UK Scale-up Visa: Meaning, Eligibility, Requirements, Application, and Benefits

UK Scale-up Visa: It was implemented as part of the government’s revisions to immigration regulations following Brexit. Applications for the program commenced on August 22, 2022.

Individuals who meet the necessary skill criteria are eligible to obtain a Scale-up Visa, which grants them permission to enter the UK as sponsored employees. They are required to work for their sponsoring employer for a minimum of six months. After a period of five years, the visa holder and their family have the opportunity to settle permanently in the UK without the condition of being employed.

In this Blog, we tell you about What is the New Scale Up Visa, who is eligible for it and what are its requirements.

Also Read: Types of UK Visa

UK Scale-up Visa: What Is It?

The UK Scale-up Visa is a new immigration initiative designed to expedite the process of attracting highly skilled workers from all over the globe. 

The visa allows workers to enter the UK as sponsored employment. They must serve at least six months with the sponsoring employer. After five years, the employee and their family are entitled to relocate permanently to the United Kingdom without the necessity for employment.

The visa was granted as part of the government’s post-Brexit immigration legislation adjustments. On August 22, 2022, applications for the program will be accepted.

UK Scale up Visa: Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must meet the below eligibility requirements:

• 6-month job contract with a UK-based business
• Minimum wage requirement of £33,000 per year
• Employer’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Must meet the requirement of English language Proficiency
• Enough to cover their own expenditures.

Qualification for Businesses

To be eligible, companies must demonstrate their ability to sponsor foreign workers. Currently, this entails showing a 20% overall increase in employee count and an average revenue over a period of three years. These qualifying businesses must also have a minimum of 10 employees at the beginning of the aforementioned three-year period.

According to the ScaleUp Institute, over 36,000 high-growth businesses meet these criteria. The government is also considering the possibility of expanding the requirements to include other companies expecting significant growth.

Must Read: UK Visa Tracking with GWF Number

Qualification for Workers

As the visa program is still new, not all requirements have been confirmed. However, it is expected that applicants will qualify if they meet the following conditions:

• They have a job offer from a recognized scale-up company in the UK that requires high skills.
• They earn a minimum annual salary of £33,000.
• They possess advanced expertise or academic qualifications in their field.
• They have a good command of spoken English.

This new visa also offers a pathway for international workers to settle permanently in the UK, along with their families. However, during the initial six months of their stay, skilled workers must remain with the sponsoring company. After a continuous period of five years of employment, they can apply for settlement in the UK.

UK Scale-up Visa: Benefits 

The timing of the UK Scale-up Visa is advantageous for businesses due to recent labour market disruptions that have posed hiring difficulties, particularly for scale-up companies dependent on international talent.

This fresh visa program offers incentives to attract highly skilled workers to the UK, aiming to expedite the process and prevent companies from relocating outside the UK to access talent pools in other nations.

Moreover, the UK Scale-up Visa streamlines talent recruitment for companies, considering the changes in free movement between the European Union (EU) and the post-Brexit UK.

Also Read: MS in Data Science in UK

UK Sclae Up Visa Documentation Requirements 

The UK Scale with documentation requirements are as follows 

• Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
• Provide proof of relationship with partner or children 
• TB test results (if applicable)
• Provide an ATAS certificate (if the employer says that you need one)
• If you are from outside the EU you must have a plan plage in your passport 

UK Scale Up Visa Application Process 

The application process for a UK scale-up visa is as follows:

• First, prove your identity and provide the relevant documents. For this, you will have your fingerprints taken at a visa application centre. 
• You can use the  ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app  to scan and upload the relevant documents 
• You will have the option to save and complete your application later.
• After you complete your application you must ensure that you pay the application fee
• Your visa application will be processed 
• The decision regarding the same will be conveyed to you

To learn about UK scale up visa application process watch the video below

Processing Time for a UK Scale Up Visa

The UK scale-up visa processing time is as follows:

Visa	Processing Time
UK Sclae Up Visa	3 weeks

UK Scale Up Visa Fees 

The UK Scale Up visa fees are as follows:

Particulars	Fees
Application fee	£822
Visa healthcare surcharge	£1,035 per year
To fund your expenses in the UK	minimum £1,270

FAQs

Still, confused about which type of UK Visa to apply for? If you are confused about where to begin, you can reach out to our study abroad experts who will help you through the process. Call us at 1800572000 and book a FREE 30-minute session today! You can also visit our Visa page for more information.