Self-Sponsorship Requirements
Self-sponsorship is not an official UK visa category; rather it means sponsoring yourself via a UK company you own. In practice you set up or acquire a UK business, obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence for it, and then your company sponsors your Skilled Worker visa. This requires both the company and you (the individual) to meet all standard Skilled Worker criteria.
Key Requirements
- UK Company Set‑Up: You must have a genuine UK-registered business (either already trading or newly formed) to act as your sponsor.
- Sponsor Licence Criteria: Your company must qualify for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, proving it is a legitimate UK entity with effective HR systems.
- Authorized Company Roles: The business must appoint a UK-based Authorising Officer (AO) and other key staff who will oversee sponsorship compliance.
- Job Skill and Salary: The role must meet the Skilled Worker requirements, including skill level (RQF Level 3+) and the applicable minimum salary.
- Personal Eligibility: As the applicant, you must be 18 or over, meet English language requirements, and have no disqualifying criminal history.
- Supporting Documents: Prepare extensive documentation for the licence application, including bank statements, tax registration, business plans, and more.
Self-Sponsorship Cost
Self-sponsorship involves multiple fees and costs: government charges for licences and visas, plus business setup and operational expenses.
- Sponsor Licence Fee: £574 for a small sponsor, or £1,579 for a medium or large sponsor.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee: Each CoS you assign costs £525 under the Skilled Worker route.
- Skilled Worker Visa Fee: Ranges roughly £284–£1,420 for a single applicant.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year of the visa, paid up front.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): £364-£1,000 per year, paid by your company for you.
- Business & Operational Costs: Fees to register your company, plus capital to fund actual business operations.
Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
Under self-sponsorship, the final immigration outcome is a Skilled Worker visa granted under your own company’s sponsorship. Functionally, it works like any standard Skilled Worker application:
- Own Company as Sponsor: Your UK company assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship which you use for your visa application.
- Job Requirements: The position must be at RQF Level 3 or above and meet salary requirements.
- Visa Application: You apply online after getting the CoS, providing your passport, proof of English, and other supporting evidence.
- Duration and Settlement: Visas can be granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you are usually eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Dependants: You can bring eligible dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18).
How to Apply for Self-Sponsorship
Form or Acquire a UK Company
Establish your UK business, register with Companies House, and set up a UK corporate bank account.
Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Apply online for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, submitting all required evidence.
Assign a CoS
After the licence is granted, log in to the Sponsor Management System and assign yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
With the CoS reference, apply online for the visa, pay fees, and provide biometrics.
Ongoing Compliance
Once the visa is issued, both you and your company must maintain compliance with all Home Office rules.