On 22nd August 2022, the scale-up visa was launched by the UK Government. A scale-up worker visa allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’).
To qualify for a scale-up worker visa, you must:
- have a confirmed job offer to work for an approved scale-up business for at least 6 months
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- have a job offer to do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid a minimum salary in your new job.
You can stay in the UK with a scale-up worker visa for 2 years. You’ll need to apply to extend your visa when it expires. If you want to stay longer in the UK then you can extend your visa as many times as you like by 3 years, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
Once you have been granted a scale-up worker visa you can bring your partner and children with you as your dependants if they’re eligible. You can also take on additional work, including becoming self-employed. The rules also allow scale-up visa holders to leave their sponsored role after 6 months and switch to an unsponsored role.
If you need advice on whether you can make an application under this new route, contact our expert team on 020 3930 3831. We are here to help you.
