Scale up Sponsor Licence visa

Job Offer:

• The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a qualifying scale-up business.
• The job must be at the appropriate skill level (RQF Level 6 or equivalent, which typically means a graduate level job).

Salary Threshold:

• The job must offer a salary of at least £33,000 per year or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher.

English Language Requirement:

• The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level (intermediate).

Financial Requirement:

• The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves unless the sponsor provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that confirms maintenance.

Visa Application Process for Employees

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

• The employer issues a CoS to the prospective employee, confirming the job offer and meeting all eligibility criteria.

Visa Application:

• The applicant applies for the visa online using the CoS reference number.
• Pay the visa application fee (currently £715) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year.

Biometric Information:

• The applicant must provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application center.

Supporting Documents:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Financial documents if required to prove maintenance funds.
• The CoS from the employer.

Visa Duration and Conditions

Initial Grant:
The Scale-up visa is initially granted for two years.

Extensions:
The visa can be extended for a further three years, provided the applicant still meets the requirements.

Settlement:
After five years on the Scale-up visa, the applicant may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to meeting residency requirements and continuous employment.

Work Flexibility:
After the first six months of employment with the sponsoring scale-up business, visa holders can switch employers or become self-employed.
Compliance and Sponsor Duties

• Sponsor Duties:
  Keep records of employees’ contact details and immigration status.
• Report significant changes, such as if the employee does not turn up for work, is absent without permission, or leaves the job.
• Ensure compliance with UKVI regulations and cooperate with any compliance checks.
• Sponsor Rating: Sponsors must maintain a good compliance history to retain their licence. UKVI conducts regular checks to ensure compliance.
  
  Updates and Changes
  
  

• Visa rules and requirements are subject to change. It is crucial to check the latest updates directly from the Home Office or the official UK government website for the most current information.

By understanding these detailed requirements and processes, both employers and prospective employees can better navigate the Scale-up Sponsor Licence visa route, enabling high-growth businesses to thrive and skilled workers to contribute effectively to the UK economy.