A Scale-up Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’).

Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor scale-up workers.

Eligible scale-up businesses

Your employer must either:

have been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body

be an eligible fast-growing business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’)

To be an eligible fast-growing business, in the 3-year period immediately before they were approved by the Home Office to sponsor scale-up workers, they must have:

grown by 20% on average in each year in either employment or total sales (turnover)

had at least 10 employees at the start of the 3-year period

Job Offer from a UK Employer:

1. • Without a Job Offer: Seek out a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor. Actively explore opportunities and engage with licensed sponsors to enhance your prospects.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

1. • Upon securing a job offer, ensure that your UK employer provides you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It’s crucial to verify that your employer holds approval from the Home Office.

Occupation on the Eligible List:

1. • Confirm that your job aligns with the eligible occupations outlined for the Scale-up Worker Visa. Thoroughly review and ensure compliance with the specified eligibility criteria.

Minimum Salary: You’ll need to be paid whichever is the highest out of the following 2 options:

£34,600 per year

the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing

English Language Proficiency:

1. • If you already meet the B1 level, fulfill the language requirement by successfully passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
   • If your English proficiency is below the B1 level, take proactive steps to enhance your language skills through language courses and regular practice.

Financial Requirement:

1. • Maintain a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying. If your employer covers initial costs, ensure they can provide financial support. For applicants with dependents, they must also demonstrate financial self-sufficiency:
     • £285 for your partner
     • £315 for one child
     • £200 for each additional child

Duration and Extension:

1. • The Scale-up Worker Visa initially allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years. You can extend your visa multiple times by 3 years each, as long as you meet eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain, granting you permanent residency in the UK.

For a successful application, you must provide the following documents:

Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

Proof of English proficiency at B1 level

Job title, annual salary, and job occupation code

Employer’s name and sponsor licence number (as found on your certificate of sponsorship)

Relevant qualification or degree related to your intended job

Dependents:

1. • Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as dependants if they are eligible. Ensure you provide evidence of your relationship with your dependants when applying.

What You Can Do:

Work in your sponsored job for at least 6 months.

Leave your sponsored job after 6 months.

Pursue studies.

Bring your eligible partner and children with you as ‘dependants.’

Engage in additional work, including self-employment.

Participate in voluntary work.

Travel abroad and return to the UK.

Apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet other eligibility requirements.

What You Cannot Do:

Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension.

Work as a professional sportsperson, such as a sports coach.

Important Points:

First 6 Months: You cannot change your employer during this period unless you apply to update your visa. You do not need to update your visa if you start a different, eligible job with the same employer.

After 6 Months: You have the flexibility to continue working in your current job, change or stop your job without notifying the Home Office, and even be self-employed. There is no need to update your visa.

Extension: You can extend your Scale-up Worker visa without a new sponsor when your current visa expires, provided you meet the earnings requirements.