Self-Sponsorship Route
Overview
Self-sponsorship involves establishing a genuine UK business, obtaining a sponsor licence for that business, and being sponsored by it as a Skilled Worker. Properly structured, it can be a viable route for entrepreneurs without a UK employer.
The typical pathway
- Incorporating and structuring a genuine UK business
- Securing a sponsor licence for the company
- Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship for a genuine role
- Applying for the Skilled Worker visa
How we assist
- Honest assessment of whether self-sponsorship suits your plans
- Guidance on business set-up and genuineness evidence
- The sponsor licence and visa applications from start to finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self-sponsorship a separate visa?
No — it is a strategy combining a sponsor licence with a Skilled Worker visa. The business and the role must be genuine.
What are the main risks?
The Home Office scrutinises genuineness closely. Weak business plans or artificial roles lead to refusals; careful structuring is essential.