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Expert guidance, streamlined processes, and complete transparency every step of the way.
Clear guidance, tailored support, and simplified processes to achieve your immigration goals.
Book a discovery call to understand your requirements and assess your eligibility. We only accept clients who meet the necessary eligibility criteria for their immigration goals. If we determine that your case doesn’t meet the requirements, we will guide you toward better alternatives without wasting your time or money. Your trust and success are our priorities.
To kick off your self-sponsorship journey, we’ll provide you with a bespoke approach tailored to your case. With our dedicated client portal, you’ll have a clear overview of your self-sponsorship journey, allowing you to track progress, communicate with our team, and stay informed at every stage.
We will assist you in registering your company and ensuring full compliance with UK laws, enabling you to establish a sponsor licence-eligible business with complete ownership.
We will prepare and submit your sponsor licence application, and support you in preparation for Home Office interviews and audits.
We will submit your skilled worker visa application and arrange a follow-up to discuss the outcome once it is available.
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
Your questions, our answers, all in one place.
Self-sponsorship is not an official visa category under UK immigration law; rather, it is an immigration solution that enables individuals to move to the UK by setting up a business and sponsoring themselves for a Skilled Worker visa. This solution allows you to take control of your immigration journey as you do not need to rely on exisiting employers to sponsor visa.
Under the previous Tier 2 visa regulations, sponsored employees were limited to holding a maximum of 10% of the shares in their sponsoring company. However, with the introduction of the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020, this restriction was lifted. Individuals sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa can now hold 100% ownership of their sponsoring company, offering enhanced flexibility for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses in the UK.
The self-sponsorship process typically takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on individual circumstances.
Essential Law offers tailored guidance at every step, including business planning, registration, sponsor license application, and visa filing. We ensure your business meets Home Office requirements, minimizing risks of rejection. By combining immigration expertise with a deep understanding of UK business regulations, we provide a seamless and compliant pathway to achieving your self-sponsorship goals.
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to invest in the business and cover its operational costs. This includes initial setup expenses, salaries, and day-to-day running costs. The financial requirement ensures that your business is viable and capable of supporting your Skilled Worker visa application.
Yes, acquiring an existing business can be a practical option, especially if the business already meets sponsor license criteria. However, due diligence is essential to verify the business’s financial health, operational capacity, and compliance with UK laws. Purchasing an existing business can streamline the process, but it requires careful legal and financial evaluation to ensure it aligns with your self-sponsorship requirements.
Setting up a business involves registering your company with Companies House, choosing a legal structure (e.g., a limited company), opening a business bank account, and ensuring compliance with UK legal and tax obligations. These steps are necessary to demonstrate that your business is legitimate and capable of sponsoring employees, including yourself. Proper documentation and compliance are critical, as they form the foundation of your self-sponsorship application.
Yes, joining a franchise can be a viable route for self-sponsorship, but it comes with specific requirements and considerations.
As part of the franchise setup, you need to:
Franchises often have standardised business models, so it’s important to verify that the setup aligns with Home Office requirements for self-sponsorship. We recommend seeking tailored advice to navigate this process successfully and ensure compliance.
A Sponsor Licence allows your business to legally hire and sponsor skilled workers, including yourself under self-sponsorship. It proves to the Home Office that your business is genuine, compliant, and capable of managing sponsorship duties. Without a Sponsor Licence, your business cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is mandatory for Skilled Worker visa applications.
Your business must meet several criteria, including being registered with Companies House, operating in compliance with UK laws, and having appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees. These requirements ensure that only credible businesses with genuine employment needs can sponsor workers. The Home Office conducts rigorous checks to prevent abuse of the system.
The cost of obtaining a Skilled Worker sponsor licence varies based on the size and type of your business:
*An organisation qualifies as a small business sponsor if at least two of the following criteria apply:
Yes, there are additional costs such as Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) to consider when obtaining a Sponsor Licence.
For breakdown of additional costs, refer to the CoS and Visa Fees Calculator page.
The application process usually takes up to 8 weeks. However, the Home Office also offers a priority processing option for an additional fee of £500, which provides a decision within 10 working days. Our team ensures your application is meticulously prepared, minimising the chances of delays and expediting the process where possible.
Your licence usually stays valid for as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
If you have a licence to sponsor Scale-up Workers or UK Expansion Workers, it will be valid for 4 years. You will not be able to apply for another licence to sponsor these types of workers.
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK under a qualifying job role. In self-sponsorship journey, your business serves as the sponsor, issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your role. This approach is ideal for professionals who wish to align their immigration status with their entrepreneurial goals while maintaining compliance with immigration laws.
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa under self-sponsorship, you will need:
There is no need to show financial proof for maintenance, as this will be covered by your sponsoring business through the CoS. Our team ensures that all required documentation is prepared and submitted accurately to meet Home Office requirements.
Yes, salary thresholds are a critical component of the Skilled Worker visa requirements. The minimum salary depends on the job type and its respective SOC code. Additionally, roles on the shortage occupation list may have reduced salary thresholds. To determine the exact salary requirements for your role, you can use our Salary Calculator page. This tool provides clarity on the specific thresholds applicable to your role and helps you plan your application accordingly.
No, not all jobs qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Only specific roles listed under the Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) are eligible. These codes are designed to include roles that meet the required skill levels and contribute to the UK’s economy and workforce needs. To qualify, the job must meet a minimum RQF Level of 6, which corresponds to degree-level education or above. For more information on eligible job codes, refer to the official RQF Levels guide. You can also check our resources page for a detailed list of eligible SOC job codes (coming soon).
The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for a period of 6 months up to 5 years. Typically, applicants choose either a 3+2 year route or a 2+3 year route to meet the 5-year requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The 2+3 year option helps to reduce upfront costs while still allowing you to qualify for ILR after completing the 5-year residency period. Extensions are possible, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
We provide comprehensive, end-to-end support throughout the Skilled Worker visa application process. This includes evaluating your eligibility, preparing and organising the required documents, ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements, and submitting the visa application. Additionally, we offer tailored guidance to prepare candidates for interviews and provide post-approval support to help you transition smoothly into your new role in the UK. Our expertise ensures every aspect of your case is meticulously handled, minimising the risk of delays or refusals.
What you can do:
• Work in an eligible job as specified in your visa.
• Study while in the UK.
• Bring your partner and children as your dependants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Take on additional work in certain circumstances, such as a job on the shortage occupation list.
• Do voluntary work.
• Travel abroad and re-enter the UK.
• Apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years if you meet the eligibility requirements.
What you can’t do:
• Access most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension.
• Change jobs or employers without first applying to update your visa.
"Thanks to Essential Law, obtaining my visa through Self-Sponsorship route was seamless, allowing us to expand our team with top global talent."
As a fintech founder, securing the right immigration status was a major roadblock. I wasted months—and a lot of money—on lawyers who gave vague answers, delaying my ability to raise funds for Strabo. Essential Law finally gave me a clear, cost-effective solution.
I got my self-sponsorship with the help of Essential Law. They explained everything clearly and made the process easy. Very good service.
I bought Masa Express Ltd, a retail shop with an alcohol license, and Essential Law helped me get self-sponsorship. I had many questions but they guided me patiently and made sure everything was done correctly.
