SELF-SPONSORSHIP SKILLED WORKER VISA, UK

If you are considering establishing a new business in the UK or you already own a UK business, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship—meaning you can sponsor yourself through your own UK company. Before you can apply, your UK business will need to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

This self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa can lead to settlement in the UK, and you may also bring dependent partners and children.

Interested in sponsoring yourself for a Skilled Worker visa?
Explore our success stories and learn more about how self-sponsorship has worked for others.

Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Own or operate an established and active UK company
• Ensure your UK company has successfully applied for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• Secure a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK company for your intended job role
• Offer a genuine job vacancy at an appropriate skill level
• Receive a salary that meets both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for your occupation
• Ensure the company has paid the required Immigration Skills Charge
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language (at least CEFR Level B1)
• Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds
• Submit any required criminal record or TB certificates

The specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, so we recommend speaking with an immigration expert for tailored guidance.

Company Setup and Registrations:

• Incorporate the company with Companies House.
• Register the company with HMRC for PAYE.
• Register for VAT.
• Register Company for Pension Scheme.
• Acquire an employer’s liability insurance policy.
• UKVI Compliant HR System Setup.

Our professional fees, which must be paid upfront for each step listed below, to assist you with this process are as follows:

• Company Registration Services(Incorporation, PAYE, Pension Scheme and VAT Registration): £2,500
• Business Plan(Optional): £2,000
• Liability Insurance and HR System(Optional, if required from us): £1,000

  Sponsor Application Estimated Cost

• Sponsor Licence Application: £2,500
• Sponsor Licence Application Further Information (if required): £500
• Sponsor Licence Application Authorising Officer Interview Preparation: £500
• Sponsor Licence Application Re Apply if rejected: £500

  After Sponsor License Approval Services:

• Assisting to Request the CoS: £300
• Additional Information if requested while after Request the CoS / DCoS: £300
• Assisting to Assign the CoS: £300

Acting as Level 1 User (Optional)

• Level 1 User Monthly Charges (Optional): £150

  Optional Compliance Services:

• Compliance Services – Right to work check per person: £100
• Compliance Services – Employment Contract Drafting per person: £250

  Skilled Worker Application Submission/ Representation

• Skilled Worker visa application for the Main Applicant: £750 
• Skilled Worker visa application per Dependent: £750

Sponsor Licence – Home Office Fee (Payable directly to the Home Office by the applicant):

• Home Office Application Fee: £536
• Home Office Priority Fee: £500

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Cost payable to the Home Office (Payable directly to the Home Office by the applicant):

Once the Sponsor Application is approved by the Home Office and Company is assigning the COS to the staff, the cost payable for assigning the COS is as follows  

• Assignment/Allocation of CoS: £239
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 (Small Organisation) Per Year of the Visa

Skilled Worker Visa Application – Home Office Payment (Payable directly to the Home Office by the applicant):

The Home Office Visa Application Fee and IHS Payment overview is attached to this email for your reference. Please note to check the Home Office website for the latest information. 

• Visa Application Fee (outside UK): £719 per person (If applying for visa up to 3 years) OR £1,420 Per Person (If applying for visa more than 3 Years)
• Visa Application Fee (inside UK): £827 per person (If applying for visa/extension/switch up to 3 years) OR £1,636 Per Person (If applying for visa/extension/switch more than 3 Years)
• If the job is on the Immigration Salary Listthen Visa Application Fee £551 per person (If applying for visa up to 3 years) OR £1,084 Per Person (If applying for visa more than 3 Years)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Adult (per person per year): £1,035 Per Year 
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Child (per child per year): £776 Per Year Of the Visa

Estimated Timelines:

Please take note of the likely timelines for this process below. This is the estimated timeline and can vary according to the particular application and the specific circumstances:

• Company Incorporation – 1 week
• Business Bank account – 1 to 2 weeks
• Company Registration with HMRC for PAYE and VAT – 4 to 16 weeks
• Preparing and Submitting Sponsor Licence Application – 2 weeks 
• Home Office will process the Sponsor Licence Application – up to 12 weeks (if priority service is requested and approved, a decision is received within 10 working days)
• Once the Sponsor Licence application is approved, firm need to request for CoS/DCoS allocation, the approval may take 4 to 8 weeks. The Home Office can request for additional information, if required. 
• Skilled Worker visa application – it can take between 4 – 6 weeks to be processed. (currently limited priority service available for this visa)

Our team specialises in immigration, working solely in your best interests. We provide a client-focused approach from the start, offering personalized guidance from the initial meeting. From day one, we can assess the strength of your application before it even reaches the UK Visa & Immigration department at the Home Office.

Our Services:

Please find  below a breakdown of the services that we will provide to assist you with your Sponsor Licence application:

1. Initial Consultation: We will gain a full understanding of your company’s circumstances to create a customised document checklist to support your application.
2. Document Review: A two-stage review process to thoroughly assess your documents. After each review, we will provide detailed feedback, if necessary.
3. Preparation of Legal Representations: Once all documents meet the required standards, we will draft tailored legal representations. This document will explain the relevant UK Immigration Rules and demonstrate how your documentation meets these criteria.
4. Preparation of Online Sponsor Licence Application: We will complete and submit your online Sponsorship Licence application.
5. Liaison with the Home Office – UKVI: We will communicate with the Home Office until a final decision on your application is made.

What to avoid

Compliance Failures Leading to Sponsor Licence Suspension

A Sponsor Licence allows UK employers to legally hire skilled workers from outside the UK. However, failure to comply with Home Office regulations can result in licence suspension, revocation, or even fines. Below are key compliance failures that may lead to the suspension of a Sponsor Licence:

1. Illegal Working Practices

Employers must conduct thorough right-to-work checks before hiring an employee. Failure to verify immigration status can result in employing workers illegally, leading to severe penalties, including licence suspension or criminal liability.

2. Failure to Keep Accurate Records

Employers must maintain complete and up-to-date employee records, including:

• Passport and visa copies
• Employment contracts
• Absence and attendance records
• Work history and role details

Failure to retain or update these records can result in non-compliance with UK immigration laws.

3. Not Monitoring Sponsored Employees

Once an employee is sponsored, the employer must track their attendance, job role, and responsibilities. Employers failing to monitor whether employees are working in their designated job role, or if they have left the organization without proper notification, risk compliance breaches.

4. Non-compliance with Reporting Duties

Sponsors are required to report key changes to the Home Office, such as:

• Changes in an employee’s role, salary, or job location
• Employees leaving their job or being absent without leave
• Business restructuring that affects sponsorship

Failure to update the Home Office within the required timeframe can lead to licence suspension.

5. Inadequate HR Practices

Sponsors must have robust HR and compliance systems in place to track their sponsored workers effectively. Weak internal audits, lack of training for HR personnel, and improper record-keeping can put the business at risk.

6. Failure to Meet Genuine Vacancy Requirements

Jobs offered to sponsored employees must be genuine and meet the required salary and skill level. If the Home Office finds that a job role does not align with sponsorship requirements (e.g., artificially created roles, underpaid workers), the licence may be suspended or revoked.

Consequences of Licence Suspension

If a Sponsor Licence is suspended:

• The employer cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for new hires.
• Existing sponsored employees may have their visas revoked.
• The business may face financial penalties or be placed on a compliance watchlist.

How to Prevent Sponsor Licence Suspension

To remain compliant, employers should:
✔ Conduct regular internal audits of HR processes.
✔ Maintain detailed employee records and conduct right-to-work checks.
✔ Report any changes to the Home Office on time.
✔ Ensure all job roles and salaries meet sponsorship criteria.
✔ Train HR teams on compliance and immigration requirements.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us!

📧 Email: admin@keleaders.com
📞 Phone: +44 7405619940/ 07901259494                               Website: www.keleaders.com