UK Scale-Up Worker Visa

The Scale-Up Worker Visa allows skilled professionals from overseas to work in the UK for a fast-growing business, referred to as a scale-up company, for a minimum period of six months. Launched on 22nd August 2022, this visa is designed to help rapidly expanding UK businesses recruit top global talent. A key advantage of the Scale-Up Visa is that after the initial six-month sponsorship period, visa holders can switch to an unsponsored role, providing greater job flexibility.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Scale-Up Visa

To qualify for a Scale-Up Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Job Offer: A valid job offer from an approved scale-up business for at least six months.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by an approved UK employer.
• Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• Salary Requirements: The job must pay at least £36,300 per year or meet the going rate for the specific role.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to communicate in English.
• Financial Requirement: Sufficient personal savings to support themselves in the UK.

If you have received a job offer from a scale-up business, Visa Solutions UK can assist with the visa application process.

What is a Scale-Up Business?

A scale-up business is a company that, in the three years prior to receiving its sponsor license from the Home Office, has:

• Experienced at least 20% growth per year in either employee numbers or total revenue.
• Had at least 10 employees at the start of the three-year period.

Currently, an estimated 34,000 businesses in the UK meet the criteria to be considered scale-up businesses. Only A-rated sponsors listed on the Home Office’s approved sponsor register can issue Certificates of Sponsorship for Scale-Up Visas.

Eligible Jobs for the Scale-Up Visa

To qualify, the role must be listed on the eligible occupations list. Employers will provide a 4-digit occupation code, which applicants can check against the Home Office’s eligible jobs list.

Scale-Up Visa Salary Requirements

Applicants must be paid the higher of:

• £36,300 per year
• The going rate for their specific job

The going rate for each occupation is outlined in the Skilled Worker and Scale-Up Visa occupation list.

English Language Requirement

To meet the English proficiency criteria, applicants must:

• Be from an exempt country
• Hold a degree or higher qualification taught in English
• Have completed a UK school qualification before turning 18
• Pass an approved English test at CEFR Level B1 or higher

Financial Requirement for the Scale-Up Visa

Applicants must have at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before applying. Those who have already lived in the UK for over a year are exempt from this requirement.

Sponsored Route vs. Unsponsored Route

A key advantage of the Scale-Up Visa is that after the initial six-month sponsorship period, holders can switch employers or become self-employed without requiring further sponsorship. This offers greater job flexibility, as most UK businesses do not hold a sponsorship license.

Changing Employers within the First 6 Months

• If you change jobs before completing six months with your sponsoring employer, you must inform the Home Office by submitting an application online to update your visa.
• The new job must still be on the list of eligible occupations.

Scale-Up Visa vs. Skilled Worker Visa

Both visas fall under the Home Office’s Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) and require a sponsored job offer. However, key differences include:

• Sponsorship Requirement: Scale-Up Visa holders can switch to an unsponsored role after six months, whereas Skilled Worker Visa holders must remain sponsored.
• Salary Threshold: The Scale-Up Visa salary requirement is £36,300, lower than the Skilled Worker Visa threshold of £38,700.
• Flexibility: Scale-Up Visa holders can transition into self-employment after the initial six months, whereas Skilled Worker Visa holders cannot.

How Visa Solutions UK Can Help

Our immigration advisors can assist with all aspects of the Scale-Up Visa application process, including:

• Assessing if the Scale-Up Visa is the right option for you
• Exploring alternative visa options based on your situation
• Determining whether a business qualifies for scale-up status
• Preparing and submitting a Scale-Up Visa application
• Handling visa refusals and reapplications

For further assistance, please contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.