UK Skilled Worker Visa via Self-Sponsorship: A Complete Guide

The UK Skilled Worker Visa via Self-Sponsorship is an innovative and alternative pathway to make your dream a reality for professionals who want to live and work in the UK legally but may not have an employer to sponsor them traditionally.

One of the less traditional yet effective ways to obtain this visa is through self-sponsorship, which involves starting or taking over a business in the UK and using that business as a sponsoring entity.

Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa (self-sponsorship) is designed and ideal for entrepreneurs, professionals, and skilled professionals who wish to work in eligible roles in the UK while owning and managing a business.

Traditionally, this requires an employer sponsor, but self-sponsorship allows individuals to start, acquire, or establish a UK-based business and act as their own sponsor by securing a sponsorship license to sponsor their own Skilled Worker Visa.

Key Summaries:

Establish a business in the UK (or acquire an existing one).
Use their business as the sponsor for their Skilled Worker Visa.
Work for the business in a role that qualifies under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa requirements.

Benefits and Challenges:

Benefits of Self-Sponsorship:

Work legally in the UK while managing your own business.
Independence: No reliance on an external sponsor, i.e., freedom to sponsor yourself and other employees in your business.
Growth Opportunities: Build and scale your business in the UK.
Family Inclusion: Opportunity to bring dependents under your visa, such as family members, to the UK.
Permanent Residency: Pathway to permanent residency (ILR) after five years.

Challenges to Consider:

High Initial Investment: Setting up a business, applying for a sponsor license, and visa-related fees can be substantial.
Strict Compliance: Ongoing adherence to UK business and sponsorship rules. Strict adherence to sponsorship and business regulations is required. Non-compliance can lead to license revocation.
Viability: The business must be genuine and capable of operating successfully in the UK market.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa

Business Idea: Demonstrate that your business idea is viable, scalable, and beneficial to the UK economy.
Job Role: The role you assign to yourself must meet the requirements under the Skilled Worker Visa rules (e.g., minimum salary threshold and skill level).
English Proficiency: Prove your ability to communicate in English via an approved test or relevant qualifications (as per UKVI standards).
Maintenance Funds: Show proof of funds to establish a business and support yourself during the initial period in the UK.
Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary threshold of £26,200 or £10.75 per hour (for most roles).
Genuine Vacancy Test: Pass the “genuine vacancy test” to prove your job role is necessary.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa via Self-Sponsorship

Step 1: Create a Business Plan

Develop a detailed business plan that highlights the purpose, goals, and market viability of your business.
Ensure it aligns with UK economic objectives and Skilled Worker Visa requirements.

Step 2: Establish a Business Setup in the UK

Register your company or business as a legal entity with Companies House in the UK.
Choose a suitable business structure, such as a limited company.
Open a UK-based business bank account.
Create or develop a robust business plan highlighting and demonstrating your company’s growth potential and compliance with UK business regulations.
Ensure compliance with UK business regulations.

Step 3: Apply and obtain for a Sponsor License

Submit a sponsorship license application to apply for it to the UK Home Office.
Pay the relevant fee based on your business size, i.e., £536 for small business and £1,476 for medium/large business
Obtain a license from the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers.
Prepare and submit supporting documents to meet all compliance requirements for sponsorship, such as proving the business’s legitimacy, i.e., the business is genuine, trading, and capable of fulfilling sponsorship obligations.
Assign a compliance manager to ensure adherence to UK sponsorship regulations.

Step 4: Create a Job Role for Yourself

Design a job that meets the Skilled Worker Visa criteria, including minimum salary thresholds.
Ensure the role aligns with your skills and qualifications.

Step 5: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once the sponsor license is approved, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to yourself for a role within the company that meets the Skilled Worker Visa criteria.
The CoS contains essential information like your job title, salary, and employment start date.
Ensure the job is on the list of eligible occupations and meets the minimum salary threshold.

Step 6: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Submit your online visa application with the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), including proof of sponsorship, your business details, and other supporting documents.
Provide supporting documents, such as proof of English proficiency and maintenance funds.
Pay the visa fee, i.e., £610 if applying for upto 3 years and £1,220 for more than 3 years, including Immigration Health Surcharge

Step 7: Attend Biometric Appointment

Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application center.
Provide fingerprints, a photograph, and supporting documents.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa Decision

The decision is typically made within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
If approved, receive your Skilled Worker Visa and begin your journey.

Tips for a Successful Application

Ensure your business idea is innovative and meets a market need in the UK.
Seek professional advice to navigate legal and compliance requirements.
Maintain accurate and transparent financial records.

VIAVIFA: Trusted Partner in Immigration Services

At VIAVIFA, we specialize in guiding individuals through the complexities of UK immigration pathways and provide tailored support to help you navigate the self-sponsorship process.

Our services for self-sponsorship include:

Assistance in business registration and documentation, along with business plan development and evaluation.
Guiding you through the sponsor license application.
Comprehensive support by preparing and submitting your Skilled Worker Visa application, ensuring compliance with UK regulations.

Take the First Step Today!

The UK Skilled Worker Visa via self-sponsorship offers a unique opportunity route to combine entrepreneurship with residency to migrate to the UK while establishing your business. With the right planning and expert guidance and determination, you can achieve your dreams of living and working in the UK. For personalized assistance, reach out to VIAVIFA today.