Overview
The Scale-up Visa is a UK immigration route designed to attract skilled individuals to work for fast-growing businesses in the UK, helping these businesses to scale and grow. Here are all the details about the Scale-up Visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and fees.
Scale-up Business Visa
The Scale-up Visa is aimed at skilled workers who have a job offer from an eligible Scale-up business. This route allows businesses that meet the high growth criteria to sponsor workers in a more streamlined and flexible way.
Criteria for Eligibility
Job Offer from a Scale-up Business
- You must have a confirmed job offer to work for an approved UK Scale-up business for at least 6 months.
- The job must be at the required skill level (RQF Level 6 and above).
Skill Level and Salary
- The job must be at an appropriate skill level.
- The minimum salary requirement is £33,000 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
English Language Proficiency
- You must meet the English language requirement at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Financial Requirement
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds unless you are exempt.
Application Process
Sponsorship from a Scale-up Business
- The business must be a registered sponsor with a proven record of high growth, defined by either employee growth or turnover growth.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the Scale-up business. The CoS must include details of the job, salary, and confirmation that you will work for the business for at least 6 months.
Application Submission
- Apply online via the UK government’s visa application service.
- Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Supporting Documents
- Passport or travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Evidence of sufficient funds if applicable.
Fees
Visa Application Fee
- The current fee for the Scale-up Visa application is £715.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- £624 per year, payable at the time of application.
Duration and Conditions
Visa Duration
- The Scale-up Visa is initially granted for 2 years.
- After 2 years, you can apply to extend your visa for another 3 years.
Work Rights
- You must work for the sponsoring Scale-up business for the first 6 months.
- After 6 months, you can change jobs or employers without needing a new visa as long as you remain in a qualifying role.
Path to Settlement
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- You may apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK under the Scale-up Visa route, provided you meet the qualifying criteria, including salary thresholds and continued employment in a qualifying role.
Family Members
Dependents
- You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 as dependents.
- Dependents must apply separately and meet the financial requirements.
Updates and Changes
Post-Brexit Adjustments
The Scale-up Visa is part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system aimed at attracting global talent. Always check the latest updates and guidelines from the Home Office for any changes.
Recent Changes
The eligibility criteria, application process, and fees may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official UK government website.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
A Scale-up business is a high-growth company that has experienced significant growth in either employment or turnover. Specific criteria must be met for a business to qualify as a Scale-up sponsor.
Yes, you can switch to the Scale-up Visa from another eligible visa category while in the UK, provided you meet all the requirements.
If you leave your sponsoring employer within the first 6 months, your visa may be curtailed. It’s essential to complete the initial 6-month period with the sponsoring Scale-up business.
You can prove your English language proficiency by passing an approved English language test, having a degree taught in English, or being a national of an English-speaking country.
The processing time can vary, but you should receive a decision within 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks (about 2 months) if you are applying from within the UK.
The processing time can vary, but you should receive a decision within 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks (about 2 months) if you are applying from within the UK.
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