In recent years, the term “self-sponsorship” has gained popularity among entrepreneurs and skilled migrants hoping to move to the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route. On social media and even in some immigration circles, self-sponsorship is marketed as a fast-track or simplified route to UK residency, allowing individuals to “sponsor themselves” through a business they create.
But here’s the truth:
Self-sponsorship is a myth when misunderstood.
While it is possible under specific conditions, it is not a shortcut or a loophole. It involves rigorous legal and compliance obligations.
Let’s break down what’s true, what’s misleading, and what the law actually requires.
What Do People Mean by “Self-Sponsorship”?
“Self-sponsorship” typically refers to a Skilled Worker visa route where an individual:
1. Sets up a UK-registered company,
2. Applies for a sponsor licence for that company,
3. Assigns themselves a job role that meets the Skilled Worker criteria,
4. Sponsors themselves to work in the UK.
On paper, this seems straightforward. But in practice, it raises serious legal and compliance challenges, and Home Office scrutiny is extremely high for such arrangements.
Why “Self-Sponsorship” Is a Myth (In the Way It’s Often Advertised)
Many immigration marketing services simplify or completely ignore the genuine employment, sponsorship duties, and business operation standards required by UKVI. Let’s explore the core issues:
1. Genuine Vacancy Requirement
Your company must have a genuine vacancy that meets UKVI criteria — it can’t exist solely to sponsor you.
• The role must be real, necessary, and skilled.
• It must not be created just for visa purposes.
• You must prove the business needs someone in that position, and you’re the best-suited person.
If the Home Office suspects that the job is fabricated or inflated, your visa will be refused or later revoked.
2. Sponsor Licence Eligibility
To sponsor any worker — even yourself — your company must:
• Be genuinely trading and financially viable
• Have adequate HR and recruitment systems
• Pass a pre-licence compliance audit (desk-based or physical visit)
• Demonstrate the capacity to fulfil sponsorship duties
As the director/owner, you cannot assign a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) to yourself without proper governance. There must be someone else (e.g., a Level 1 or Level 2 user) managing compliance and documentation.
3.Conflict of Interest and Corporate Governance
Home Office guidance warns against directors or owners assigning CoS to themselves without clear separation of roles.
You must establish:
• Independent oversight (a separate HR manager or authorised user)
• Transparent governance (avoid “rubber-stamping” decisions)
If you’re the sole owner and applicant, it can trigger conflict of interest concerns, increasing the risk of refusal.
4.Real Business Operations
A company must be operational — not just on paper. UKVI may request:
• Invoices, contracts, business plans
• Bank statements showing trading activity
• Proof of office premises
• Evidence of existing or intended client base
A dormant or shell company cannot justify sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa.
5. Salary and Role Compliance
The job role you propose must:
• Be listed on the eligible occupations list
• Meet the minimum salary threshold (usually £38,700 or higher after April 2024, depending on the role and exceptions)
• Include genuine job descriptions, not vague or unrelated tasks
You must also be able and willing to pay yourself that salary consistently through PAYE — and report it to HMRC.
6. Ongoing Sponsor Duties
Sponsoring yourself still means your company must:
• Keep right-to-work checks
• Track attendance and changes in employment
• Report changes to UKVI (such as changes in work location, role, pay)
• Renew sponsor licence and maintain up-to-date records
Non-compliance leads to sponsor license suspension or revocation — even if it’s a one-person company.
7. What the Home Office Looks Out For
The Home Office actively screens applications for red flags such as:
• Lack of business premises
• Companies set up shortly before the licence application
• Unrealistic business plans or salary commitments
• Absence of independent HR controls
• Lack of evidence showing business necessity for the role
If any of these apply, your sponsor license or visa application may be refused.
When “Self-Sponsorship” Can Work (With Full Compliance)
Despite these challenges, a self-sponsored route can work if done properly, such as:
• A genuine entrepreneur who sets up a viable business in the UK
• The business genuinely requires someone in a role listed under the Skilled Worker route
• Proper governance, HR compliance, and trading evidence are maintained
• An independent person is appointed to manage the CoS process
You may also want to consider alternate visa routes, such as:
• Innovator Founder visa
• Global Talent visa
• Expansion Worker visa (for overseas businesses opening a UK branch)
Legal and Compliance Advice Is Essential
If you’re thinking of using your own company to sponsor yourself, do not proceed without:
• Legal consultation with a regulated UK immigration advisor or solicitor
• Professional HR and compliance setup
• Detailed business planning and forecasting
• Understanding of all sponsor responsibilities
Ignoring or misunderstanding the compliance obligations can result in serious consequences — not only visa refusal but potential bans or sponsor license revocation.
Final Thoughts
Self-sponsorship is not a shortcut — it’s a complex route that demands strategic planning, legal clarity, and full operational compliance.
It’s not enough to register a company and assign yourself a job title. The Home Office expects credible businesses, genuine employment, and clear compliance systems in place.
If you’re serious about establishing yourself in the UK through a business venture, seek proper advice, set up your business legally, and approach sponsorship the right way — with transparency and professionalism.
- Need help with UK sponsorship compliance, HR setup, or Skilled Worker guidance?
- Contact our expert team today to discuss your business or visa options.
