Sponsor Licence & Self-Sponsorship FAQ
What is Self-Sponsorship in the UK?
Self-sponsorship is a route where you establish or own a UK company and use that company’s Sponsor Licence to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa.
This allows entrepreneurs and professionals to live in the UK while running their own business.
Who is Self-Sponsorship suitable for?
This route is typically suitable for people who:
- Want to start or run a UK business
- Have a genuine business plan
- Can invest in their company
- Want professional guidance to avoid Home Office refusals
We assess suitability during the discovery call.
Can I sponsor myself through my own company?
Yes — but the company must meet specific Home Office requirements, including demonstrating genuine business activity and having the correct internal structure.
We explain exactly how this works during the discovery call.
Do I need to already have a UK company?
No.
You can apply through:
- An existing company
- A new UK start-up
The best option depends on your timeline, immigration status, and business model.
Do I need to invest money into the business?
Yes — the Home Office expects businesses applying for a Sponsor Licence to demonstrate financial stability and genuine operations.
The level of investment varies depending on the business structure and stage of the application.
Do I need a UK business address?
Most applications require a legitimate UK business premises where the business operates.
Depending on the business model, this may include office space or co-working space.
Do I need someone in the UK to represent the company?
Yes.
A Sponsor Licence application requires an Authorising Officer, usually someone who is a British citizen or has settled status, who represents the company to the Home Office.
If you do not have someone suitable, solutions can be discussed during the discovery call.
How long does the Sponsor Licence process take?
Processing times depend on the case and preparation stage.
Typical timelines:
- Standard processing: around 8 weeks
- Priority service: potentially around 10 working days
Business readiness can impact timelines significantly.
Is Self-Sponsorship guaranteed?
No immigration route can ever be guaranteed.
However, proper preparation, correct documentation, and compliance with Home Office expectations significantly improves approval chances.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on several factors, including:
- Whether you already have a company
- Your stage in the process
- The level of support you want
- Additional services required
Most clients typically invest from several thousand pounds upwards depending on the package and level of support.
Full pricing options are explained during the discovery call.
Can I apply by myself?
Yes — it is technically possible to apply independently.
However, many applicants choose professional support to avoid common mistakes that lead to Home Office refusals or delays.
What happens during the discovery call?
During the call we will:
Assess your eligibility
- Understand your visa situation and timeline
- Discuss your business idea or company
- Explain the process and requirements
- Recommend the best path forward
Ready to explore the self-sponsorship route?
Book a discovery call with our team to see if this route is suitable for you.