The Scale-up Worker visa, available since August 2022, allows for a more flexible visa option subject to eligibility criteria.
What is the Scale-up Worker visa?
The Scale-up Worker visa is a points-based route for talented overseas workers who have been recruited by a UK scale up sponsor. It was introduced to attract international talent and support fast-growing innovative UK businesses (sometimes called scale-up businesses) to enable the sponsor’s business to continue to grow. Workers must 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.
Sponsoring scale-up workers: how it works
In order to sponsor employees under a Scale-up Worker visa, employers need to first obtain a scale-up sponsor licence. Companies seeking such a licence need to demonstrate an annual revenue or employment growth rate of more than 20% over a three-year period (the baseline for measuring employment growth is a minimum of 10 employees).
Employers with a Scale-up sponsor licence can assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to individuals they wish to recruit who want to apply for a Scale-up worker visa. In order to assign a CoS allowing someone to apply for the visa, the role must be a minimum skill level of RQF Level 6 (graduate level) and the salary on offer must be the higher of £33,000 a year, the going rate for the skilled occupation, or £10.58 per hour.
How to apply for a Scale-up Worker visa
In order to make a Scale-up visa application, an individual needs:
- A CoS (which meets the requirements above) confirming they have a job offer which will last at least six months;
- Proof they meet the required level of English Language skills; and
- Sufficient funds to support themselves – either £1,270 of available funds or confirmation on the CoS that the sponsoring employer will certify maintenance.
A Scale-up Worker visa will be initially granted for up to two years and can be extended for up to three years at a time. After holding a Scale-up Worker visa for five years, the individual can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Benefits of a Scale-up Worker visa
Whilst the application process is similar to the Skilled Worker visa, there are some key differences.
The skill level requirement is higher for the Scale-up Worker visa, as is the minimum required salary. However, as long as the individual has worked at least six months in their sponsored role, they will be allowed to extend the visa without sponsorship – the extension eligibility requirement is based on earnings.
Employees with a Scale-up Worker visa can change employers after six months without needing to update their visa. Employees can also do additional work (including self-employment) or do voluntary work without restriction – the Skilled Worker visa is more restrictive in what other activities can be carried out.
Future-proofing with specialist support
At esphr, we can advise you on the most suitable visa routes for your recruitment needs. We can help you through applying for a sponsor licence, creating and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and advise on all aspects of the visa process
