The Scale-up Worker Visa helps fast-growing UK businesses recruit skilled overseas talent for roles that support rapid growth. For sponsors, the route is distinctive because the worker is sponsored for the first 6 months, then can continue on the Scale-up route with more flexibility if they meet the extension requirements.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-09.
TL;DR
The Scale-up Worker Visa is for talented individuals with an eligible job offer from an approved UK scale-up business. The application fee is £937, the first grant is 2 years, and applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks.
£937
Application fee
2 years
Initial permission
3 weeks
Typical decision outside UK
What is the Scale-up Worker Visa?
The Scale-up Worker Visa allows a person to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business, sometimes called a scale-up business. The UK employer must be approved for the Scale-up route and must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for a qualifying role.
The route is built for high-growth employers that meet the sponsor requirements and need skilled staff to help the business continue expanding. The worker must have a confirmed job offer for at least 6 months, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible occupation and a salary meeting the relevant Scale-up requirements.
A successful sponsored Scale-up Worker is normally granted 2 years. During the first 6 months, they must work for the sponsor in the role stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship; after that, the route becomes more flexible and the worker can extend without a new sponsor if they meet the earnings requirements.
The route can lead to settlement after 5 years if the applicant meets the residence, earnings and other eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Scale-up Worker Visa.
📄
Approved Scale-up Sponsor
The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK scale-up business for at least 6 months. The sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role before the application is submitted.
💼
Eligible Job and Salary
The job must be on the eligible occupation list and meet the Scale-up salary requirement. Sponsors should check the occupation code, going rate and salary calculation before issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship.
£
English and Maintenance
The applicant must meet the English language requirement and normally show at least £1,270 in available personal savings. The savings requirement may be met in other ways where the applicant has already been in the UK for at least 12 months or the sponsor certifies maintenance.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Scale-up Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work in the sponsored job for the approved scale-up business for at least the first 6 months.
- Leave the sponsored job after 6 months without updating the visa, if the route conditions are met.
- Take additional work, including self-employment, after the sponsored-employment restrictions are satisfied.
- Study and do voluntary work while holding Scale-up permission.
- Bring eligible dependants to the UK as a partner or children.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years if the settlement requirements are met.
✗ You Cannot
- Change employer in the first 6 months unless you apply to update the visa with a new sponsor and qualifying role.
- Work as a professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach.
- Claim most public funds while on the route.
- Ignore the earnings rules when extending as an unsponsored Scale-up Worker.
- Use an ineligible job role that is not on the eligible occupation list.
- Treat sponsorship as optional at the start because the first grant requires a valid Scale-up sponsor and Certificate of Sponsorship.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 per person |
| IHS | £1,035 per year |
| Personal savings | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £55 (Temporary Worker rate) |
| Priority decision | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Scale-up Sponsorship
The UK employer should confirm it is approved for the Scale-up route and that the role is genuine, eligible and needed for the business.
Check Job and Salary
Match the role to the eligible occupation code and confirm the salary meets the relevant Scale-up requirement before assigning sponsorship.
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship
The sponsor assigns a valid Certificate of Sponsorship with the correct role, start date and salary details.
Submit the Visa Application
The applicant applies online, pays the £937 fee and IHS, proves identity and provides supporting documents including English and financial evidence.
Receive Your Decision
Applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks; applications from inside the UK are usually decided within 8 weeks.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Scale-up Worker Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Scale-up Worker Visa UK?
The Scale-up Worker Visa is a UK work route for skilled workers recruited by a fast-growing UK business approved as a Scale-up sponsor. The worker must have a qualifying job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship and a role that meets the eligibility and salary rules.
How much does the Scale-up Worker Visa cost?
The Scale-up Worker Visa application fee is £937 per person in 2026. Applicants also usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which GOV.UK lists as £1,035 per year, and must show £1,270 in savings unless exempt.
How long can I stay on a Scale-up Worker Visa?
The first Scale-up Worker grant is 2 years. It can be extended by 3 years at a time as long as the applicant continues to meet the relevant requirements.
Does a Scale-up Worker Visa need sponsorship?
Yes, the first Scale-up Worker application needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved Scale-up sponsor. After the first 6 months, the route becomes more flexible and extension applications will normally be as an unsponsored Scale-up Worker.
Can I change employer on a Scale-up Worker Visa?
During the first 6 months, the worker cannot change employer unless they apply to update the visa with a new sponsor and qualifying role. After 6 months, GOV.UK says the worker can change or stop doing the job without telling the Home Office.
How long does a Scale-up Worker Visa decision take?
GOV.UK says Scale-up Worker applications are usually decided within 3 weeks if the applicant is outside the UK. Applications made inside the UK are usually decided within 8 weeks.
Can a Scale-up Worker bring dependants?
Yes, a partner and children can apply as dependants if they meet the eligibility requirements. Appendix Scale-up confirms that dependent partners and dependent children can apply on the route.
Does the Scale-up Worker Visa lead to settlement?
Yes, Appendix Scale-up states that the route is a route to settlement. GOV.UK says applicants may be able to apply to settle permanently after 5 years if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
What happens after the first 6 months on a Scale-up Worker Visa?
The worker must work for the sponsor in the sponsored job for the first 6 months. After that, they can continue working, change role, change employer or be self-employed without updating the visa, subject to meeting the wider route conditions.
Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker Visa from inside the UK?
Some applicants can switch from inside the UK, but GOV.UK sponsor guidance lists routes that normally cannot switch, including Visitors, Short-term students, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Workers and Domestic Workers in a Private Household. Student route switching also has additional conditions.
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