Self-Sponsorship Visa
Launch a British company that will sponsor your entry and employment in the UK
The Self-Sponsorship route can be the best option for you to work and live in the UK if you want to start a business in the country or grow your current business abroad. It is important to remember that there is a pathway to enter the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa category rather than an official visa known as the “Self-Sponsorship Visa.”
With the help of a UK resident director, you will be able to establish a UK company that will thereafter sponsor your entry and employment in the UK due to the Self-Sponsorship Visa. In contrast to the Innovator Visa, you can own shares in the business and there is no minimum investment needed.
- 1. Self Sponsorship Visa Overview
- 2. Assessing a visa application
- 3. What documents are required for a UK Self-Sponsorship Visa?
- 4. Application fees
- 5. How much do I need to have in savings to support myself?
- 6. Can I apply for my family members too?
- 7. How much money do I need to have to support them for the application?
- 8. Can I switch into the Self Sponsorship Visa if I am already in the UK?
- 9. Can I apply for Settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain with this type of visa?
- 10. How can we help you?
1. Self Sponsorship Visa Overview
This visa option is best suited for experienced businessmen or those who have researched the UK market and believe there is a chance to launch a new venture here. To enable the Company to sponsor you, you will need to get a Sponsor Licence.
Sponsoring a relative to work for a company you own or oversee as the Authorizing Officer is not prohibited by immigration laws.
However, the visa specifications prevent a Level 1 User from giving a close relative a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, parent, stepparent, child, sibling, step-sibling, or half-sibling, nephew, niece, cousin, aunt, uncle or parent-in-law, brother- or sister-in-law, and son- or daughter-in-law are all included in this definition.
If the sponsoring organization is categorized as a small or medium-sized business or organization, the person giving the sponsorship certificate must disclose if they are doing so to a family member of any employee. If the assigner is aware that they are assigning a CoS to a family member of someone working for the organization, even if it is classified as a major business, they should note this in the CoS.
2. Assessing a visa application
The Home Office will take into account the applicant’s “genuineness” while evaluating a visa application. This includes determining if the company actually needs the applicant for the sponsored position or if the primary purpose of the visa was to enable the applicant to apply for entrance clearance or a permit to remain. It also includes determining if the candidate possesses the knowledge, credentials, and expertise required to perform the duties of the position.
3. What documents are required for a UK Self-Sponsorship Visa?
The kinds of documentation required for a UK Self-Sponsorship Visa are listed below:
- a valid passport
- a letter of support from UK Company
- a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)
- proof of your academic qualifications
- bank statements (you need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account)
- English language ability proof
- a tuberculosis test certificate where applicable depending on your circumstances,
additional documentation may also be needed. Your supporting documentation may be uploaded using your UKVI online account, or you may bring it to your scheduled biometrics appointment.
4. Application fees
There are three application fee levels, which are priced as follows:
- Sponsor Licence Application Fee: £536
- CoS assignment: £199 and Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for one application
- Visa application fee:
a. either £719 for three years or less,
b. or £1420 over three years and up to five years.
c. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £624 per year for one application.
5. How much do I need to have in savings to support myself?
In order to support the maintenance requirement for your application, you will have to provide proof of your savings: at least £1,270 should be in your bank account. This money must be held for at least 28 continuous days, and it must be done so within 31 days of the application being submitted.
If you do not have enough funds in your savings, you can ask your employer to help by certifying your maintenance. If you require financial assistance during your first months in the UK, your employer will confirm their willingness to provide it. Keep in mind, that you cannot undertake any other/additional employment to support yourself.
6. Can I apply for my family members too?
Yes, they are able to apply to come to the UK and live with you as dependents. They must meet the conditions for the Dependents Visa before they can apply for one. A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (living together for two years) can be your partner. Children have to be younger than eighteen.
7. How much money do I need to have to support them for the application?
You should demonstrate that they can access:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for your first child and £200 for each other child
8. Can I switch into the Self Sponsorship Visa if I am already in the UK?
This will vary according to the type of visa you currently hold in order to enter the UK. If you hold one of the following visa categories and are residing in the UK, you are not eligible to convert to this visa:
- Short-term Student Visa
- Visit Visa
- Domestic Worker Visa
- Parent of a Child Visa Seasonal Worker Visa
- Discretionary type Visa
9. Can I apply for Settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain with this type of visa?
Yes, this visa type leads to Settlement in the UK and British Citizenship.
10. How can we help you?
BS Immigration is experienced in all types of business and personal visa applications. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
Book a free consultation below.