Scale-up Worker Visa UK

You can apply for a Scale-up Worker visa if you want to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business and meet eligibility requirements.

If you have any questions or require legal assistance with your UK Scale-up Worker visa application, please contact us at 0203 417 3700. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Page Contents

1. What is a Scale-up Worker visa?
2. Scale-up Worker visa requirements
3. Salary requirements for the UK Scale-up Worker visa
4. Approved UK employers
5. Documents required for UK Scale-up Worker visa
6. UK Scale-up Worker visa application processing time
7. How long you can stay in the UK?
8. How can we help with your UK Scale-up Worker visa application?
9. Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor
10. Need legal advice & assistance?

What is a Scale-up Worker visa?

The Scale-up Worker visa is a type of UK work visa that allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business, (sometimes referred to as a 'scale-up business'). Like other work visas, applicants typically need to have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor.

With a Scale-up Worker visa, you can work in your sponsored job for at least 6 months. During the first 6 months of your stay, you cannot change employer unless you apply to update your visa.

To ensure a successful application for the Scale-up Worker visa, it is advisable to seek expert guidance. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are ready to assist you throughout the application process. Contact us today at 0203 417 3700 for personalised legal advice and support.

Scale-up Worker visa requirements

To apply for the UK Scale-up Worker visa, you must meet certain requirements and demonstrate your eligibility. You need to:

• have a genuine intention to work in the UK
• have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer
• do a job that's on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job
• be able to speak, read, write and understand English

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding a UK Scale-up Worker visa application.

Salary requirements for the UK Scale-up Worker visa

You must be paid at least £34,600 per year or the 'going rate' for your job - whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the table of eligible occupations.

Approved UK employers

Before applying for a Scale-up Worker visa, you need to secure a job offer from an approved UK employer. The employer must qualify as an eligible scale-up business in order for your application to be accepted.

Approved employers are also known as sponsors because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.

Documents required for UK Scale-up Worker visa

When applying for the UK Scale-up Worker visa, you will need to submit several documents to support your application. When you apply, you'll need to provide:

• copy of your current passport or travel document
• your certificate of sponsorship reference number
• your job title and annual salary
• your job's occupation code
• the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
• proof of maintenance funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK
• proof of your knowledge of English
• valid tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable

Remember, the checklist provided is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your circumstances. It's always advisable to consult with an immigration solicitor to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

UK Scale-up Worker visa application processing time

You should get a decision on your Scale-up Worker visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK using a standard service.

You'll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks if you're applying from inside the UK.

Applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.

How long you can stay in the UK?

If the application is successful, you'll be given a UK Scale-up Worker visa to live and work in the UK for 2 years. You'll need to apply for a Scale-up Worker visa extension when it expires. After spending 5 years under a Scale-up Worker visa, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain').

How can we help with your UK Scale-up Worker visa application?

At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors can provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire UK Scale-up Worker visa application process. From assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to representing you in any correspondence with the Home Office, we are here to ensure a smooth and successful application journey.

Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor