A Scale-up worker visa allows you to come to the UK to work for a fast-growing UK business, often referred to as a ‘scale-up business’. Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor scale-up workers.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Scale-up Worker visa?
To qualify for a Scale-up Worker visa, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer to work for an approved scale-up business for at least 6 months.
- Possess a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with details about the role.
- Have a job offer for a position listed among eligible occupations.
- Be paid a minimum salary in your new job.
What are the English language requirements for a Scale-up Worker visa?
You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. Proof of your knowledge of English is usually required when you apply.
How long can you stay in the UK with a Scale-up Worker visa?
You can stay in the UK with a Scale-up Worker visa for 2 years. Extensions are possible, and after 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK permanently if you are eligible.
How long does it take to get a decision on a Scale-up Worker visa?
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK.
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
What are the costs associated with a Scale-up Worker visa?
Each applicant must:
- Pay the £822* application fee.
- Pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of stay.
- Prove sufficient personal savings.
What documents do you need to apply for a Scale-up Worker visa?
When you apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Your certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this.
- Proof of your knowledge of English.
- A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality.
- Your job title and annual salary.
- Your job’s occupation code.
- The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship.
You must ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.
What other documents you might need to provide?
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:
- Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for instance, bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you).
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you.
- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country.
- A valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher.
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.
What rights and restrictions come with a Scale-up Worker visa?
With a Scale-up Worker visa, you can:
- Work in your sponsored job for at least 6 months.
- Leave your sponsored job after 6 months.
- Study, bring your partner and children as dependants, take on additional work, do voluntary work, travel abroad and return to the UK, and apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
You cannot:
- Apply for most benefits.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
Can you change employers with a Scale-up Worker visa?
During the first 6 months, you cannot change employers unless you apply to update your visa. After 6 months, you can change or stop your job without notifying the Home Office and be self-employed.
Morgan Smith Immigration, an award-winning firm with over 20+ years of expertise in UK Visa and Immigration, is here to assist you with all your visa and immigration needs. For any enquiries or assistance, please contact us at 0203 959 3335 or send an email to [email protected]. Stay informed and up to date by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Also, don’t forget to subscribe our channel on YouTube.
*Home Office Fees as of 19/12/2024
