Do you know on a day to day basis immigration experts frequently receive a lot of queries regarding UK self sponsorship visa. After discontinuation of UK investment visa, the UK self sponsorship visa route is the most sought after route of investment in the UK
After reading this article you will understand how to voyage through the process of getting a business visa UK via self sponsorship visa route, including opening a business in the UK.
UK self sponsorship visa route – Lets find out what is it
One very important thing you need to understand before moving forward is that a UK self sponsorship visa is not an actual route. To explain in layman terms it is combination of skilled worker visa and sponsor licence ( plus the terms and conditions)
UK self sponsorship visa – the most preferred business visa route
A UK self sponsorship visa is the only way you can invest in the UK while having ultimate independence and control over your business ventures without the authorities interfering much after they are satisfied with their reviews and approvals.
In other visa routes, you still require a minimum cap on the investment you need to bring to the UK but in the self sponsorship visa route there is no stipulation on the minimum investment. This primary benefit allows you to scale your investment according to requirements and capability of your venture.
Now when you have a UK self sponsorship visa for a minimum period of 5 years and you are planning to stay here for long would you imagine living alone or with your family members? You would undoubtedly choose living with your family and consider moving them to the UK.
If you are the primary applicant, you can bring your family members who are dependent on you to the UK with a self sponsorship visa route.
Additionally if you are looking for more options under the business visa UK category, the UK self sponsorship route can make you eligible for applying for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years and adding one more year to this, you may qualify for British citizenship.
The Process of Opening a business in the UK using self sponsorship route
The process for opening a business in the UK starts with some important steps you need to take:
A Legitimate establishment of a company:
The UK Government and the Home office take policy regarding legitimacy of any establishment very seriously. Therefore this is something you can not afford to compromise with.
You can consider registering a new company or apply from an already registered company for getting a UK self sponsorship visa.
It is also possible to register a company in the UK from overseas. The Directors of the company necessarily don’t need to be UK residents or hold a British citizenship but they must be able to meet the requirements and obligations. Also, non resident directors can require a UK representative for some requirements.
Holding a Skilled worker Sponsor Licence:
Once you have registered a company in the UK the journey ahead after this includes obtaining a Skilled worker Sponsor Licence. The authenticity and capability of your business such as sponsor duty fulfillment, genuine employment and salary matching the skills required must satisfy the home office.
To prove your business is genuine and operating lawfully, you must give at least four specified documents from Appendix A of the guarantor guidance. These might include
- substantiation of a current commercial bank account.
- evidence of PAYE and National Insurance enrollment .
- Handbasket enrollment .
- Employer’s liability insurance.
- Most recent periodic accounts.
Overseas citizens can open a business bank account in the UK, but conditions vary by bank and circumstances. Research and professional advice are recommended.
Get Certificate of Sponsorship
After you get your sponsor licence your establishment can apply for Certificate of Sponsorship which contains a unique reference number required for the visa application.
Here’s what details your Certificate of Sponsorship must have:
- Name
- Job
- Salary
- Start date within three months of visa application
- Validity of the COS
Application for UK self sponsorship visa:
Here are the application essentials:
- A valid CoS.
- A suitable job vacancy according to your skills.
- Your salary must meet the thresholds..
- Payment of the Immigration Skill Charge.
- English language proficiency.
- fiscal tone- adequacy.
- Provision of necessary health and other certificates ( felonious record, TB).
Applications need to be submitted up to three months before your launch date.
Overseas aspirants generally take a decision within three weeks -to eight weeks( in case of in- country applications)
FAQs for Opening a business in UK
Can those who don’t live in the UK get a business bank account there?
Indeed, foreign nationals are able to open a business bank account in the UK. Also to note that, each bank may have different policies and requirements .Usually, you’ll require identity documents, such as a national ID card or passport. Proof of income and address might also be needed.
What paperwork is required for a non-UK resident to open a business bank account in the UK?
Identity credentials such as a passport or national ID card, proof of address (which might be difficult for non-residents), and evidence of your income or the source of your business finances are required.
Does opening a business bank account in the UK require a UK address if I’m not a resident?
A UK address might be required by certain banks, but not by others. To learn about a bank’s rules, you must either contact the bank directly or conduct research on its specific criteria.
Is there a need for professional legal advice to get you through the complex UK immigration process?
A Y & J Solicitors provides services to people all around the world. You may be sure that your immigration difficulties are in good hands because we have over 1,200 positive customer ratings and are among the top 500 UK law firms in The Legal.
Please contact us today for getting your UK Self sponsorship Visa with ease.
