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Self Sponsorship Process And Requirements
Self Sponsorship Process And Requirements
WorkPermitCloud Limited has received numerous queries from talented people across the globe who aspires to work in the UK but have difficulties in finding a sponsor. We would like to tell you that there’s another way that you can fulfil your career in the UK without relying on others. You can be your own sponsor, sounds exciting!
All you need to do is to set up a business in the UK and apply for a sponsor license to sponsor yourself.
Download our Self-Sponsorship Brochure
Why is Self-Sponsorship possible?
In the past, there was a restriction of a maximum 10% shareholding of the company if you would like to apply for a Tier 2 visa. However, since the Skilled Worker Visa scheme replaced the Tier 2 visa on 1 Dec 2020, there are no restrictions on shareholdings anymore. This means you can come to the UK under a Skilled Worker even if you are the only shareholder.
Who is suitable for Self-Sponsorship?
you have a company in the UK
Or, you’ve purchased a business in the UK, and you have sufficient resources (skills and financially) to support your business in the UK
Or, you are planning to set up a business in the UK, and have the financial ability to set up the business
Are there requirements for the type of business?
There are no restrictions on the type of business for self-sponsor, as long as it’s a legal business in the UK. You can open a coffee shop, restaurant, tech company etc.
Unlike the Start-up Visa, you’ll need a business idea that needs to be different from any others in the market, you also need to have an endorsing body to approve your business idea.
Are there any financial requirements for this route?
No, there’s no exact number required for how much money you need to have for your business, as long as you have sufficient funds to support the establishment of the business, it may vary depending on the type of business you’re establishing.
Unlike the Innovator Visa, you’ll need 50,000 investment funds for your business.
How does it work?
- First, establish a company in the UK
- Next, apply for a sponsor licence
- Last, get the licence and sponsor yourself
What you must have?
- you must have a business in the UK
- you must have the documents required for the Sponsor Licence application
- you must have an Authorising Officer in the UK
- you must have a robust HR system
In summary, the procedure is to set up a business and apply for a sponsor license for your business and then sponsor yourself as a skilled worker.
You can follow our step-by-step guide to process the Self-Sponsorship route.
Step 1: establish a business in the UK
To know how to start a business in the UK, please read the UK government website here.
Step 2: Apply for a sponsor License
There are certain documents required for a sponsor license application, you’ll need a minimum 4 of the following:
If you want to know more about how to apply for a sponsor license, please read our previous blog here.
Step 3: Appointing an Authorising Officer
You must appoint an Authorising Officer (AO) during the application stage.
The person needs to be your employee whom the Home Office will contact in regard to the application. (Any suitable employee for this role, such as managers/directors, or employee with good communication skills who has knowledge of this application)
It is better to appoint someone who is a British citizen or someone who has a ILR in the UK to act as your Authorizing Officer.
Step 4: Have a robust HR system in place
As a mandatory requirement for sponsor license application, you must have a robust HR system in place to prove that you are able to comply with the sponsor duties for your skilled workers.
If you don’t have an HR system, WorkPermitCloud provides a one-stop solution namely WpcHr software which is designed based on the sponsor license guidance from the Home Office. We have hundreds of clients who have managed to comply with the rules and regulations mentioned by the immigration office.
Step 5: Get your Sponsor License
It usually takes around 8 weeks to get a decision from the Home Office.
However, it might take longer if the Home Office want to conduct further checks on your business or do a visit to your company address. If you need assistance for preparing a Home office visit, please contact us.
Step 6: Assign CoS to a skilled worker
After your licence is granted, you're able to assign CoS to an employee of the company that you wish to sponsor. For more info about CoS please read our previous article here.
As there are no restrictions for the shareholdings of a skilled worker, you can assign a CoS to yourself, so that you can use the CoS to apply for a skilled worker visa. WorkPermitCloud can assist you with the CoS allocation and visa application.
Step 7: Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
After your assigned the CoS to yourself, you can use the CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, this Visa allows you to work in the UK legally, you can work in your own company and manage your business.
There are documents required for applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, please read here fore more information.
How can Work Permit Cloud Limited help?
At WorkPermitCloud Limited, we have been working closely with hundreds of small and medium enterprises to apply for their Sponsor License and Skilled Worker Visa successfully.
We can:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: sales@workpermitcloud.co.uk
