Scale-Up VISA

Scale-Up Visa

The Scale-up Visa is for talented individuals recruited by a UK Scale-up Sponsor, who have the skills needed to enable the Scale-up business to continue growing. You will need to have a highly skilled job offer from a qualifying Scale-up business at the required salary level.

The Scale-Up route is a route to settlement in the UK. Applicants may be joined or accompanied by a 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 available to applicants who have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.

Employers

For employers, this route presents several challenges, including maintaining sponsor licence compliance and managing the risk that Scale-up workers might leave after the initial six-month period, as the visa allows employees to change jobs without requiring new sponsorship.

Workers

For workers, challenges may arise from having to demonstrate their qualifications and experience meet the visa’s skill level requirements.

Both employers and workers must carefully weigh these factors to ensure a successful application and ongoing compliance with visa conditions.

What is the Scale-up visa?

The Scale-up visa is a points-based route for migrant workers recruited by UK Scale-up sponsors who have the necessary skills to support the sponsor’s continued business growth. This visa offers a fast-track option for those with a suitable job offer at the required skill level from a recognised UK Scale-up company.

Whilst applicants must work in their sponsored role for the first 6 months, Scale-up workers may then undertake any full-time work at any skill level. This means sponsorship is only required for the initial six-month period, after which workers can work for any employer.

Study is permitted under this route, subject to the ATAS condition—requiring an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before studying certain sensitive subjects at postgraduate level.

Scale-up workers may bring dependent family members to the UK, including a dependent partner and dependent children, as with other work routes. Both the primary visa-holder and qualifying family members may eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, provided they meet the settlement eligibility requirements.

Entry clearance, or permission to remain when switching from a different immigration route within the UK, is initially granted under the Scale-up route for 2 years.

Unlike other more restrictive visa routes, the Scale-up visa offers greater employment flexibility, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to talent needs as they scale up operations.

Comparison of Key UK Work Visas

Scale-up visa:

• Designed for high-growth businesses and skilled workers
• Sponsorship required only for the first six months
• Minimum salary of £36,300 per year or relevant going rate
• Allows job changes after six months without updating visa
• Offers pathway to ILR after 5 years
• Standard processing time of 3 weeks

Skilled Worker visa:

• Available to general employers and skilled workers across all sectors
• Requires continuous sponsorship throughout employment
• General salary threshold of £38,700 or relevant going rate for most applicants
• New sponsorship required when changing employers
• Offers pathway to ILR after 5 years
• Standard processing time of 3 weeks

Innovator Founder visa:

• Tailored for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
• Requires endorsement from an approved body rather than sponsorship
• No set minimum salary as it is business-focused
• Visa linked to specific business venture
• Offers faster pathway to ILR after 3 years
• Standard processing time of 8 weeks

Whilst the Skilled Worker visa requires continuous sponsorship throughout the visa duration, the Scale-up visa removes this requirement after the first six months. This reduces employers’ administrative burden whilst offering Scale-up workers greater flexibility, as they can switch jobs after six months without updating their visa—providing job mobility not typically available with other visas. It also features a lower general salary threshold than the Skilled Worker visa, potentially accommodating more skilled workers.

However, the Scale-up visa is restricted to rapidly expanding businesses that have demonstrated significant growth, whereas the Skilled Worker visa is available to all employers across the economy with a valid sponsor licence.

Compared to the Innovator Founder visa, designed for entrepreneurs establishing UK businesses, the Scale-up visa focuses on employees rather than business founders. The Innovator Founder visa requires endorsement from an approved body, whilst the Scale-up visa is granted based on business growth metrics.

Scale-up Visa Sponsorship Rules

The Scale-up category is a hybrid visa that requires employer sponsorship during the application process and first six months of validity. After this initial period, workers no longer need sponsorship, relieving employers of compliance obligations and allowing workers to change roles or employers.

Initial 6 Months of the Scale-up Visa

Before sponsoring workers, businesses must obtain a Home Office sponsorship licence by demonstrating at least 20% growth in employment or turnover over three years. Once licensed, the business issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing the job offer, salary and role specifics—a crucial document for the visa application.

Upon visa approval and UK arrival, workers must remain with their sponsoring employer in the CoS-specified role for six months. The job must meet the minimum salary requirement of £36,300 per year or the occupation’s “going rate”, whichever is higher. After six months, workers may switch employers without updating their visa.

After 6 Months of Scale-up Sponsorship

Successful applicants receive two-year work permission, though sponsorship is only required for the first six months. Afterwards, workers may:

• Continue working for their original employer without sponsorship
• Change jobs or employers without renewed sponsorship, provided they meet Scale-up route requirements

For sponsors who have invested considerably in obtaining a licence and recruiting overseas, this arrangement may prove costly. Many employers therefore provide incentives for workers to remain. However, if workers stay, employers benefit from relief from sponsorship duties after the initial period. Only during the first six months must employers report absences, significant role or salary changes, or business changes to UKVI.

