Introducing Self-Sponsorship in 2024

If you are a skilled worker and want to work in the UK, you could be eligible for a Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker visa. The visa allows applicants to work for an employer with a valid sponsor licence that offers a job meeting the skill and salary requirements. 

Can You Self-Sponsor Yourself for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Assuming you fulfil the requirements, it is possible to self-sponsor yourself with a Skilled Worker visa, though it takes work. The applicant must meet the exact requirements as any other Skilled Worker visa applicant, plus several additional prerequisites.

What Is Self-Sponsorship

Self-sponsorship means you are both the employer and the employee for your Skilled Worker visa application. You will be required to establish your own company within the UK. Then, you must obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office and assign yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as an employee of your company. After that, you must apply for a Skilled Worker visa using your CoS while meeting all the additional eligibility criteria.

Benefits of Self-Sponsorship

Self-sponsorship can benefit certain skilled workers who want to work in the UK independently without relying on an existing employer. Typical benefits of self-sponsorship are:

• You have more control over your work and career development.
• You can choose the type of work that suits your skills and interests.
• You can earn a higher income as a business owner than working for an employer.
• You can create employment opportunities for others by hiring staff for your company.

Challenges of Self-Sponsorship

Self-sponsorship can also be challenging for some skilled workers who want to work in the UK independently because self-sponsorship involves added responsibilities and other risks than working for an employer. Compared to working as a regular employee, the challenges of self-sponsorship can be:

• You must invest time and money to set up your own company in the UK, including registering with the Companies House, opening a business bank account, accounting and paying taxes.
• You must apply for a sponsor licence from the Home Office, which can be costly and complex. You will also need to comply with various duties and obligations as a sponsor, such as keeping records and reporting changes.
• You will need to assign yourself a CoS as an employee of your company, which will count towards your annual CoS allocation. You must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for yourself and any other sponsored workers.
• You will need to meet identical requirements just as any Skilled Worker visa applicant, for instance, having a job that is at or above RQF level 3 (equivalent to an A level), earning at least £25,600 per year or the going rate for your occupation (whichever is higher) and having enough funds to support yourself and any dependents.
• You must prove your job is genuine and your intention to work in the UK. The Home Office may scrutinise your application more closely than if you instead had a job offer from an existing employer.

Sponsoring Yourself With Axis Solicitors

Individuals interested in this and other UK immigration routes should know that Axis Solicitors can help you with every process step. Being voted the number one Immigration Law Firm on Review Solicitors for over a year and having over a thousand positive reviews on the same platform, there are many reasons to trust us. Axis Solicitors have extensive experience and expertise assisting skilled workers with visa applications. 

You can read more about our legal services for individuals who want to sponsor themselves here. Contact us for a free initial assessment.

Let Our Legal Team Help You With the Following:

• Registering and establishing a company in the UK, including advising on the best legal structure, registering with the Companies House and opening a business bank account.
• Putting together the application for a sponsor licence with the Home Office, including drafting and submitting the application form, required supporting documents and managing the fee payment.
• Providing yourself a CoS as an employee of your newly established UK company. 
• Advising on appropriate skill and salary levels and filling in the CoS details.
• Preparing and submitting your application for a Skilled Worker visa using your assigned CoS, collecting supporting documents, biometrics appointment and fee payment.
• Representing you throughout the application process and liaising with the Home Office on your behalf.
• Our solicitors can advise you regarding your legal rights and responsibilities as a self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa holder.

Our solicitors understand that the immigration process can be daunting and complex; therefore, Axis specialises in streamlined, personalised legal guidance. Rest assured that our team of qualified solicitors review the advice you receive to ensure it is always up-to-date. Our specialists have experience in evaluating your situation and creating a legal roadmap with transparent upfront service fees.

Reach out to us today or fill out the form on our website. Let us tell you how Axis can simplify and assist you in any legal process.