Self-Sponsorship Visa Renewal and Extension: Continuing Your Stay in the UK
The Self-Sponsorship Visa allows entrepreneurs and skilled professionals to establish a business in the UK, essentially sponsoring their own visa. If you’re currently on a Self-Sponsorship Visa and nearing the end of your visa period, it’s important to understand the process for renewal or extension to continue running your business in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from eligibility to application, so you can confidently navigate the process.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from eligibility to application, so you can confidently navigate the process.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply to renew or extend your Self-Sponsorship Visa if you meet the following conditions:
- Business Requirement: Your UK business must still be operating and compliant with UK laws, taxes, and reporting requirements.
- Employment Requirement: If your business employs staff, you must demonstrate that you have created and sustained employment for UK residents (depending on the visa type, this may vary in the number of jobs required).
- Genuine Entrepreneur: You must prove that you are still actively involved in running your business and that it is a genuine and profitable venture.
- Financial Stability: Your business must remain financially viable, and you must continue to meet the financial requirements to support yourself without relying on public funds.
Documents Required for Renewal or Extension
To apply for a Self-Sponsorship Visa Renewal or Extension, you will need to submit the following:
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Business documentation, including company registration, proof of business operations, and tax filings (e.g., annual accounts, VAT returns).
- Evidence of employment, such as payslips or employment contracts for UK staff, showing compliance with employment laws.
- Financial documents, including bank statements or profit/loss statements proving your ability to support yourself.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your own business, if applicable.
How Long Can You Extend the Visa For?
You can typically extend your Self-Sponsorship Visa for up to 3 years, depending on the type of visa you hold. After several renewals, you may also become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which provides permanent residency in the UK.
Application Process for Renewal or Extension
Here’s the step-by-step process to renew or extend your visa:
- Prepare Documents: Ensure that your business and financial documentation is up to date and meets all the legal and financial requirements for renewal.
- Complete the Online Application: Apply for the renewal or extension through the gov.uk website and pay the appropriate fees.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment: You will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints, photo, and other necessary data.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents online or submit them at your biometric appointment.
- Wait for a Decision: Processing times for visa extensions can take up to 8 weeks, but expedited services are available.
Costs Involved
Here’s an overview of the costs for renewing or extending your Self-Sponsorship Visa:
- Visa application fee: This varies based on the type of visa, but typically ranges from £704 to £1,408.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, paid upfront for the duration of the extension.
- Expedited service: Available for an additional fee if you need a faster decision.
- Each visit under these long-term visas can only last up to 6 months at a time.
What Happens if Your Visa is Not Renewed?
If your visa extension application is denied, you may:
- Appeal the decision if there are grounds for reconsideration.
- Reapply with additional or corrected information.
- Leave the UK before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying, which could affect future visa applications.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After living in the UK for 5 years on a Self-Sponsorship Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to stay in the UK permanently. The ILR application process requires you to meet additional criteria, such as demonstrating continuous residence, meeting financial thresholds, and passing the Life in the UK Test.
Ready to Apply?
Renewing or extending your Self-Sponsorship Visa is crucial for ensuring that you can continue running your business and living in the UK. By meeting the business, employment, and financial requirements, and preparing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful extension.
If you need assistance with your application or have questions about your eligibility, our team is here to help guide you through the process.
If you need assistance with your application or have questions about your eligibility, our team is here to help guide you through the process.
