Practice Area

Eligibility Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

To successfully sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that the following criteria are met:

• You are 18 years of age or older.

• There is a genuine and active UK-registered company in existence.

• Your UK company has obtained a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

• Your company has issued you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role you will undertake.

• The job offer represents a bona fide vacancy.

• The role meets the required skill level.

• Your salary meets or exceeds both the general minimum salary threshold and the specific 'going rate' for your occupation, as defined by the SOC 2020 code.

• Your sponsor has paid any applicable Immigration Skills Charge.

• You can demonstrate English language proficiency to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).

• You have sufficient personal funds to support yourself without resorting to public funds.

• You have provided a criminal record certificate if required.

• You have provided a valid TB test certificate if required.

It is important to recognise that the precise requirements can differ based on individual circumstances. Therefore, seeking tailored advice from an immigration law specialist is highly advisable.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Self-Sponsorship

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to navigate the following four essential stages:

1. Establish a UK Company

2. Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

4. Submit Your Skilled Worker Visa Application

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Stage 1: Establish a UK Company

The first step on this journey is to have a registered company in the UK. This can be a newly incorporated business or one that you have already established.

Can You Register a UK Company from Overseas?
Yes, it is entirely possible to register a UK company while residing abroad. However, directors of UK companies—including non-UK residents—must fulfil specific legal duties and obligations. If a non-resident director is unable to carry out certain responsibilities (such as attending board meetings), they may need to appoint a UK-based representative to act on their behalf.

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Stage 2: Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Once your UK company is registered, the subsequent step is for the business to apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

What the Home Office Looks For in a Sponsor Licence Application
The Home Office will require evidence to confirm that:

• Your UK business is legitimate and operates within the law.

• Your business has the capacity to effectively manage its sponsor duties.

• The employment you are offering is genuine and satisfies the salary and skill level requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

Required Documents for Start-up Sponsor Licence Applications
If your company has been actively trading in the UK for less than 18 months, you will generally need to provide:

• Evidence of a current corporate bank account held with a UK-registered bank.

• Three of the following supporting documents:

  • Proof of HMRC registration for PAYE and National Insurance.

  • Proof of VAT registration.

  • Proof of employer’s liability insurance covering at least £5 million.

  • Proof of ownership or a lease agreement for business premises.

  • The most recent annual accounts.

Can a Non-UK Resident Open a UK Business Bank Account?
Yes, non-UK residents can open a UK business bank account, although the specific requirements vary from bank to bank. Typically, you will be required to provide identification, proof of address, and evidence of your income or funding sources. Some banks might request a UK address or tax residency status and may also require you to attend an in-person meeting.

We recommend researching different banking institutions and consulting with a professional if you encounter any difficulties.

Does the UK Business Need to Be Actively Trading?
Your business must be registered with Companies House, possess a UK business bank account, and typically be registered for PAYE/NI and VAT. While it is not strictly required to be actively trading or generating revenue, demonstrating that the business is genuine becomes significantly easier if you can show:

• The existence of an actively trading overseas business.

• A comprehensive and realistic business plan.

• Access to sufficient investment capital.

• Early-stage business activities, such as a live website, dedicated phone number, and a professional email address.

Demonstrating the Business Can Fulfil Sponsor Duties
All licensed sponsors are legally obligated to carry out specific duties, including maintaining accurate records and adhering to UK immigration compliance requirements. The Home Office will evaluate your human resources and recruitment systems and may conduct a compliance audit to verify your ability to meet these responsibilities.

Proving the Employment is Genuine and Meets Requirements
The Home Office will rigorously review your documentation to ensure:

• The job meets the minimum skill threshold (typically RQF Level 3 or above).

• The job meets the salary requirement (generally £38,700 per year, though lower thresholds may apply if you score 'tradable points').

• The position is a genuine vacancy.

• There is a direct employer-employee relationship between the company and the sponsored individual.

Key Documentation for the Sponsor Licence Application
You will need to compile and submit the following:

• A written explanation justifying why your company is applying for a sponsor licence.

• An up-to-date organisational chart.

• A list of current employees (if your business has 50 or fewer staff).

• Job descriptions and details for the roles you intend to fill.

• If a specific candidate has already been identified, details of the selection process.

Appointing Key Personnel
Before submitting your sponsor licence application, you must designate three Key Personnel:

• An Authorising Officer – responsible for the overall management of the licence.

• A Key Contact – who will act as the primary point of contact with the Home Office.

• At least one Level 1 User – who will handle day-to-day sponsorship activities.

All Key Personnel must be based in the UK and meet specific role requirements. In practice, you will need a trusted individual in the UK who holds British citizenship or settled status to fill these positions.

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Stage 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Following the approval of your sponsor licence, your company can then apply for and assign a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic record with a unique reference number that allows you to proceed with your Skilled Worker visa application.

Your CoS must contain the following details:

• Your name, job title, and salary information.

• A proposed start date, which must be within three months of the date you submit your visa application.

• A confirmation that the CoS has not been previously used in another application or cancelled.

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Stage 4: Apply for the Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker Visa

Once your CoS is assigned, you are ready to submit your self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa application. Your application must demonstrate the following:

• You hold a valid CoS.

• The job is a genuine vacancy.

• The role is at an appropriate skill level.

• Your salary meets or surpasses the required thresholds.

• All applicable Immigration Skills Charges have been paid.

• You meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B1).

• You have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.

• You have provided any necessary criminal record and TB certificates.

You can lodge your visa application up to three months before your employment start date. Decisions are typically issued within three weeks for applications made from outside the UK and within eight weeks for those switching or extending their stay from within the UK. Priority processing services may be available for faster decisions.

Speak directly with our immigration specialists today to get tailored legal support.

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