The UK Scale-up Worker Visa is a visa route designed to help high-growth UK businesses attract skilled talent from abroad. Launched in August 2022, this visa allows UK scale-up companies to sponsor skilled foreign workers, specifically those who will help the company achieve its rapid growth goals. Here’s an overview of the Scale-up Worker Visa, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for a Scale-up Worker Visa, applicants must:

• Have a valid job offer from a Home Office-approved scale-up sponsor.
• Be offered a role that meets the minimum skill level (typically equivalent to RQF level 6 or above, such as a bachelor’s degree).
• Earn a salary that meets the minimum threshold, either:
  
  1. £33,000 per year, or
  2. £10.58 per hour, or
  3. The “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is highest.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Eligibility Criteria for Scale-Up Companies
To be eligible to sponsor employees under this visa, a company must meet specific growth benchmarks. A company qualifies as a “scale-up” if it has:

• Grown its turnover or staffing by at least 20% per year over the last three years.
• Had a minimum of 10 employees at the start of that three-year period.

Only companies meeting these criteria and approved by the Home Office can sponsor Scale-up Worker Visa applicants.

Visa Duration and Extensions

• The initial Scale-up Worker Visa is granted for two years.
• After the first six months, the visa holder can switch to a different employer without needing additional sponsorship, providing a degree of freedom to explore other employment.
• Visa holders can apply to extend their visa for an additional three years, provided they still meet the visa requirements, such as salary thresholds.

Path to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After five years on the Scale-up Worker Visa, individuals can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if they meet these conditions:

• Have a record of consistent employment at the required salary level.
• Meet residency requirements, which generally involve spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
• Pass the “Life in the UK” test, a requirement for ILR applications.

Benefits of the Scale-up Worker Visa

• Freedom to Change Employers: After the initial six months with the sponsoring company, Scale-up Visa holders can work for other employers or become self-employed without needing further sponsorship.
• Path to Settlement: The visa provides a pathway to permanent residence (ILR) after five years.
• Dependents: Visa holders can bring family members (dependents) to the UK, including spouses or partners and children under 18.
• Flexibility in Employment: The visa allows flexibility to explore employment outside the original sponsoring company, a unique feature compared to other sponsored visas.

Application Process

• Step 1: The applicant secures a job offer from an eligible scale-up company.
• Step 2: The sponsoring company issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Step 3: The applicant applies for the visa online, paying the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Step 4: If applying from outside the UK, applicants may need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds (typically £1,270) unless they are exempt.

If you require assistance with your sponsorship licence application, speak to our helpful immigration lawyer by calling us on 0203 442 0292 or 07788250721.