A real business first. A visa assessment next.

Understand what people mean by “self-sponsorship”, what a sponsor licence requires and how to build a realistic budget.

Official sources · Clear costs · No guaranteed outcomes

There is no standalone UK visa called “self-sponsorship”.

The phrase commonly describes a business sponsoring an owner or director under the Skilled Worker rules. Owning shares or incorporating a company does not give permission to live or work in the UK. Whether an arrangement works depends on the business, genuine job, sponsor duties and the individual's immigration position.

A company sponsoring a worker

A lawful operating business must qualify for a sponsor licence, have suitable people and systems to manage sponsorship, and offer a genuine eligible role at the required pay. UKVI can check the business and its records.

Employer sponsorship requirements Sponsorship management roles Job and salary requirements

Innovator Founder

This route needs an approved endorsement for a business idea that meets innovation, viability and scalability requirements. There is no published flat investment amount that makes a new idea eligible; you still need credible business funding and separate personal maintenance.

The published endorsement charge is £1,000, plus at least two £500 contact-point meetings during the visa period. Visa fees, healthcare surcharge and operating funds are additional.

Innovator Founder overview and fees Funding and eligibility

COSTS WITHOUT THE SALES PITCH

What is the least investment?

There is no universal minimum business budget that guarantees approval. The cheaper-looking package may leave out salary, employer National Insurance, rent, accounting, compliance work and the applicant's visa costs.

Check what your current permission allows. Student permission normally prohibits business activity. Do not start trading on an assumption.
Build a viable business case. Document customers, cash flow, genuine duties and how the business can sustain the role.
Check sponsor readiness. Review licence eligibility, key personnel, records and reporting responsibilities.
Get an itemised regulated assessment. Separate government charges, professional fees, working capital and personal living costs.
Apply only when the evidence supports it. A licence, certificate and personal visa application are separate steps; none guarantees the next.

Student conditions

EMPLOYER CHARGES ILLUSTRATION

One Skilled Worker sponsorship

Sponsorship duration Medium or large sponsor A verified Immigration Skills Charge exemption applies

New Worker licence: £611
One certificate of sponsorship: £525
Immigration Skills Charge: £1,440
Illustrated employer charges: £2,576

Not a business investment estimate or eligibility decision. Excludes salary, running costs, professional fees, visa fee, IHS and maintenance. A business with a suitable existing licence may not need a new licence fee.

These sponsor charges are payable by the employer. Do not treat them as fees to sell a job or pass on to a sponsored worker. Check official exemptions and sponsor size rules.

Licence fee and sponsor size Certificate charge Skills charge and exemptions

Before paying a consultant

Ask for their regulator and registration number, a written scope, all fees including VAT, refund terms and the evidence they need. Independently verify the adviser. Treat guaranteed visas, purchased certificates, sham jobs and “no real business needed” offers as warning signs.

Check an adviser or solicitor

Make your next step an informed one.

Use the original guidance and get regulated advice for your circumstances.

Find immigration advice Ask with official sources