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.

Requirements for a Scale-up Visa – Sponsored Application

In order to qualify for a Scale-up Visa via a Sponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the job you are planning to do;
• The job you are planning to do is genuine;
• The job you are planning to do is at an appropriate skill level;
• Your salary will be equal to or exceed both £33,000 per year, £10.58 per hour and the ‘going rate’ for the job;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

Requirements for a Scale-up Visa – Unsponsored Application

In order to qualify for a Scale-up Visa via an Unsponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You 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 are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

In either case, the exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice