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.
Table of Content
- New rules for UK Scale-up Visa
- What is the UK Scale-up Visa?
- Who can apply for the Scale-up Visa UK?
- Scale-up Visa UK requirements
- Required documents for Scale-up Visa UK
- How to apply for a UK Scale-up Visa
- Scale-up Visa UK extension and ILR
- If your application is refused
- Scale-up Visa UK, sponsored vs unsponsored route
New rules for UK Scale-up Visa
Launched on 22 August 2022, the Scale-up Visa enables visa holders to switch to unsponsored roles or self-employment after just 6 months of sponsored employment.
What is the UK Scale-up Visa?
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.
Who can apply for the Scale-up Visa UK?
Applicants must meet the following criteria.
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.
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.
Scale-up Visa UK requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria across job offer, salary, English language and maintenance funds.
Job offer requirements
A confirmed offer from an approved UK scale-up company; the offer must be for at least 6 months; and the job must appear on the eligible occupations list.
Minimum salary requirements
At least £36,300 per year or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher.
English language requirements
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; or pass an approved English test at level B1 or higher.
Maintenance funds
Have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. This is exempt if you have already been in the UK for 1 or more years.
Required documents for Scale-up Visa UK
Essential documents include the following.
Our immigration experts can help ensure your documentation meets Home Office standards, significantly reducing the risk of refusal.
Current passport and travel documents.
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
Evidence of eligible salary, such as a job contract and payslips.
English language qualification evidence.
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds (£1,270 held for 28 days).
Tuberculosis test results, if applicable.
How to apply for a UK Scale-up Visa
Follow these steps for a smooth application.
The visa cost is £715 when applying outside the UK, and £827 when applying inside the UK (switching or extension). The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £1,035 per adult per year and £776 per child per year.
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 a decision, typically within 3 weeks.
Scale-up Visa UK extension and ILR
The visa provides a clear route to settlement in the UK.
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 means no more than 180 days outside the UK in any consecutive year.
If your application is refused
Scale-up Visa applications may be refused due to the following reasons.
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.
Not meeting eligibility criteria, for example salary or English proficiency.
Insufficient or incorrect documentation.
Errors in the application.
Scale-up Visa UK, sponsored vs unsponsored route
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 and 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.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will talk it through.
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