents and submit your application.

Step 3: Appoint an Authorising Officer
Assign a qualified UK-based individual.

Step 4: Implement HR Systems
Ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.

Step 5: Get Sponsor Licence Approval
Wait for approval (typically 8 weeks).

Step 6: Assign Certificate of Sponsorship
Issue CoS to yourself as a Skilled Worker.

Step 7: Apply for Skilled Worker Visa
Submit your visa application and move to the UK.