UK Scale-Up Visa
Your Guide to the UK Scale-Up Visa
The UK Scale-up Worker Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals with a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved scale-up company. This unique visa allows for initial sponsorship and provides flexibility to switch employers or work independently after the first six months.
Eligibility Requirements of the UK Scale-up Worker Visa
To qualify for the UK Scale-up Worker Visa, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK business recognised as an approved scale-up sponsor by the Home Office.
- Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to support your visa application.
- The CoS will confirm:
- Details of your job.
- Your salary.
- The duration of employment.
- Your job must be at the skill level of RQF Level 6 (graduate level or equivalent).
- The role must be one of the eligible high-skilled occupations. Examples include IT, engineering, financial services, and other specialised fields. Check the official UK government list or seek advice for full details.
- You must be offered a salary that is at least:
- £36,600 per year, or
- £10.75 per hour, or
- The ‘going rate’ for your specific role (whichever is higher).
- You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English by:
- Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level B1 or higher.
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Having a GCSE, A-level, or equivalent qualification taught in English.
- You must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in your personal savings to support yourself upon arrival in the UK.
- Funds must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before the application, unless your employer certifies maintenance on the CoS.
- You must provide:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
1. Job Offer from an Approved Scale-up Sponsor
2. Role Requirements
3. Salary Requirements
4. English Language Proficiency
5. Financial Requirements
6. Additional Requirements
Key Features of the Scale-up Worker Visa
Initial Sponsorship:
- The first six months of the visa require you to work for your sponsoring employer in the role detailed in your CoS.
- After six months, you can:
- Switch employers.
- Work multiple jobs.
- Become self-employed.
- No additional sponsorship or visa changes are required, offering greater flexibility than most other UK work visas.
Application Process for the UK Scale-up Worker Visa
1. Obtain a Job Offer and CoS
- Secure a job offer from a UK scale-up company approved by the Home Office.
- Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which includes details about your job and salary.
2. Prepare Supporting Documents
You will need:
- Your CoS reference number.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Evidence of personal savings or maintenance certification from your sponsor.
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Tuberculosis test results (if required).
3. Submit the Online Application
- Apply online through the official UK government website.
- You can apply from inside (if your current visa allows you to switch) or outside the UK.
4. Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Provide your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible).
5. Pay the Fees
- Visa Fee: £822.
- Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year.
6. Await a Decision
- You will usually receive a decision within:
- 3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for applications inside the UK.
- Expedited options are usually available for an additional fee.
Visa Duration and Extensions
- The visa is granted for 2 years initially.
- You can apply to extend it for 3 additional years, provided you continue to meet the requirements.
- After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you permanent residency in the UK.
Dependants
You can bring your partner and children under 18 to the UK as dependants.
Financial Requirements for Dependants:
- Partner: £285.
- First Child: £315.
- Each Additional Child: £200.
Dependants should submit separate visa applications.
Rights and Restrictions
What You Can Do:
- Work in the job described in your CoS for the first six months.
- Change jobs, employers, or work self-employed after the first six months.
- Study in the UK.
- Bring dependants to the UK.
- Apply for settlement after five years, if eligible.
What You Cannot Do:
- Access public funds (benefits).
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
How Immtell Can Help
Navigating the UK Scale-up Worker Visa process can be complex, but Immtell provides expert guidance to simplify the journey:
- Eligibility Assessment: We confirm your eligibility, ensuring you meet the sponsorship, skill, and salary requirements.
- Document Preparation: Assistance with gathering and reviewing all necessary documentation, including your CoS and proof of finances.
- Application Support: Step-by-step help with completing and submitting your online application accurately.
- Post-Visa Advice: Guidance on switching jobs, self-employment, visa extensions, and applying for settlement.
Contact Immtell today to ensure your Scale-up Worker Visa application is smooth, compliant, and successful.
Take the Next Step in Your Career with the UK Scale-up Visa
Immtell’s experts are here to guide you through every step of your visa application, ensuring accuracy and success.
Immtell’s experts are here to guide you through every step of your visa application, ensuring accuracy and success.
Further Reading
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK
Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence
Expanding Opportunities in UK Construction: Immigration Solutions for Bridging Skills Gaps
Building the Future: Immigration & Visa Solutions for the UK Construction Industry
Self Sponsorship Visa UK
Mastering the UK Self Sponsorship Visa Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide