Scale-Up Worker Visa

What is a Scale-Up Worker Visa?

A UK Scale-up Worker visa enables non-British and Irish nationals to work in the UK for a fast-growing UK business.

The Scale-up Worker visa offers a sponsored route and an unsponsored route. The unsponsored route is only available to applicants who have previously had an application approved as a Scale-up Worker.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Scale-up Worker Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Scale-up Worker visa in the sponsored route, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have a job offer from an approved scale-up business lasting a period of at least 6 months;
• Must have a certificate of sponsorship from their employer;
• Must have been offered a job which is on the list of eligible occupations;
• The job offer is for a genuine vacancy;
• Must be paid a salary of whichever is higher:
• £34,600 per year; or
• the going rate for the occupation job they will be doing;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

The above requirements are not exhaustive and will vary depending on each application.

In order to successfully apply for a Scale-up Worker visa in the unsponsored route, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have or previously had held in the last 6 months before the application, permission as a Scale-up Worker;
• Must have PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £34,600 per year or £33,000 per year if their most recent permission on the route was on the basis of a certificate of sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023, during at least 50% of their permission as a Scale-up Worker;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support
• hemselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

The above requirements are not exhaustive and will vary depending on each application.

How Long is a Scale-up Worker Visa Valid for?

A Scale-up Worker visa is initially granted for 2 years.

Can a Scale-up Worker Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Scale-up Worker visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, they will be granted permission to stay in the UK for a further 3 years. Applicants can extend their visa as many times as they like so long as they still meet the relevant requirements.

Does a Scale-up Worker Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Scale-up Worker visa for 5 years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Scale-up Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Scale-up Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Scale-up Worker visa application submitted outside the UK within 3 weeks. An application for a Scale-up Worker visa made within the UK is usually decided within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Scale-up Worker visa is £715.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

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If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.