UK Scale-up Visa: Requirements and Application Guide

The UK Scale-up Visa is a visa route tailored for highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the rapid growth of UK scale-up companies.

The visa enables qualified individuals to live and work in the UK with a sponsoring scale-up business, offering both flexibility and opportunities to participate in the dynamic UK economy.

This guide provides comprehensive information on eligibility, application steps, required documents, and conditions of the UK Scale-up Visa.

1. Overview of the UK Scale-up Visa

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The UK Scale-up Visa is designed for skilled workers recruited by UK scale-up companies, allowing them to fill crucial roles that drive innovation and growth. This visa provides successful applicants with the ability to work for an initial period of two years, with a path for further extension and ultimately, settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

Who Can Apply for the Scale-up Visa?

Individuals sponsored by a UK scale-up company in a qualifying high-skilled role.
Skilled workers able to meet the job, salary, and sponsorship criteria set out for this visa route.
Professionals aiming to work in sectors such as technology, finance, engineering, and other high-growth industries in the UK.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the UK Scale-up Visa, applicants must meet the criteria outlined below:

A. Sponsorship by an Approved Scale-up Business

Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK company recognized as a “scale-up.” To be classified as such, a business must demonstrate:
- An average revenue or employment growth rate of at least 20% annually over the last three years.
- A minimum of 10 employees at the start of the three-year period.
The sponsoring company must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the applicant, specifying the nature of the job and salary offered.

B. Job Skill Level

The offered position must be at RQF Level 6 or above, which generally aligns with graduate-level roles. Examples of eligible roles include IT specialists, engineers, financial analysts, and other highly skilled positions.

C. Salary Threshold Requirement

The role must meet the minimum salary requirement of:
- £33,000 per year, or
- £10.10 per hour, or
- The “going rate” for the job role, if higher.
The salary must be based on guaranteed earnings and must not include bonuses or other benefits.

D. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate a B1 level of English proficiency, equivalent to an intermediate level. This can be achieved by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
- Having an academic qualification taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
Exemptions apply for certain nationalities and applicants with previous UK education qualifications.

3. Application Process for the Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up Visa application process is completed online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Depending on whether the application is made from outside or within the UK, processing times and certain steps may differ. Applications generally take three weeks to process from outside the UK and eight weeks from within.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Obtain the CoS from your UK sponsor, including a unique reference number required for your application. The CoS must outline your role, salary, and employment terms.
Complete the Online Application Form
- Access the UKVI website and fill out the Scale-up Visa application form. Ensure all details provided match the information in your CoS and supporting documents.
Pay the Application Fee
- The Scale-up Visa application fee is £715. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of the visa. The IHS cost is £624 per year.
Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit your fingerprints and a digital photograph as part of the biometric process.
Upload Required Supporting Documents
- Upload all necessary documentation online, ensuring clarity and compliance with UKVI guidelines.
Await Decision
- UKVI aims to process applications within the standard timeframe, though applicants may opt for priority services for faster processing.

4. Required Documents for the Scale-up Visa

Applicants must gather a range of documents to support their visa application. Below is a checklist of key documents required:

Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must be valid for the duration of your stay and contain at least one blank page.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number: Provided by your sponsoring employer.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: SELT certificate, UK degree, or other qualifying evidence.
Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you have at least £1,270 in personal savings (held for a consecutive 28-day period), unless your sponsor has certified maintenance for you.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if required): Required for applicants from countries where TB testing is mandatory.

Additional Documents for Dependants: If you’re applying with dependants (spouse or children), additional documentation such as marriage certificates (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children) will be needed to confirm relationships.

5. Conditions and Rights under the Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up Visa offers unique flexibility compared to other visa categories. Conditions and rights for visa holders include:

Employment Flexibility: For the first six months, visa holders are required to work for their sponsoring employer in the job role specified on the CoS. After six months, you are free to switch employers or roles without requiring new sponsorship or updating UKVI.
Dependants: Dependants (spouse, partner, and children under 18) may accompany the visa holder. Dependants are permitted to work and study in the UK.
Study and Training: Scale-up Visa holders can pursue additional studies or training while in the UK.
Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR): After five years of continuous residence, Scale-up Visa holders can apply for ILR, enabling them to settle in the UK permanently if they meet ongoing residence, salary, and employment conditions.

6. Extending Your Stay and Applying for ILR

At the end of the initial two-year period, applicants may extend their Scale-up Visa. Extensions are granted in increments of three years, provided applicants continue to meet the salary threshold and employment criteria.

Eligibility for Extension:

The applicant must meet the minimum salary requirement of £33,000 or the “going rate” for their occupation.
Must have been employed by a UK-based employer and earned the minimum salary for at least six months prior to the extension application.

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After five continuous years in the UK under the Scale-up Visa route, applicants can apply for ILR. Key requirements include:

Proof of continuous residence and employment in the UK for five years.
Meeting the English language requirement at a higher level (B1).
Passing the “Life in the UK” test.

7. Avoiding Common Grounds for Refusal

To increase the chances of a successful application, applicants should ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements and document standards. Common reasons for refusal include:

Failure to meet the required salary threshold or skill level for the position.
Incomplete or insufficient documentation, particularly around sponsorship and English language requirements.
Lack of a valid Certificate of Sponsorship or discrepancies in employment information.

Guidance on Refusals: Applicants should carefully follow guidelines for required documents and ensure all information is accurate and consistent. In complex cases, consulting with a licensed immigration advisor or legal professional can help prevent errors and minimize the risk of refusal.

Contact an Immigration Advisor for Further Assistance

Applying for the UK Scale-up Visa requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. If you need further assistance, a licensed UK immigration advisor or embassy representative can provide guidance on eligibility, documentation, and the application process.

For more information or any specific concerns, please reach out to our support team or visit our website to find more details on eligibility, fees, and sponsorship.

References:

¹ GOV.UK: Scale-up worker visa knowledge of English

² GOV.UK: Update scale-up visa