This visa pathway is suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to relocate to the UK to either set up a new business or expand an existing one. Applicants must demonstrate business acumen, a viable business plan, and the necessary financial means to establish and sustain their business operations in the UK without recourse to public funds.

Key requirements for using the Skilled Worker Visa as a self-sponsorship route include a genuine need for the business and the applicant's role within it, proven financial sustainability, and compliance with all UK employment laws. The business must be legally established in the UK, have a viable and active trade, and be capable of supporting the applicant's salary and business growth.

Yes, your dependent family members, such as your spouse and children under the age of 18, can accompany you under a Self Sponsorship Visa. They will need to apply for dependent visas, and you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support them during their stay in the UK. Your dependent family members will have the right to work and study in the UK. 

The minimum salary for the Self Sponsored Skilled Worker Visa depends on the role. For lower-level roles, the minimum is £38,700 per annum, and for senior roles such as Chief Executives and Directors, it is £84,100 per annum. These figures are base salaries excluding bonuses, commissions, or other benefits.

Your total expenses will depend on the duration of your visa. For a visa valid for 5 years for a family of four, the cost would be around £40,000. This includes government fees, visa fees, legal fees, and the NHS surcharge. If your visa application is not granted, your expenses would be limited to initial government and legal fees, approximately £5,000.

While there is no specific minimum investment requirement mandated by UK immigration authorities for the Self Sponsorship Visa, substantial financial preparedness is essential. For small-scale basic businesses, it is advisable to have at least £60,000 available to cover initial operational costs until the business begins generating profit. Additionally, for personal expenses including government fees, legal fees, and visa costs, you should anticipate around £40,000 for a family of four, bringing the total recommended financial capacity to at least £100,000. This sum helps ensure that the business can sustain operations effectively and pay the appropriate salary for a Skilled Worker visa. For larger or more complex business models, the required capital may be significantly higher to meet all regulatory and operational needs from the outset.

Yes, it is mandatory for the business to appoint a UK resident director or employ someone locally who can act as a Level A user responsible for fulfilling the sponsorship duties towards the UK immigration authorities. For businesses that might lack local contacts, professional firms exist that offer directorship and Level A user services. We assist our clients by connecting them with reputable companies that provide these services, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and streamlining the sponsorship management process.

Documents required include a current passport or other valid travel identification, proof of English language proficiency at B1 level, evidence of financial stability (such as bank statements or business accounts), and proof of business registration in the UK. Additionally, you will need to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK-based company once the sponsor licence is approved.

To initiate your application, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we'll evaluate your business plan and verify if you meet the eligibility requirements. Our comprehensive support includes assisting you with establishing your business in the UK, opening a bank account, registering with HM Revenue and Customs, and securing necessary certifications and registrations. It is advantageous if your business begins generating revenue before we apply for your sponsor licence. After securing the licence, we will obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from the Home Office, enabling us to apply for your entry clearance. This allows you to legally enter the UK and commence work for your business.

The processing time for a Self Sponsorship Visa can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application, the nature of your business, and its financial health. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. Businesses with clear revenue streams and high growth potential may experience quicker processing times.

You can request your visa to be granted for any period from 6 months up to 5 years. Note that the cost increases with each year due to the requirement to pay the NHS surcharge in advance, which is £1,035 per adult and £776 per child per year.

If your sponsor licence application is refused, it is important to understand that the refusal pertains to the company, not to any individual director or shareholder. This means it does not affect your personal immigration history. The company can reapply after six months, addressing any deficiencies noted in the original refusal. During this period, it’s advisable to thoroughly prepare by addressing the reasons for refusal to enhance the likelihood of approval upon reapplication. In some cases, depending on the nature of the refusal, legal action such as appealing to the high court may be considered as a way to challenge the decision.

Submitting an inadequately prepared sponsor licence application can have significant repercussions. Typically caused by inexperienced advisors, such refusals can delay your business plans and adversely affect your company's immigration profile, complicating any future attempts to secure a licence. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to engage with skilled and reputable legal experts. Collaborating with experienced solicitors ensures your application is comprehensively prepared, aligns with UK immigration regulations, and stands the best chance of approval, thereby avoiding potential setbacks and promoting a successful outcome.