If you are interested in setting up a new business in the UK or own an existing business in the UK, you may be eligible for a skilled worker visa through self-sponsorship, i.e. being sponsored by your own UK company. Your UK business will need to obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsorship License before you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa through self-sponsorship.

A self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa route can lead to settlement in the UK and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.

You are considering sponsoring yourself as a skilled worker

To be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to meet UK Visas and Immigration’s requirements that:

You are over 18 years of age;
There is an established British society that is active and genuine;
Your UK company has successfully applied for a sponsoring license for a skilled worker;
Your UK company has allocated you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the work you plan to do;
Your job offer is really a job vacancy;
Your work is at an appropriate skill level;
You will be paid a salary that equals or exceeds the general salary threshold, the “regular rate” for the occupation and the minimum hourly rate (if any);
Your sponsor has paid any required immigration skills fee;
You are competent in the English language at least at CEFR level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
You have provided a criminal record statement, if required; and
If required, you have provided a valid TB certificate.
The exact requirements you will need to meet in order to be sponsored for a skilled worker visa will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration attorney for professional advice.