How to Start Your Own Business on a PSW Visa and Secure Sponsorship.

If you are currently on a Post Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK and want to start your own business, you’re in the right place. Many international students and graduates worry about securing a skilled worker sponsorship, but did you know that you can sponsor yourself by acquiring and running your own business? In this guide, we will break down exactly how you can do this, what steps you need to take, and how we can help you through the entire process.

Why Consider Self-Sponsorship?

Many international students struggle to find an employer willing to sponsor them under the Skilled Worker visa route. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, why not create your own? By purchasing and running a business in the UK, you can obtain a sponsorship license and sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker visa route. This allows you to legally stay in the UK, bring dependents, and eventually become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.

This self-sponsorship method is completely legal and has helped many people secure their future in the UK. Here’s how you can do it too.

Step 1: Assess Your Budget and Business Options

To start your own business and obtain a sponsorship license, you will need a budget of approximately £20,000 to £30,000. If you don’t have the full amount, you can consider pooling resources with trusted friends or partners who are in the same situation.

Here are some business types that can be acquired within this budget:

• Takeaways and Restaurants – These businesses have steady cash flow and are always in demand.

• Convenience Stores and Off-Licenses – These businesses offer daily essentials and attract a consistent customer base.

• eCommerce Websites – Running an online store selling products via Shopify, Amazon, or eBay can be a great option.

• Service-Based Businesses – Accounting firms, recruitment agencies, or IT consultancy firms are also viable options.

Choosing the right business is critical, as it must be profitable enough to support your sponsorship and visa requirements.

Step 2: Register Your Business and Obtain a Sponsorship License

Once you have decided on a business, the next step is to legally register it in the UK. You need to:

1. Incorporate Your Business – Register your company with Companies House as a Limited Company (LTD). This is a crucial step to make your business eligible for sponsorship.

2. Open a Business Bank Account – This will allow you to conduct transactions legally and keep your finances in order.

3. Get a Sponsorship License – This is the most important part of the process.

The UK Home Office requires you to apply for a Sponsorship License to be able to sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker visa category.

The application for a Sponsorship License involves providing business documents, financial records, and demonstrating that your business is genuine.

Step 3: Sponsor Yourself and Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Once you have successfully obtained your Sponsorship License, you can sponsor yourself under your own business. Here’s how:

1. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – As a licensed sponsor, your company can now issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to yourself.

2. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa – With your CoS, you can now submit your visa application under the Skilled Worker route.

3. Meet the Salary Requirement – Ensure your business pays you at least the minimum salary required under the Skilled Worker visa guidelines. This is usually £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, but can vary by job role.

By following these steps, you legally move from a PSW visa to a Skilled Worker visa, all while being your own employer.

Step 4: Maintain Compliance and Grow Your Business

Once you’ve secured your visa, your responsibilities do not end there. The UK Home Office conducts periodic audits and compliance checks to ensure sponsors are following regulations.

To maintain compliance:

• Keep Proper Records – Maintain employee records, payroll documentation, and business financials.

• Follow UK Employment Laws – Ensure you meet the legal requirements for employment, taxation, and sponsorship duties.

• Continue Business Growth – Expand your business by hiring more employees and increasing revenue.

The ultimate goal is to stay compliant for five years, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British Citizenship.

How We Can Help You Through the Process

Setting up a business and obtaining a sponsorship license can be a complex process, but we have created a special self-sponsorship package to guide you through every step.

For a nominal fee, we will provide:

• Business Consultation – We will suggest which businesses to buy and how to structure your company.

• Sponsorship License Application – Our team will file the license application for you.

• CoS Allocation and Admin Work – We will handle all compliance tasks, including CoS allocation and sponsorship duties.

• 5-Year Compliance Support – We ensure you meet all legal requirements so you can smoothly transition to ILR.

With our expertise, we make the self-sponsorship route as easy and stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I sponsor myself while on a PSW visa?

Yes, by acquiring a business and obtaining a sponsorship license, you can legally sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker visa route.

2. Do I need to hire other employees?

Not necessarily. While hiring other employees is beneficial for your business, it is not a strict requirement for getting a sponsorship license.

3. What if I don’t have £20,000-£30,000?

You can partner with friends or investors who are also looking for a sponsorship route. This way, you can pool funds together and run a business jointly.

4. What happens after 5 years?

After maintaining compliance for 5 years, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay permanently in the UK.

5. How can I get started?

If you’re interested in this self-sponsorship route, type “Sponsorship” in the comments section, and we’ll DM you a link to book a FREE Personalized Consultation with our team.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own business while on a PSW visa is a smart and strategic way to secure your future in the UK. Instead of waiting for sponsorship opportunities, take control by creating one for yourself. With the right business, proper documentation, and compliance, you can successfully transition from a PSW visa to a Skilled Worker visa and eventually gain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

If you’re serious about self-sponsorship, let us help you make the process easier. We will personally guide you through the journey. 🚀