Secure Your UK Visa Independently Without Needing an Employer
Many Nigerians in the UK (and outside the UK) are now turning to the Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visaβa legal route that lets you sponsor yourself through your own UK company. If you already run a business in the UK or plan to open one, this pathway gives you more control, stability, and a clear route to settlement.
This guide breaks it down step-by-step in simple, practical terms.
πΉ What Is the Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa?
Normally, to get a Skilled Worker Visa, you need an employer to sponsor you. With self-sponsorship:
π You create a UK company (or use one you already own)
π That company applies to become a licensed sponsor
π Your company then sponsors you for the Skilled Worker Visa
This route is ideal for Nigerians who:
βοΈ Want to run their own business in the UK
βοΈ Want long-term control over their visa status
βοΈ Donβt want to rely on an employer
STEP 1οΈβ£ β Set Up or Register Your UK Company
Your business must be registered with Companies House and be able to show that it is:
- Legal
- Actively trading
- Genuine
Youβll need supporting documents, which may include:
π Proof of employer liability insurance (Β£5 million minimum)
π HMRC registration
π Business tax return
π VAT registration (if applicable)
π Office lease or ownership documents
π Business bank statements
π Annual accounts
These are used to prove your business is real and legitimate.
STEP 2οΈβ£ β Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To sponsor yourself, your company must apply for a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
You must upload all required documents online and show that your business is actually trading.
Evidence may include:
βοΈ Client contracts
βοΈ Invoices
βοΈ Website
βοΈ Marketing materials
βοΈ Business plans
π« You CANNOT sponsor yourself for personal tasks like childcare, cleaning, or private domestic work.
STEP 3οΈβ£ β Assign Key Personnel
Every sponsoring company must appoint Key Personnel, including:
- Authorising Officer β senior person in charge
- Key Contact β main contact with UKVI
- Level 1 User β manages the online system
IMPORTANT RULES:
β The sponsored worker (you) cannot appoint a close relative as Key Personnel
β Level 1 user must be a UK citizen or someone with ILR (Permanent Residency)
STEP 4οΈβ£ β Meet Ongoing Sponsor Duties
Once your licence is approved, your company must:
- Keep accurate employee records
- Report changes to UKVI
- Ensure you follow your visa rules
- NOT deduct visa-related costs from your salary
Failure to comply can lead to licence suspension or cancellation.
STEP 5οΈβ£ β Request a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your company will assign you a CoS to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.
If you are:
β‘οΈ Inside the UK β You need an Undefined CoS
β‘οΈ Outside the UK β You need a Defined CoS
STEP 6οΈβ£ β Pick the Correct Job Role (Occupation Code)
Your self-sponsored role must be:
βοΈ A genuine vacancy
βοΈ At the correct skill level
βοΈ Match the job description in the Skilled Occupation List
π In 2025, only RQF Level 6 and above roles qualify (except limited exemptions).
This means jobs must be at a degree-level skill unless listed on the special exemption list.
STEP 7οΈβ£ β Meet Salary Requirements
You must be paid:
π· At least Β£41,700 per year OR
π· The βgoing rateβ for your job β whichever is higher
(Note: This is based on a 37.5-hour workweek.)
There are limited exemptions for:
- New entrants (under 26)
- Jobs on the Immigration Salary List
STEP 8οΈβ£ β Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify, you must:
βοΈ Be 18+
βοΈ Have a valid CoS
βοΈ Be working in a genuine skilled role
βοΈ Meet English language requirement (B1)
βοΈ Meet salary thresholds
βοΈ Show ability to support yourself financially
Applications are done online.
STEP 9οΈβ£ β Prove the Role Is Genuine
UKVI must be satisfied that this is a real job, not created just for the visa.
Your business should provide:
π Job description
π Evidence of business operations
π Proof the role is needed
π Proof of your skills/qualifications
If the role looks fake, the visa will be refused.
β Common Questions Nigerians Ask
β€ How long to get settlement?
5 years on the Skilled Worker Visa (as of late 2025).
β€ Can I start a business if Iβm already in the UK?
Yes β depending on your current visa category.
β€ Can I work outside my business?
Yes, up to 20 hours/week in another eligible skilled job.
β€ Do I have to pay myself a salary?
YES. The salary must match Home Office minimum requirements and be shown on payroll.
π¬π§ Final Words: Why Nigerians Are Choosing Self-Sponsorship
The Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker Visa gives Nigerians the chance to:
π Build their own business
πΌ Control their immigration pathway
π Work toward settlement
π· Earn in the UK
π Secure long-term opportunities
Itβs a powerful immigration route for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals.
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