UK SCALE-UP VISA

The UK Scale-up Visa allows highly skilled individuals to work for rapidly growing UK businesses. This visa initially lasts 2 years and can be extended for three more years, leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years of residency.

The UK Scale-up Visa enables talented overseas workers to fill roles in rapidly growing UK companies (“scale-ups”).
After a 6-month sponsored employment period, holders can move freely between jobs or employers without additional sponsorship. Initially granted for 2 years, the visa can be extended for three additional years, leading to ILR eligibility after five continuous years in the UK.

Applicants must:

• Be highly skilled.
• Have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK scale-up business.
• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
• Meet minimum salary and English language requirements.
• Unfortunately, we cannot assist with finding UK job offers. However, once you have secured a qualifying job, our immigration lawyers can help you with your Scale-up Visa application.

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

JOB OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

• Confirmed offer from an approved UK scale-up company.
• Offer must be for at least 6 months.
• Job must appear on the eligible occupations list.

• At least £36,300 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is higher.

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

• Be from an eligible English-speaking country.
• Hold a degree taught in English.
• Possess a UK school-level qualification started before age 18.
• Pass an approved English test at level B1 or higher.

• Have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. (Exempt if already in the UK for 1+ years.)

Essential documents include:

• Current passport and travel documents.
• The reference number is a certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Evidence of eligible salary (job contract, payslips).
• English language qualification evidence.
• Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds (£1,270 held for 28 days).
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Our immigration experts can help ensure your documentation meets Home Office standards, significantly reducing the risk of refusal.

Follow these steps for a smooth application:

• Secure a qualifying job offer from an approved scale-up business.
• Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
• Gather required supporting documents.
• Submit your application online via the Home Office website.
• Pay applicable fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Book and attend your biometric appointment.
• Await decision (typically within 3 weeks).

VISA COST 

• Applying outside the UK: £715
• Applying inside the UK (switching or extension): £827

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per adult per year, £776 per child per year.

•  Initial grant of 2 years, extendable by a further 3 years.
• Eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous UK residence.
• Continuous residence: No more than 180 days outside the UK in any consecutive year.

Scale-up Visa applications may be refused due to:

• Not meeting eligibility criteria (e.g., salary, English proficiency).
• Insufficient or incorrect documentation.
• Errors in the application.
• If refused, you can apply for an administrative review, reapply with corrected documentation, or consult our London-based lawyers for further legal options and appeals.

A significant advantage of the Scale-up Visa is its flexibility after the first 6 months. Visa holders may:

• Change jobs or employers without further sponsorship.
• Engage in self-employment activities.
• If you change roles within the first 6 months, you must notify the Home Office, and your new role must remain on the eligible occupation list.

Your journey to working in the UK’s most exciting, rapidly growing businesses starts here. With the Scale-up Visa, you gain unparalleled flexibility, rewarding career opportunities, and a clear path to permanent UK residency.
At Cromwell Wilkes, our specialist immigration lawyers handle every detail so that you can focus on your future.
If you plan to launch, grow, or invest in the UK, expert legal support for your UK work visa application can make all the difference.

Contact us today for personalised legal advice and take the first step toward starting your career in the UK.