Table of Contents
- Who is Self-Sponsorship for?
- Is the Self-Sponsorship route the best approach for you?
- Who would qualify for Self-Sponsorship?
- Data-backed eligibility criteria for UK Self-Sponsor Visa
- The process of a UK Self-Sponsor Visa
- Other Important Things to know about UK Self-Sponsor Visa
- How Immigration Lawyers UK can help you obtain a UK Self-Sponsor Visa?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Sponsorship in the country
UK Visa
Eligibility Test
Who is Self-Sponsorship for?
The Self-Sponsor Visa UK is ideal for self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individuals who have the financial means to support themselves without relying on a UK employer. It offers a viable option for those who want to establish their own business or work independently in the UK.
In order to obtain a Self-Sponsor Visa in the country, you need to have a salary of at least £26,800 per year or the 'going rate' for your type of work.
Is the Self-Sponsorship route the best approach for you?
The Self-Sponsorship Visa is for you if you are a successful business-minded individual who wants to explore a specific target market in the UK. Or, you just found out about a great business opportunity in the country.
To be more precise, the Self-Sponsorship route is the best approach for you if;
- You want to own a business in the UK
- You prefer to manage an existing business in the country
- You want to live in the UK without losing your visa whilst having a sense of freedom.
Determining the best visa route for your circumstances can be a complex decision. It is crucial to carefully evaluate your goals, financial resources, and long-term plans before embarking on the Self-Sponsor Visa journey.
To make things better and clearer, consider consulting with an immigration expert to help you assess if this route aligns with your objectives and provides the best chances of success.
Who would qualify for Self-Sponsorship?
A Self-Sponsor Visa in the UK is designed for individuals with the right experience, skills, and qualifications for the business they want to open in the country. Those who would like to open a business must have the adequate resources to open and support the business with at least £25,000 investment required for the venture. Though there is no minimum or maximum capital, this is the average asset for many.
Additionally, if you want to take over a pre-existing business in the UK and you have the perfect business idea/management to do so, you are qualified for this type of visa.
There is so much more to know if you are qualified for a UK Self-Sponsor Visa but we suggest that you talk to qualified UK immigration lawyers to ensure that this is the right path for you.
UK Self Sponsor Visa vs. Innovator and Start-up Visas
Below is a table to guide you when choosing between Self-sponsor, Innovator, or Start-up visas to enter the UK.
Self-Sponsor Visa | Innovator Visa | Start-up Visa |
No endorsement letter required | Endorsement letter is one of the requirements | Endorsement letter is one of the requirements |
Valid for 4 years | Valid for 3 years only | Valid for 2 years only |
Any business idea is valid and acceptable | Business idea must be unique and is not existing on the UK market | Business idea must be unique and is not existing on the UK market |
Any business-minded individual can qualify – with or without experience | Innovator visa is for experienced entrepreneurs only | Start-up visa is for new business owners only |
Apply easily if you are a successful business individual who have also identified a business opportunity in the country | Joining an already existing business is not allowed | Joining an already existing business is not allowed |
No endorsement required | Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body | Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body |
Zero chance on Visa termination | Higher possibility of Visa termination if business endorsement is withdrawn | Higher possibility of Visa termination if business endorsement is withdrawn |
Self-funded, no minimum investment requirement | £50,000 initial investment | No specific investment amount required |
Can work in any job or be self-employed | Can only work for your endorsed business | Can only work for your endorsed business |
The process of a UK Self-Sponsor Visa
There are three main steps to process a UK Self-Sponsor Visa including the submission of a detailed application form, providing supporting documentation, and attending an interview if required. The following is the general guideline of the process to help you get started.
Step 1: Establish a company in the UK.
Step 2: Obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsor License by providing the 4 documents listed below:
- Recent bank statement
- Employer’s Liability Insurance
- VAT certificate
- PAYE and Accounts Reference Number
It’s also advisable to showcase the legibility of your business by creating a website, company email address, business plan, organizational chart, etc., to get a Sponsor License.
Step 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Step 4: Apply for a Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker Visa.
Remember that the approximate timeline for this process is between 8 to 12 weeks – depending on how fast you submit the requirements and follow the procedure.
Data-backed eligibility criteria for UK Self-Sponsor Visa
The general qualifications for a UK Self-Sponsor Visa vary but include a track record of self-employment, evidence of financial stability, a Level B1 certified English language test, and a clear plan for supporting yourself in the UK. It is essential to gather sufficient data and documentation to demonstrate your eligibility and increase your chances of success. The following are other eligibility criteria you have to meet to get a UK Self-Sponsor Visa:
- Be knowledgeable and skillful in whichever industry your business is in.
- Must possess the business concept be it a brand new or an existing organization in the country.
- Must have a connection with a British national who is a resident in the country and can fulfill the duties of the Authorizing Officer.
The UK Self-Sponsor Visa opens doors for individuals with specialized skills and talents to work and live in the UK on their own terms. It offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant business industries in the country.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, take the first step towards achieving your dream of having a business or working in the UK today.
Other Important Things to know about UK Self-Sponsor Visa
To not let you miss out on some of the many important things about the UK Self-Sponsor Visa, this section is to provide you with other information you need to know before applying.
- You need to demonstrate the capital, investment, or your business funds before the sponsor license is submitted to the Home Office.
- Fees are applicable in a Skilled Worker Visa ranging from £464 to £1408.
- The Sponsor License is valid for 4 years. At the end of the valid date, you need to renew it to the Home Office assuming that you still have an active/trading business to show. Otherwise, you need to switch to another immigration category.
How Immigration Lawyers UK can help you obtain a UK Self-Sponsor Visa?
One of the key ways Immigration Lawyers UK can help you obtain a UK Self-Sponsor Visa is by providing expert guidance and advice throughout the entire process. We will assess your individual circumstances and determine the most suitable route and requirements for your visa application. This in-depth understanding of the visa process ensures that you are well-informed and equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. To make matters more interesting, here are some of the many areas Immigration Lawyers UK can help:
- Business plan preparation
- Business bank account guidance for capital proof
- Preparation for sponsor license application
- Training your Authorizing Officer
- Submitting your Skilled Worker Application
- Complete support during the UK immigration process
- Making the process smooth and fast as much as possible
Avoid common pitfalls and meet the Home Office's stringent standards by partnering with the best immigration lawyers in the country. Call us for free today!
