UK Scale-Up Visa Launched | 2-Year Stay, Extendable

UK Scale-Up Worker Visa 

Launched on 

August 22, 2022

For 

Skilled professionals that want to work in the UK, taking up an eligible job for a scale-up (fast-growing) business in the UK. 

UK employers must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor workers. 

Eligibility

To qualify, you must have a - 

• Certificate of Sponsorship from UK employer, and
• A confirmed job offer (only in an eligible occupation) to work for at least 6 months with an approved scale-up business in the UK, and

You must be paid a minimum salary in your new job in the UK as per Scale-up: Going rate for eligible occupations. 

Knowledge of English will have to be proved through test results of IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI etc. Minimum B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. 

CEFR B1 = IELTS for UKVI 4.0 Overall Band Score, and in each of the four skills. 

Stay in the UK

2 years

Can I include my family?

You can include your -

• Spouse or partner, and
• Children below 18 years. 

Evidence of your relationship with each will be required. 

What if I want to stay longer?

You can get a visa extension for another 3 years on its expiry. No limit on number of extensions. 

Can I settle in the UK?

After 5 years’ stay in the UK, you might be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) that allows you to settle permanently in the UK. 

How do I apply?

Online application is to be made. 

You can apply for this visa - 

(1) from outside the UK, 

(2) within the UK by extending your current visa, or 

(3) within the UK by switching from another visa. 

What documents do I need?

Generally, you will have to provide the following documents - 

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (to be given by UK employer), 
• Occupation code of your job as per the ONS occupation coding tool, 
• English language test results, 
• Passport, 
• Name of UK employer, 
• Employer’s sponsor licence number,
• Job title, 
• Annual salary of job offered, and 
• Occupation code. 

Get a copy of your Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer. 

Other documents might also be required. 

When do I apply?

Up to 3 months before starting work in the UK. The date will be mentioned on your Certificate of Sponsorship. 

Processing time 

3 weeks (applying from outside the UK)

What is the visa processing fee?

GBP 715 (INR 67,659 approx.) each for applicant, partner, child

Health surcharge 

GBP 624 (INR 59,032 approx.) for each year of stay in the UK

Money to support yourself 

GBP 1,270 (INR 120,126 approx.) in your bank account

Applying with dependents, you will also need - 

• GBP 285 (INR 26,957 approx.) for spouse/partner
• GBP 315 (INR 29,794 approx.) for one child
• GBP 200 (INR 8,916 approx.) for each additional child

What if I want to leave my sponsored job?

You will be required to work in your sponsored job for at least 6 months. You can leave your sponsored job after 6 months. 

After 6 months, you can change or stop doing your job. There is no requirement to inform the Home Office. You don’t have to update your visa. 

Can I take additional work?

You can take on additional work, or become self-employed. You can also do voluntary work.