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Self Sponsorship

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Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and turn your UK business dream into a reality.

Starting a business in the UK can be a dream for many, but navigating the visa system can feel like a complex maze. The self-sponsorship route provides a strategic alternative for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the UK without the need for a traditional sponsor. This pathway allows you to start your own company in the UK, sponsor yourself through your business, and establish a long-term presence in the country. With the right legal guidance, the self-sponsorship visa can serve as a powerful vehicle for both immigration and commercial success. At Smart Move Immigration, we specialize in simplifying this process for you. Our team of expert immigration solicitors helps you structure your business plan, register your company, apply for the sponsor licence, and guide you through every step of the Skilled Worker visa application. From compliance to communication with the Home Office, we handle the complex details so you can focus on building your business.

Fill In The
Required Form

Start your application by completing our Sponsor Licence Assessment Form. This helps us understand your business type, hiring goals, and eligibility status.

Submit Your
Original Documents

Once the initial form is reviewed, our solicitors will request the mandatory documentation required by the Home Office.

Get The Visa
Resource Material

After your licence is approved, we’ll provide you with our exclusive Visa Resource Material Pack. This includes step-by-step guidance.

What is a Self-Sponsorship Visa?

A self-sponsorship visa is not a separate visa category but a strategic use of the existing UK Skilled Worker visa route. The concept allows entrepreneurs and professionals to set up a UK-registered company, apply for a sponsor licence for that company, and then use it to sponsor themselves to work in the UK legally. This pathway is particularly attractive for those who are highly skilled and want to control their business operations in the UK. Unlike other visa routes such as the Innovator or Start-Up visas, self-sponsorship offers more autonomy and fewer restrictions on the type of business you can operate. You are not limited to a specific sector or required to obtain endorsements from third-party bodies. This makes it an ideal solution for experienced professionals seeking flexibility and independence. Smart Move Immigration supports you through each step, ensuring full compliance with immigration law. Our expertise in both business and immigration legal frameworks is your advantage.

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Step-by-Step Guide to the Self-Sponsorship Process

  • Register your UK company – Choose a suitable business structure (most commonly a limited company) and register with Companies House.
  • Apply for a Sponsor Licence – Submit an application to the Home Office with required documents and company details.
  • Create a Genuine Vacancy – Define a legitimate job role that matches your qualifications and the business’s needs.
  • Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Once the sponsor licence is approved, assign a CoS to yourself.
  • Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa – Use the CoS to submit your visa application from outside the UK.

Benefits of the Self-Sponsorship Route

Self-sponsorship offers a high degree of freedom and long-term potential for business owners. You are in control of your visa and your career, without needing an employer to sponsor you. You also have the ability to scale your business, hire employees, and eventually settle in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Additionally, this route is not capped or restricted to specific industries, making it ideal for a wide range of business models. Whether you are in tech, finance, consulting, or another field, self-sponsorship is a dynamic pathway to live, work, and grow in the UK. While the self-sponsorship process is viable, it is not without its hurdles. One of the key challenges is proving that the job vacancy in your company is genuine and that you are qualified to fill it. Another challenge is meeting the compliance requirements for sponsor licence holders, which are closely monitored by the Home Office.

At Smart Move Immigration, we help you overcome these obstacles with comprehensive support. We assist in drafting detailed job descriptions, ensuring your business operations are credible, and preparing you for possible compliance audits. With us, you avoid common pitfalls that lead to visa refusals.

Ready to Begin Your UK Business Journey?

At Smart Move Immigration, we believe in empowering professionals and entrepreneurs with the right legal tools to achieve their UK ambitions. Our self-sponsorship services are designed to minimize stress and maximize success. If you're ready to take the first step towards your UK business venture, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and turn your UK business dream into a reality.

Frequently asked Questions

  • Can I sponsor myself in the UK as a sole trader?

    No, you must have a UK-registered limited company that meets sponsorship requirements. Sole traders are not eligible for sponsor licences.

  • How long does the self-sponsorship process take?

    The timeline varies, but typically it can take 2-3 months from company registration to visa approval, depending on application complexity and Home Office processing times.

  • Do I need to be in the UK to start this process?

    No, you can register your company and begin the sponsor licence application from outside the UK.

  • What happens if my sponsor licence application is refused?

    If your application is refused, you may reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal. Smart Move Immigration can help assess and strengthen your new application.

  • Can I bring my family on this visa?

    Yes, as a Skilled Worker visa holder, you can bring dependents such as your spouse and children under the age of 18.