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There isn’t a visa called “Self-Sponsorship” on GOV.UK. In practice, entrepreneurs establish (or join) a UK company with a sponsor licence and are sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa in a genuine, eligible role that meets salary and skill rules. We help you structure this lawfully: sponsor licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, salary and role compliance, and the Skilled Worker application itself.
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In the United Kingdom, the term ‘Self Sponsorship Visa’ doesn’t refer to a specific visa category. Instead, it denotes a unique strategy under the UK immigration system. This approach utilises the Skilled Worker visa, enabling business owners to sponsor their own stay in the UK. Essentially, this means an individual can establish or be actively involved in a UK-based business and use this as a basis for their visa application. This innovative pathway is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners who seek to contribute to and benefit from the UK’s dynamic business environment.
Quick facts: “Self-Sponsorship”
What it is (and isn’t)
Not a separate visa. You use the Skilled Worker route while your UK entity holds a sponsor licence and sponsors you for a real vacancy.
Sponsor licence steps
Check business eligibility, suitable occupation code, appoint key personnel, apply online, pay the fee; UKVI may visit your business.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Electronic record with a unique number; must be used for the visa within three months of assignment
Salary rules (2025)
You’ll usually need at least £41,700 or the going rate for the occupation code (whichever is higher). Some roles can qualify on the Immigration Salary List at a lower threshold.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by most visa and immigration applicants for over six months to access the National Health Service (NHS). It is not required for British citizenship applications, as permanent residents contribute via taxes like National Insurance.
Skilled Worker application fees vary by length/location; the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year. Maintenance rules may apply.
When applying for a Spouse visa, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to cover your healthcare costs while in the UK. Since February 2024, the surcharge has been £1,035 per year, following a 86% increase. For in-country application, it will be for 30 months and out-country application, it will be for 33 months.
After biometrics and documents: usually three weeks outside the UK, eight weeks inside. Priority services may be available.
Assess your business model, choose the correct occupation code
Secure your sponsor licence and set up SMS governance (key personnel, reporting, record-keeping);
Benefits
How Our Solicitors Simplify Your Self-Sponsorship Journey
At UK Immigration Solicitors, we take the stress out of the sponsor licence process by guiding you through every requirement with precision.
97.37%
Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
4.9/5
Average Rating
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
-
Success rate optimisation
-
Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is a cornerstone of the UK’s immigration system, catering specifically to skilled workers from around the globe. This visa allows individuals with job offers in the UK to live and work in the country. It’s particularly suited for professionals who have specific skills that are in demand in the UK economy. The Skilled Worker visa offers a route to long-term residency and potential settlement in the UK. Key benefits include access to a wide range of job markets, the ability to bring family members as dependants, and the opportunity to integrate into the UK’s diverse cultural landscape.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
- Job Offer: A job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation.
- Skill Level: The job must meet the appropriate skill level as defined by the UK immigration rules.
- Salary Threshold: Compliance with the minimum salary requirement, which varies depending on the job.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating B1 level proficiency in the English language.
- Points-Based System: Achieving the required points in the UK’s immigration points-based system.
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Requirements
- Company Eligibility: The company must be operating legally in the UK.
- Genuine Business Need: Evidence that the company requires skilled workers from overseas.
- HR Systems Compliance: Robust systems to monitor and track sponsored employees.
- Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of employees’ immigration status and work activities.
- Sponsorship Management: Appointing appropriate personnel to manage sponsorship duties.
How does the genuine vacancy requirement affect self-sponsorship?
Under the Skilled Worker visa route, the genuine vacancy requirement plays a crucial role, especially for self-sponsorship cases. This requirement ensures that:
- Legitimacy of the Role: The job being offered is genuine and not created solely to facilitate entry into the UK.
- Business Necessity: The role must meet the actual needs of the business, indicating that the position is essential and not superfluous.
- Impact on Application Integrity: Adherence to this requirement is vital for maintaining the integrity of the visa application. Any indication that the role is not genuine could lead to the refusal of the visa application.
Meeting the genuine vacancy requirement is fundamental in demonstrating the validity and sincerity of both the business need and the visa application.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa for self-sponsorship?
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship involves several key steps:
- Establish or Own a UK Business: Ensure you have a legitimate business in the UK.
- Obtain a Sponsor Licence: Apply for and secure a sponsor licence for your business.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once the licence is obtained, assign a CoS to yourself.
- Complete the Visa Application: Fill out the Skilled Worker visa application form online.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary supporting documents.
- Pay Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge: Ensure all applicable fees are paid.
- Wait for Decision: Processing times can vary based on where the application is made from.
This process allows business owners to legally sponsor their stay in the UK, aligning with immigration regulations.
Self-sponsorship visa application form
To successfully complete the self-sponsorship visa application form:
- Access the Form Online: The form can be found on the official UK government immigration website.
- Accurate and Complete Information: Ensure all details are correct and complete to avoid delays or refusals.
- Personal and Business Details: Fill in both your personal information and details about your UK business.
- Review Before Submission: Double-check all entries for accuracy.
Accuracy and thoroughness are key when completing the application to avoid any complications in the visa process.
Self-sponsorship visa supporting documents
For a self-sponsorship visa application, you will need to provide several supporting documents, including:
- Passport and Identification: Valid passport and any other ID documents.
- Proof of Business Ownership: Documents showing your ownership or involvement in the UK business.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of your financial ability to support yourself in the UK.
- English Language Proficiency: Evidence of meeting the English language requirement.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: The CoS from your UK business.
- Criminal Record Certificate: If required, based on your job.
These documents are essential to demonstrate eligibility and compliance with the Skilled Worker visa requirements.
How much is the Skilled Worker visa for self-sponsored applicants?
The cost of a Skilled Worker visa for self-sponsored applicants varies:
- Application Fee: Ranges from £479 to £1,423, depending on factors like the visa duration and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK.
- Healthcare Surcharge: Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is typically £624 per year.
These costs are subject to change, and applicants should check the latest fees on the official UK government website.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Requirements include a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK business, meeting the Skilled Worker visa criteria, and demonstrating English language proficiency.
Processing times vary, generally around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and 8 weeks from inside the UK.
Yes, dependents such as a spouse and children can accompany you.
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