A UK visa designed for entrepreneurs launching a business based on an innovative idea.
A visa for overseas employees transferring to a UK branch within the same organisation.
A route that allows individuals to start and sponsor their own UK-based business.
A visa for skilled professionals with a job offer from a UK-licensed employer.
A legal requirement for UK companies to hire and sponsor international workers.
The UK Scale-Up Visa
The UK Scale-Up Visa is designed for skilled foreign workers with a job offer from a fast-growing UK business. It offers an initial 2-year stay, renewable for another 3 years, leading to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. Here’s an overview of the requirements and unique features:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Have a Job Offer: Must be from a Home Office-approved, A-rated scale-up business for at least 6 months.
Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by the sponsoring employer.
Work in an Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
Meet Salary Requirements: Must earn at least £36,300 per year or the “going rate” for the role.
Meet English Language Requirements: Must either come from an English-speaking country, have an English-taught degree, or pass a CEFR level B1 test.
Show Financial Means: Must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 days (not required for those in the UK for over a year).
Scale-Up Business Criteria
A business qualifies as a scale-up if, in the 3 years before getting a sponsor license, it had:
- Annual growth of at least 20% in turnover or employment.
- At least 10 employees at the start of the 3-year period
Flexibility with Sponsored and Unsponsored Routes
After 6 months, visa holders can switch to a new job or self-employment without sponsorship. During this time:
Job Change Requirements: If the job change occurs within the initial 6 months, applicants must notify the Home Office and ensure the new job is on the eligible occupations list.
Visa Extension Requirements: A new visa application isn’t needed for job changes after the initial 6-month period.
Scale-Up Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
The Scale-Up Visa offers flexibility with a lower salary threshold (£36,300 vs. £38,700) and allows holders to switch employers or roles without sponsorship after 6 months, unlike the Skilled Worker Visa which requires ongoing sponsorship.
For further guidance on the Scale-Up Visa application process or sponsor licensing, Highfin Solicitors can help you assess eligibility and navigate the application process. Contact us at 0207 113 5728 for assistance.
