Although there is no specific immigration category called a “Self-Sponsor Visa”, the term is commonly used to describe an arrangement whereby an overseas national establishes, acquires or operates a UK business which obtains a sponsor licence and sponsors them under the Skilled Worker route.

Under the current Immigration Rules, business owners, directors and shareholders may be sponsored by their own UK company, provided the business holds a valid sponsor licence and the role is genuine, skilled and meets the applicable salary and immigration requirements.

This route can be attractive for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to relocate to the UK and actively manage or develop their business. Dependants can accompany the main applicant, and the route can lead to Indefinite Leave to

Who Can Apply?

To apply for a Self-Sponsor Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Register or acquire a UK-based company
• Apply for and obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office
• Appoint Key Personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User) to manage the sponsorship process
• Ensure the company assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you for a genuine, skilled role
• Meet the salary and English language requirements

Salary Requirements

You must be paid at least:

• £41,700 per year,
• £21.38 per hour, or
• The ‘going rate’ for the role (whichever is higher)

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English ability to at least B2 level via:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• A UK degree or academic qualification taught in English (confirmed via Ecctis if overseas)
• GCSE/A-level English gained at a UK school before age 18
• Exemption if you’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)

Healthcare professionals may be exempt if they’ve passed a recognised English assessment for their regulatory body.

Sponsor Licence Application

Before applying for your visa, your UK company must apply for and be granted a sponsor licence by the Home Office. This involves:

• Registering the business and appointing Key Personnel to oversee sponsorship duties
• Demonstrating that the company is genuine, operating, and able to manage compliance
• Submitting a detailed application with evidence of the business, job role, and HR systems

Once the sponsor licence is approved, your company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Skilled Worker visa application.

How Long Can You Stay?

You can stay in the UK for up to five years on this visa. It is renewable and can lead to ILR after five continuous years of residence, provided you meet salary, residence, and English language criteria.

Can I Bring Family?

In many Skilled Worker cases, eligible family members can apply to accompany or join the main applicant in the UK as dependants. This may include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependent children.

The rules relating to dependants can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and occupation. We can advise on whether family members are eligible to apply as dependants in your particular case.

Dependants are allowed to work and study in the UK.

Our Legal Services

We provide expert guidance through every step of your Self-Sponsor Skilled Worker visa application. We:

• Advise on UK company formation and structure
• Assist with sponsor licence applications and compliance requirements
• Ensure your job role and salary meet the visa criteria
• Help you complete the visa application form
• Advise on supporting documents
• Draft a detailed legal representation letter linking your case to the Immigration Rules

We work closely with you to make the process smooth, accurate, and compliant.