Steps to Obtain a Self-Sponsored UK Skilled Worker Visa

You can set up a company in the U.K. which may qualify to sponsor your visa

If you set up a new business in the U.K. or already own one, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa through your own U.K. company via self-sponsorship. Your U.K. business will need to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence before you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

The self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa can lead to settlement in the U.K. and applicants can be joined by their dependent partners and children.

Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

To sponsor your own Skilled Worker visa, you will need to satisfy certain U.K. visa and immigration conditions:

• You are 18 years old or more;
• You own a company in the U.K. which is active and genuine;
• Your U.K. company has successfully applied for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence;
• Your U.K. company has assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to you for the job you plan to do;
• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
• You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds a general salary threshold, the ‘going rate’ for the occupation and a minimum hourly rate (if applicable);
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa will vary according to your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for advice.

How to Apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

Sponsoring yourself for a Skilled Worker visa is a 4-stage process:

• Establish a U.K. company
• Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Establishing a U.K. Company

You will first need to register a new company in the U.K. or you may already have a registered company.

It is possible to register a U.K. company from overseas. There is no requirement for a director of a U.K. company to be a U.K. resident or British citizen.

However, all directors of U.K. companies, including non-U.K. residents, must meet certain requirements and obligations. If a non-U.K. resident director is unable to fulfil their duties, such as attending board meetings or signing official documents in person, they may appoint a U.K.-based representative to do so on their behalf.

This is the first of four articles on obtaining a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship.