Self-sponsorship in the UK: how the route works
Self-sponsorship means setting up or using a UK company that holds a Sponsor Licence, then using that company to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. It is a strategy, not a separate visa category. Here is the route in five steps.
The route in five steps
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Check the route suits you
It typically suits people who want to start or run a UK business, have a genuine business plan, can invest in their company and want professional guidance to avoid Home Office refusals. We assess this in an online meeting.
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Set up or prepare the UK company
You can use an existing company or a new UK start-up. The company needs genuine business activity, financial stability and, for most applications, a legitimate UK business premises such as office or co-working space.
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Appoint an Authorising Officer
The Sponsor Licence application needs an Authorising Officer, usually a British citizen or someone with settled status, who represents the company to the Home Office. If you don't have someone suitable, we discuss options with you.
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Apply for the Sponsor Licence
We prepare the business and HR documents and the compliance systems UKVI expects to see. Standard processing is around 8 weeks, with a priority service sometimes available. Home Office processing times can change.
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Apply for the Skilled Worker visa
Once the licence is granted, the company assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship and you make the Skilled Worker application. After that, the company has ongoing sponsor duties, which our HR and Authorising Officer package can handle for you.
No immigration route can be guaranteed. Immigration rules can change. Always check the latest official guidance or seek legal advice.