SELF-SPONSORSHIP SKILLED WORKER VISA
If you are looking to establish a new business in the UK or currently own a UK-based company, you might qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, where your own company acts as your sponsor. To pursue this route, your business must first secure a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
This self-sponsorship pathway for the Skilled Worker visa can ultimately lead to permanent residency in the UK. Additionally, applicants can bring along dependent partners and children.
Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must demonstrate that:
- You are aged 18 or over.
- There is an established, trading, and genuine UK company.
- Your UK company has successfully obtained a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
- Your UK company has issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to you.
- Your job offer represents a genuine vacancy.
- You will receive a salary that meets or exceeds both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code.
- Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.
- You have sufficient funds to support yourself without recourse to public funds.
- You are proficient in English to at least CEFR Level B1.
- You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.
- You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required.
The particular criteria for self-sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa can differ based on your unique situation. It is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer for professional advice.
How to Apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa
To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must complete the following four steps:
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, you must either register a new company in the UK or already have an existing UK company.
Certainly, registering a UK company from overseas is feasible. A UK company director isn’t mandated to be a UK resident or British citizen. Nevertheless, all directors, irrespective of residency, must adhere to the necessary obligations and requirements. Should a non-UK resident director encounter challenges fulfilling their responsibilities, like attending board meetings or physically signing official documents, they have the option to designate a representative based in the UK.
Once a UK company is registered, the subsequent step to obtaining a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship is for your UK business to apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. We assist UK businesses considering applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Your business must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- A genuine UK based enterprise operating lawfully within the UK.
- The business is capable of fulfilling its sponsor duties effectively.
- The business is offering genuine employment that meets with all the sponsorship requirement as mentioned in the Skilled Worker rules.
Once your sponsor licence application is approved, your business can apply for and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Each CoS is an electronic record with a unique reference number, allowing a migrant worker to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Your CoS must be issued within three months before the date of your Skilled Worker visa application and include mandatory information such as:
- Your name, job title, and salary.
- A start date no later than three months after your visa application date.
- Accurately determining the salary package to ensure compliance with immigration and employment regulations.
- Choosing a suitable as well as eligible Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) with full job description.
- Start and End date of the CoS.
- Working hours etc.
Once you have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you can start your Skilled Worker Visa or Switching application as a Skilled Worker.
You must ensure that your application meet with the following mandatory requirements:
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Genuine job vacancy
- The salary meets or exceeds both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code.
- The job is at an appropriate skill level.
- The Skills Charge must have been paid by your sponsor.
- Competence in English to at least CEFR Level B1.
- Sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Provision of a criminal record certificate, if required.
- Provision of a valid TB certificate, if required.
Applications for a Skilled Worker visa can be submitted up to three months prior to your intended start date in the UK. If applying from abroad, decisions are usually rendered within three weeks. Those applying to switch or extend their stay under the Skilled Worker category in the UK should expect a standard processing time of eight weeks, though priority services may offer expedited options.
How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Assist You?
Our team of business immigration specialists is dedicated to supporting both new and established UK business owners in securing Skilled Worker sponsor licences. These licences empower entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves to live and work in the UK. Whether you require an assessment of your eligibility for a self-sponsored Skilled Worker route, guidance on crafting a compelling sponsor licence application, or expert assistance with preparing and submitting your application, our immigration lawyers offer comprehensive management of the entire process.
At our firm, we pride ourselves on an accessible and proactive approach to understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of our business clients. Our dynamic team is committed to delivering clear and dependable immigration consultation directly to business owners, ensuring a professional and supportive service throughout.