After 2 Years of Scale-up Sponsorship

When the two-year visa expires, migrant workers can apply for an unsponsored three-year extension. There are no limits on extension applications. After five years of continuous lawful UK residence on the Scale-up route, or combined with other eligible routes, workers may apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement).

Scale-up Visa Employer Requirements

The Scale-up visa helps rapidly growing UK businesses recruit skilled overseas workers. To qualify as sponsors, employers must meet specific UK government requirements, ensuring only genuine high-growth companies can use this visa route.

Sponsorship Licence Requirements

Employers must obtain a Scale-up sponsorship licence from the UK Home Office before sponsoring foreign workers. This process requires proving business legitimacy, meeting eligibility criteria and demonstrating appropriate systems for managing sponsored employees.

Growth Requirements

To qualify, businesses must demonstrate significant growth through specific metrics:

• Annual growth of at least 20% over three years, measured by employee numbers or turnover
• Minimum of 10 employees at the start of the three-year period
• Registration and active operation in the UK

Job Offer Requirements

Employers must provide genuine graduate-level positions. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will not award sponsorship points if they believe:

• The job role does not exist
• The position is fraudulent
• The role was created solely to facilitate visa applications

Compliance Obligations

Sponsors must maintain specific responsibilities:

• Report changes in workers’ employment status
• Monitor and record any role modifications
• Document employment details
• Ensure payment of agreed salary levels
• Maintain appropriate records

Employment Duration

Sponsoring employers must:

• Commit to employing the worker for at least six months
• Understand that after this period, workers may change employers without requiring a new visa
• Maintain the employment relationship during the initial six-month period

Scale-up Visa Application Process

The Scale-up visa application process provides a fast-track route for high-growth companies to recruit international talent.

Application Steps for Businesses

Sponsorship Licence Application:

• Apply to UK Home Office for sponsorship licence
• Submit evidence of eligibility, including growth metrics and UK operations
• Await licence number (typically 8-12 weeks processing)

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

• Issue electronic CoS to skilled worker once licence approved
• Include detailed job offer, salary and relevant information
• Allow 1-2 weeks for CoS processing

Application Steps for Workers

Visa Application:

• Complete online application form using CoS details
• Pay visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access
• Book appointment at visa application centre
• Submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)

Decision Process:

• Standard processing time of three weeks for overseas applications
• Eight-week processing for UK-based applications
• Upon approval, receive either:
  
  • Visa vignette (passport sticker) for overseas applicants
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for UK-based applicants

Processing Timeline

From start to finish, applicants should expect:

• 8-12 weeks for employer’s sponsorship licence
• 1-2 weeks for CoS issuance
• 3-8 weeks for visa processing (depending on location)
• Additional time for biometric appointments based on local availability

This process aims to streamline and help high-growth companies quickly secure the talent they need whilst ensuring proper checks are maintained.

Required Documents for Scale-up Visa

The application process requires comprehensive documentation from both businesses and workers to verify eligibility.

Business Documentation

Evidence of Business Growth:

• Audited financial statements
• Payroll records demonstrating employee growth
• Other evidence supporting 20% growth over three years

Business Registration:

• UK company registration documents
• Proof of active UK operations
• Supporting operational documentation

Sponsorship Documentation:

• Completed sponsorship licence application
• Additional documents required under Appendix A
• Relevant supporting guidelines compliance evidence

Worker Documentation

Essential Documents:

• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from licensed Scale-up business
• Current passport or valid travel document
• Detailed job offer including role description and salary details
• Employment contract showing duration

Language Requirements:

• IELTS test results showing required proficiency
• OR degree certificate if taught in English
• OR other accepted English language qualification

Financial Evidence:

• Bank statements showing required savings (if applicable)
• OR employer’s maintenance certification
• Evidence funds held for required period

Additional Requirements:

• Tuberculosis test results (for applicable countries)
• Biometric information
• Any country-specific documentation

Note: These lists are not exhaustive, and additional documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances and Home Office requirements. All applications should include comprehensive supporting evidence to demonstrate eligibility under the Scale-up route.

Scale-up Visa Processing Times

Processing times for Scale-up visa applications vary based on submission location and service level chosen:

• Outside UK applications: Approximately three weeks
• Within UK applications: Up to eight weeks

Priority Services

For eligible applicants using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, faster processing options are available:

• Priority Service: Five working day processing (£500 additional fee)
• Super Priority Service: Next working day decision (£1000 additional fee)

Complete Timeline

Sponsorship Phase:

• Sponsorship Licence approval: 8-12 weeks
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issuance: 1-2 weeks following licence approval

Application Phase:

• Online application completion: 1-2 hours
• Biometric appointment scheduling and attendance: 1-2 weeks (location dependent)
• Standard application processing: 3 weeks
• Optional priority processing: 1-5 working days (additional fee required)

Total estimated timeline from initial sponsorship application to visa approval: 12-16 weeks, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances and chosen processing speed.

Note: Processing times may fluctuate based on application volumes and Home Office workload. Applicants should factor these timelines into their planning and consider priority services if faster processing is required.

