What is the UK Self-Sponsorship route?
A UK self-sponsorship visa is a unique route for individuals who want to move to the UK by starting their own business or expanding an existing business into the UK. This route allows you to establish your company and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Work visa. It is a fantastic option if you’re entrepreneurial and wish to live and work in the UK.
Unlike other UK visa categories, the Self-Sponsorship route is not a standard visa category. It is a combination of business formation and other visa categories.
Benefits of the Self-Sponsorship route
Choosing self-sponsorship offers numerous benefits, including:
- Control: You have complete control over your business.
- Flexibility: You’re not tied to an employer, giving you the freedom to pivot your business.
- Permanent residency: After five years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, subject to meeting the requirements
- Family inclusion: Your family can join you in the UK as your dependants. Your dependants enjoy full rights to live and work in the UK as long as your visa is valid and your business continues to trade
Who is the Self-Sponsorship route suitable for?
- Genuine businesspeople looking to expand their existing business into the UK
- People looking to set up a new genuine business in the UK
- Anyone with a genuine business idea that they are looking to set up in the UK
Self-Sponsorship: 3-Step Process
- UK Company Formation: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your business idea, market research, financial projections, and more. Incorporate your UK company, set up a UK business bank account and make the statutory registrations to the HMRC to enable sponsor licence application. Time frame: 2-3 months
- Sponsor Licence Application: Apply for a Sponsor Licence for your UK company including all documentation and HR compliance systems. Time frame: 2-3 months
- Skilled Worker Visa Application: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK company and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for yourself and dependant visas for family members (if applicable). Time frame: 2-3 months
Requirements
- Financial requirements: While there is no strict minimum or maximum amount of funds required, you should be able to show enough capital to start and run your business in line with your business plan. You should also be able to show enough funds to support yourself without recourse to public funds
- Legal requirements: Complying with legal requirements such as tax registration with the HMRC and UK employment laws are crucial
- Genuine business: A robust business plan is essential to support your application
- Visa requirements: Other requirements such as English language proficiency, education and job offer that meets the skills and salary requirements are also crucial to ensure a successful outcome
Costs and fees
The costs and fees for a UK self-sponsorship route can add up. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay to the Home Office:
Sponsor licence fee – £536
3yr / 5yr Skilled Worker Visa Application
- Application fee per applicant – £719 / £1,420
- IHS* @ £1,035 per year per adult applicant – £3,105 / £5,175
- IHS @ £776 per year per child applicant – £2,328 / £3,880
- ISS* @ £364 per year – £1,092 / 1,820
- CoS assignment – £239
*IHS – Immigration Health Surcharge; ISS – Immigration Skills Surcharge; Application fees are quoted for applications from outside the UK
Request support from Gateway Immigration Services
Navigating the self-sponsorship process can be complex. Gateway Immigration Services is here to help. Our experts can guide you through each step, ensuring your application is successful. Contact us today to start your journey to life in the UK!
Request a call back at Gateway Immigration Services Limited, by email at info@ukvisagateway.com, or on WhatsApp on +447487262184.