What is a UK Scale-Up Visa?

The UK Scale-Up Visa, launched on August 22, 2022, is designed to help fast-growing UK businesses hire highly skilled talent from around the world. This visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to work in an eligible job for a scale-up business for at least six months. A unique feature of this visa is that it permits holders to leave their sponsored role after six months and switch to an unsponsored role.

What You Can Do, If you have UK Scale Up Worker Visa?

If you fulfil all the requirements and obtain the UK Scale-Up Worker Visa, you can:

• Initially stay for 2 years, extendable by an additional 3 years. After 5 continuous years of residence, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Continuous residence means not being outside the UK for more than 180 days in any consecutive year.
• Work for your sponsor in the job described in your CoS for at least six months. After this period, you can switch to a different job or employer without needing a new sponsor.
• Undertake courses of study.
• Bring your partner and children to the UK as dependents, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Including self-employment and voluntary work.
• Travel overseas and return to the UK during the validity period of your visa.
• Apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years if you meet the eligibility requirements​

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have a confirmed job offer from an approved scale-up business for a minimum of six months.
• Obtain a CoS from the employer.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• Earn a minimum salary of £33,000 per year, £10.10 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work, whichever is higher.
• Meet the English language requirements by either passing an approved English test at CEFR level B1 or higher, having a degree taught in English, or being from an eligible English-speaking country.
• Have at least £1,270 in your bank account held for 28 consecutive days before applying​

UK scale-up visa 2022 requirements

Applicants must meet the below UK scale-up Work visa eligibility requirements:

• have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their employer
• have sufficient funds to support themselves
• meet the English language requirements
• have a job offer from an approved scale-up business lasting a period of at least 6 months
• have a job on the list of eligible occupations
• meet the minimum salary requirements: £33,000 per year or £10.10 per hour or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work

 English language requirements for UK Scale-up visa

• To meet the English language requirements for the scale-up visa, you must either:
• Come from an eligible English-speaking country.
• Have a degree or higher qualification taught in English.
• Have a school-level qualification gained by studying at a UK school that you began when you were under 18.
• Pass an approved English test at CEFR level B1 or higher​.