As a multi-award-winning, SRA-regulated law firm recommended by The Legal 500 with over a decade of specialised immigration experience, we create the gold standard and benchmark in expertise, authority, and credibility to get the desired results. Moreover, this result driven approach has created an overall record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa applications, enabling the companies and individuals to be confident that their visa process is in experienced hands committed to their success.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa was the original pathway for business owners to establish themselves in the UK. It offered:
The visa was straightforward: you invest the money, then you can run a genuine business, create some jobs, and finally build toward permanent residence.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category officially closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019. This closure affected the options for tier 1 entrepreneur visa extension and settlements. Therefore, every holder of the relevant visa who is eligible for settlement must apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by 5 April 2025. However, those who initially entered under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route and switched to the Entrepreneur visa have time until 5 July 2027 to apply for ILR.
The route closures weren't random policy changes. They were direct responses to systemic problems.
Essentially, the Home Office had taken the stand that investment-based routes were too difficult to manage and gave priority to endorsement-based systems that have greater coverage.
With Brexit, the immigration strategy of the UK is mainly directed to attracting high-skilled individuals who would primarily contribute to the economic growth and innovation of the country. So even though the current immigration issues have become quite complicated, they are still not impossible to manage.
Here is the reality check on the key changes for entrepreneurs:
This shift reflects broader UK immigration policy, emphasising skilled migration over investment-based entry. Most replacement routes, like the Innovator Founder visa, prioritise innovation and external endorsement over pure investment capacity. However, Self-Sponsorship still offers a pathway to run a UK business with enough financial capital and no need for endorsements.
Best for entrepreneurs with genuinely innovative, scalable business ideas.
Best for senior employees of overseas businesses establishing UK branches.
Best for senior employees of overseas businesses establishing UK branches.
Ideal for recognized leaders in technology, sciences, humanities, or arts
Best for entrepreneurs who want full control without external endorsements
Best for entrepreneurs who want full control without external endorsements
In March 2019, when the UK closed the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, it left many ambitious business owners and entrepreneurs searching for a new path.
That's where Self-Sponsorship comes in — your own company sponsors you under Skilled Worker rules, putting you firmly in control of your business and path to UK settlement.
Your company sponsors your visa legally
There is no criteria for an innovative business
Your company sponsors your visa legally
You don’t need to get endorsed every year
Self-Sponsorship combines the best of business ownership with visa stability. Instead of hoping for endorsements or meeting unpredictable innovation criteria, you take control by
We have assisted over 200 entrepreneurs in funding their UK visas. Every time someone succeeds, it adds to our reputation.
You would be dealing with solicitors who are experienced and competent to the core and who know the regulations inside out.
We have fine-tuned our Self-Sponsorship process to the maximum to ensure the highest approval rate and minimise all delays.
You will see all the costs upfront, so you will not be hit with any surprises on your final bill.
We process your spouse and children's applications along with yours to keep your family together.
We offer HR compliance policies as required by the rules and will represent you at a Home Office audit so you can keep your sponsor licence active.
Dream It. Do It. Stories of UK Business Success With Us: Real journeys of ambition, resilience, and success—powered by strategic immigration and legal support by A Y & J Solicitors.
A Y & J Solicitors has handled over hundreds of successful Self Sponsorship UK applications, making it a renowned leader in UK immigration law. Each case that we take is handled with meticulous professionalism by our experienced team, meeting every requirement and providing the highest possible likelihood of approval.
Before we dive in, it’s important to know that the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa was discontinued in March 2019. Entrepreneurs who once pooled resources under Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa are now turning to Self-Sponsorship. With Self-Sponsorship, it is completely up to you to decide whether to go it alone or bring in partners. So you can go both ways since there’s no formal “team size” cap beyond the usual Skilled Worker limits—so two, three or more colleagues can join, provided each satisfies the rules and your business genuinely needs them.
Chief Executive Officer
The driving force behind the company, Yash has years of legal experience and an uncompromising focus on client success. His leadership is the catalyst for integrity, innovation, and results.
Head of Operations
With a keen eye for process excellence and attention to detail, Diana makes every client experience seamless, efficient, and treated with care—from initial contact to final resolution.
Chief Operating Officer
Anik combines strategic mind with operational acumen to drive scale of impact and efficiency in service delivery. His systems philosophy runs the engine smoothly.
Business Relationship Manager
Amin heads the frontlines of client interaction. He is driven by a consultative mind and profound knowledge of immigration options, matching clients with solutions that best meet their objectives.
