The Scale-up Worker Visa
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A quick look
If granted, the Scale-up Worker Visa allows you to stay for two or three years. The time you can stay depends on the type of Scale-up Worker Visa you apply for.
Yes, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer with information about the role you have been offered.
Under this route, you can work, study and do voluntary work in the UK, as well as bring your family across with you. You can also eventually apply to settle permanently in the UK.
After six months you can continue or change your employment or become self-employed without any requirement to update your visa.Â
You will be unable to apply for most benefits or the State Pension. You also will not be allowed to work as a professional sportsperson. Â
Scale-up Worker Visa
A Scale-up Worker Visa allows you to come to the UK to work for a fast-growing business. The route can be used as a route to settlement, and applicants may be joined by their partner and dependent children.
Requirements
You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you can apply for this visa.
If you want to qualify for the Scale-up Worker Visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- The job you are planning to do is at an appropriate skill level;
- Your salary will be at least £34,600 per year
- You are competent in the English language
- You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds
Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number that holds information on the job and your own personal details. It is not an actual certificate or paper document. It is a number that corresponds to the job you have been offered.Â
As well as the reference number, your sponsor will also give you information to help you to apply for the visa, for example how much you will be paid. This helps to prove you meet the job and salary requirements for the visa.Â
How long can you stay?
A Scale-up Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for a period of two years.Â
You can extend your visa by three years as often as you like, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
After five years, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK.Â
How much does a Scale-up Worker Visa cost?
You, along with each dependent that comes with you, will each need to pay:
- The £715 application fee
- The £1,035 immigration healthcare surcharge (applicable for each year of your stay)
You will also need to prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself – at least £1,270.
If you are not eligible for the Scale-up Worker Visa, or think a different kind of visa would suit your needs and circumstances better, look at our visa library here.
assessment
Complete our questionnaire to see if you are eligible for a UK visa. Then claim your free 10-minute appointment with one of our immigration experts.
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