• Simplified Immigration
• 2024-09-17

When considering immigration options to the UK for business purposes, two popular routes are the Self Sponsorship Visa and the Expansion Worker Visa. Both pathways offer unique advantages and requirements, making it essential to understand their differences.

The Self Sponsorship Visa allows individuals to establish their own business in the UK and sponsor themselves for a visa, providing flexibility and control. In contrast, the Expansion Worker Visa is designed for employees of overseas businesses looking to expand their operations in the UK, requiring sponsorship from their employer.

This blog will compare these two visa options, addressing key differences, eligibility criteria, application processes and the benefits and challenges associated with each. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of which visa might be the best fit for your business immigration needs.

What is Self Sponsorship Visa?

The Self Sponsorship Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to move to the UK to start and run their own business. This visa is particularly appealing for entrepreneurs who want the freedom to create and manage their own ventures without needing a traditional job offer from a UK employer.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have a viable business plan and sufficient funds to support themselves and their business. They also need to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being at least 18 years old and having a good command of the English language.

Once granted, the Self Sponsorship Visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK while focusing on their business goals. This route offers flexibility and independence, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish a presence in the UK market.

Application Process of Self Sponsorship Visa

1. Business Establishment: Begin by setting up a UK-based business. This could be a new company or an existing one. Ensure that the business is genuine and capable of meeting sponsorship requirements.

2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence: Once the business is established, apply for a sponsor licence through the UK Home Office. This licence allows you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to yourself. Read our blog on Certificate of Sponsorship to know more.

3. Create a Business Plan: Prepare a detailed business plan that outlines your business goals, market analysis and financial projections. This plan may be required during the sponsor licence application.

4. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship: After receiving the sponsor licence, issue a CoS to yourself. This document is essential for your visa application.

5. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application. This includes proof of funds, your business plan and the CoS.

6. Submit Visa Application: Complete the Skilled Worker visa application online, paying the required fees. Include all supporting documents.

7. Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.

8. Receive Decision:Wait for the Home Office to process your application and notify you of the decision.

What is Expansion Worker Visa?

The Expansion Worker Visa is designed for employees of overseas businesses that want to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. This visa allows senior managers and specialist employees to temporarily relocate to the UK to oversee the expansion process.

To qualify, the applicant must hold a senior position within the overseas company and have been employed there for at least 12 months, unless they earn a high salary. The sponsoring company must not already have a trading presence in the UK and must provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

The visa is typically granted for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for another year, allowing a maximum stay of two years. However, this visa does not lead directly to permanent residency in the UK. Family members can accompany the visa holder, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Application Process of Expansion Worker Visa

1. Job Offer:Secure a job offer from an overseas employer that is looking to expand its operations in the UK. This employer must have a valid sponsor licence.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship: The employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document confirms that you have a job offer and provides details about your role. Read our blog on Certificate of Sponsorship to know more.

3. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including skill level, salary requirements and English language proficiency. The job must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds set by the Home Office.

4. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application. This includes your CoS, proof of English language ability and evidence of personal savings if required.

5. Complete the Application: Fill out the online visa application form for the Expansion Worker Visa. Make sure to provide accurate information and pay the visa application fee.

6. Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.

7. Submit Application: Submit your application along with all supporting documents and biometrics.

8. Await Decision:Wait for the Home Office to process your application and inform you of their decision.

Similarities Between Self Sponsorship Visa and Expansion Worker Visa

• Purpose of Business Expansion: Both visas are aimed at individuals looking to establish or expand a business presence in the UK.

• Sponsorship Requirement:Each visa requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). For the Self Sponsorship Visa, this is obtained through the applicant's own business, while for the Expansion Worker Visa, it is provided by the overseas employer.

• Temporary Stay: Both visas allow for a temporary stay in the UK, typically for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extensions under certain conditions.

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants for both visas must meet specific eligibility requirements, including skill level, salary thresholds and English language proficiency.

• Dependants: Both visa holders can bring their dependants, such as partners and children, to the UK, allowing families to stay together during the visa period.

• Compliance Obligations: Visa holders under both routes must adhere to compliance requirements set by the UK Home Office, ensuring that their businesses operate within legal parameters.

Differences Between Self Sponsorship Visa and UK Worker Visa

1. Definition and Concept

• Self Sponsorship Visa: The applicant's own business acts as the sponsor. This means that the individual must establish a UK company and apply for a sponsor licence to issue a CoS for themselves.

• UK Worker Visa: The UK Worker visa, particularly the Skilled Worker visa, requires applicants to be sponsored by an established employer in the UK. This employer must have a valid sponsor licence and provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

2. Sponsorship Source

• Self Sponsorship Visa: The applicant's own business acts as the sponsor. This means that the individual must establish a UK company and apply for a sponsor licence to issue a CoS for themselves.

• UK Worker Visa: The sponsoring employer is typically a separate entity that has been operating in the UK and holds a valid sponsor licence. The applicant must secure a job offer from this employer to qualify.

3. Business Establishment Requirement

• Self Sponsorship Visa: Applicants must either set up a new business or have an existing one in the UK. This business must be genuine and capable of fulfilling its sponsor duties.

• UK Worker Visa: No requirement to establish a business. Applicants can apply for this visa based on a job offer from an already established UK employer.

4. Eligibility Criteria

• Self Sponsorship Visa: Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a genuine business plan, sufficient funds to support the business and a valid CoS from their own company.

• UK Worker Visa: Applicants need a job offer from a licensed sponsor and must meet the skill and salary thresholds set by the Home Office.

5. Role of the Sponsor

• Self Sponsorship Visa: The applicant must appoint a UK-resident individual, often referred to as the Authorising Officer, who will manage the sponsor licence and CoS issuance.

• UK Worker Visa: The employer is responsible for managing the sponsorship process, including issuing the CoS and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

6. Application Process

• Self Sponsorship Visa: The process involves multiple steps: establishing a UK business, applying for a sponsor licence, obtaining a CoS and then applying for the Skilled Worker visa.

• UK Worker Visa: The process is more straightforward, requiring only a job offer and a CoS from a licensed employer. The applicant submits their visa application based on this sponsorship.

7. Duration of Stay

• Self Sponsorship Visa: Typically granted for up to five years, with the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.

• UK Worker Visa: Also allows for a stay of up to five years, with similar pathways to ILR, depending on the specific visa category and compliance with requirements.

8. Financial Requirements

• Self Sponsorship Visa: Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their business, which may include demonstrating a minimum investment in the business.

• UK Worker Visa: Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds set by the Home Office, which vary depending on the job role and industry. .

9. Flexibility and Control

• Self Sponsorship Visa: Offers greater flexibility as the applicant controls their business and can dictate their employment terms. They do not rely on another employer for their visa status.

• UK Worker Visa: The applicant's visa status is tied to their employer. If the employer withdraws sponsorship or terminates employment, the visa may be jeopardised.

10. Compliance and Responsibilities

• Self Sponsorship Visa: The applicant must ensure their business complies with UK immigration laws and maintains its sponsor licence status.

• UK Worker Visa: The sponsoring employer is responsible for compliance with immigration regulations, including maintaining records and reporting changes to the Home Office.

11. Sponsorship Visa:

• Sponsorship Visa: Applicants must consider costs associated with setting up a business, applying for a sponsor licence and the visa application fees, which can be significant.

• UK Worker Visa:The costs are primarily related to the visa application fee and the employer's costs for obtaining a sponsor licence and issuing a CoS.

Understanding the differences between the Self Sponsorship Visa and the UK Worker Visa is crucial for individuals considering moving to the UK for business purposes. Each route has its unique requirements, processes and implications for applicants.

At Simplified Immigration, we specialise in providing comprehensive self sponsorship and expansion worker visa advices. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, ensuring your application is accurate, complete and compliant with the latest regulations. We understand the complexity of the UK immigration system and are here to help you achieve your goal of working in the UK.

Title: Self Sponsorship Visa vs Expansion Worker Visa: Key Differences for UK Business Immigration

Description: Discover the key differences between the Self Sponsorship Visa and the Expansion Worker Visa for UK business immigration, covering eligibility, sponsorship, and benefits.

Slug: self-sponsorship-visa-vs-expansion-worker-visa-uk-business-immigration