Scale-up Visa Application Fees

Standard Application Fees

A Scale-up visa application costs £822 per person, covering:

• Main applicant
• Each dependant (spouse, children) applying
• Applications from both inside and outside the UK

Additional Required Costs

Immigration Health Surcharge:

• £1,035 per year of visa duration
• Required for all applicants and dependants
• Provides access to NHS services

Biometric Information:

• Fee varies by location
• Required for fingerprints and photograph
• Collected at visa application centres

Optional Service Fees

Priority Processing:

• Standard service: Included in base fee
• Priority service (5 working days): Additional £500
• Super priority service (next working day): Additional £1,000

Other Potential Costs

Document Requirements:

• Translation fees for non-English/Welsh documents
• Certification costs for specific documents
• English language test fees if required

Financial Requirements:

• Must show £1,270 in savings (maintained for 28 days)
• OR obtain employer’s certification of maintenance
• Funds must be immediately accessible

Note: All fees are current at time of writing and may be subject to change. Applicants should check the UK government website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Extending a Scale-up Visa

A Scale-up visa is initially granted for two years. Upon expiry, visa holders may apply to extend their stay in the UK for up to three years, subject to meeting specific requirements.

To qualify for an extension, applicants must have worked in an eligible position with a Scale-up sponsor for a minimum of six months during their initial visa period. Following this six-month period, workers may either continue with their current employer or change jobs without requiring a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

The salary requirements stipulate that applicants must earn at least £36,300 per year or the occupation’s going rate, whichever sum is greater.

Throughout the initial visa period, workers must maintain continuous employment in the UK and receive regular payments from a UK-based employer. To demonstrate compliance with income requirements, applicants may need to submit supporting documentation such as payslips.

Successfully securing an extension allows workers to remain in the UK for a further three years. After accumulating five years of continuous residence, they may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Why Choose a Scale-up Visa?

The Scale-up visa provides considerable advantages for both rapidly growing companies and international workers.

Benefits for Businesses

Scale-up visas enable organisations to access a broader pool of global talent, helping them fill vital positions that drive growth and foster innovation.

The sponsorship requirements are specifically designed for high-growth companies, offering a more efficient process compared to alternative visa pathways. Once an organisation achieves Scale-up status, it can recruit international professionals with reduced administrative complexity.

Whilst the Scale-up visa is available across all industries, it proves particularly valuable for certain high-growth sectors:

Technology and Digital

Companies in software development, financial technology and artificial intelligence frequently utilise the Scale-up visa, as these sectors typically experience swift expansion and demand highly specialised expertise.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Given continuous advancements and requirements for skilled professionals, organisations in healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries can leverage the Scale-up visa effectively.

Green Energy and Sustainability

As Britain progresses towards its net-zero targets, enterprises focused on renewable energy and sustainability may employ this visa route to attract specialists needed to expand their operations.

Benefits for Workers

The Scale-up visa particularly appeals to professionals seeking employment within high-growth environments, where they can both contribute to and benefit from the rapid expansion of innovative enterprises.

A key advantage emerges after the initial six-month period with the sponsoring employer, as workers gain the freedom to change jobs without updating their visa status, providing enhanced career flexibility.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Scale-up visa is its pathway to permanent residence in the UK. Upon completing five years under this visa category, workers may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to meeting specific criteria, including continuous residence and salary requirements.

ILR grants individuals unrestricted rights to live and work in the UK. This status represents a significant milestone towards full citizenship, offering enhanced security and privileges.

To secure ILR, applicants must demonstrate five years of continuous residence in Britain whilst holding a Scale-up visa, prove their ability to maintain specified income levels and successfully complete the Life in the UK Test. Following one year of ILR status, individuals become eligible to pursue British citizenship, gaining full rights as UK citizens.

Scale-up Visa Services

Our expert immigration team specialises in supporting high-growth UK businesses with their international recruitment needs through the Scale-up visa route. We offer comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process, from initial eligibility assessment to successful visa acquisition.

Sponsor Licence Applications

We assist organisations in securing Scale-up sponsor licences by demonstrating the required 20% average annual growth in either employment or turnover over three years, with a minimum of ten employees at the period’s start.

Compliance Support

Our specialists ensure employers maintain full compliance with sponsorship obligations, including:

• Meeting minimum salary thresholds (£36,300 per annum or the role’s going rate)
• Offering positions at graduate level or above
• Managing the mandatory six-month employment period
• Fulfilling all reporting requirements regarding worker status changes

Visa Application Services

We guide both employers and candidates through the visa application process, providing expert advice on documentation requirements and application procedures to maximise chances of success.

Expert Guidance

As leading UK business immigration specialists, our at Axis Solicitors team offers tailored solutions to meet your organisation’s specific needs. We understand the unique challenges faced by high-growth businesses and provide strategic advice to support your international recruitment objectives.

For specialist advice on Scale-up visas, sponsor licence applications, or related immigration matters, please contact our expert team today.