Scale-Up Worker Visa UK
The Scale-up Worker Visa scheme in the UK is designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can assist their UK Scale-up sponsor in maintaining its growth trajectory.
Scale-Up Visa
The Scale-up Visa is meant for individuals recruited by a UK Scale-up sponsor who possesses the necessary skills to ensure that the Scale-up business continues to grow. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a highly skilled job offer from a qualifying Scale-up business at a required salary level.
The Scale-Up route enables applicants to settle in the UK. Applicants may bring along their partner and dependent children.
The Scale-up Visa route offers both a Sponsored Application route and an Unsponsored Application route. The Unsponsored Application route is only open to applicants who have already been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.
Requirements For A Scale-Up Visa – Sponsored Application
To qualify for a Scale-up Visa via a Sponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration the:
- You must be aged 18 or over.
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the job you plan to do.
- The job you are planning to do must be genuine.
- The job you plan to do must be at a suitable skill level.
- Your salary must equal or exceed both £33,000 per year, £10.58 per hour and the ‘going rate’ for the job.
- You must be competent in English to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).
- You must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
- You must have provided a valid TB certificate if needed.
Requirements For A Scale-Up Visa – Unsponsored Application
To qualify for a Scale-up Visa via an Unsponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration the:
- It would help if you were aged 18 or over.
- You must have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.
- You had monthly PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £33,000 per year during at least 50% of your most recent grant of permission as a Scale-up Worker.
- You must be competent in English.
- You must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
- You must have provided a valid TB certificate if needed.
Eligibility Criteria If You Are A Sponsoring Business
To hire a skilled foreign worker through the UK Scale-up Visa Scheme 2022, UK-based Scale-up sponsors are expected to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- 20% employment growth or,
- Annual average ROI (return on investment) for a minimum of 3-years and
- The business must have had at least 10 employees at its establishment for 3 years.
If your Scale-up business satisfies the eligibility requirements, you can qualify to hire foreign workers via fast-track applications without needing to secure a sponsorship license under the Scale-up Visa scheme.
