Question 1

What is a Scale-up Worker visa and who can apply for it?

Accepted Answer

The Scale-up Worker visa is a UK immigration route for skilled professionals aiming to work with fast-growing companies in the UK. Applicants must have a job offer from a UK scale-up business that holds a valid sponsorship license, a minimum annual salary offer of £33,000, English proficiency, sufficient maintenance funds, and a clean criminal record.

Question 2

What exactly qualifies a company as a 'scale-up' for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

A 'scale-up' company is a high-growth business that is recognized by the UK Home Office. These companies are typically experiencing rapid growth and are listed on the official register of licensed sponsors. To sponsor a Scale-up Worker visa, the company must have the appropriate sponsor license from the Home Office.

Question 3

How can I prove English language proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You can prove your English proficiency by passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1 or higher. Alternatively, holding a degree taught in English or being a national from a majority English-speaking country may exempt you from this requirement.

Question 4

What documents do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

To prove English proficiency at CEFR Level B1, you can submit an approved English language test result or provide evidence of an academic qualification that was taught in English. Accepted tests include IELTS for UKVI and Trinity College London’s SELT. If your degree was taught in English, you might need a statement from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) confirming this.

Question 5

What documents are required to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You will need a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer, a valid passport or travel document, evidence of your salary offer (such as a job contract), proof of English proficiency, financial evidence showing at least £1,270 in savings, and a clean criminal record certificate.

Question 6

How long does the application process for the Scale-up Worker visa typically take?

Accepted Answer

The Scale-up Worker visa application process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date of submission. It's important to ensure all your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays. Processing times can vary depending on the current workload of the Home Office.

Question 7

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The minimum salary requirement is £33,000 annually or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher. This must be at least £10.10 per hour. Your job offer must meet or exceed these thresholds.

Question 8

Is there a minimum salary I must earn to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa, you must have a job offer with a salary of at least £33,000 per annum or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher. This ensures that the salary aligns with industry standards.

Question 9

How do I demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You must show evidence of having at least £1,270 in personal savings. This amount must have been held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before your application. Bank statements or a letter from your bank can serve as proof.

Question 10

What are the fees associated with applying for a Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Scale-up Worker visa starts at £625. Additionally, applicants may need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624 per year. The exact cost may vary based on individual circumstances, such as the length of stay.

Question 11

How long does it take to process the Scale-up Worker visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for a Scale-up Worker visa is generally up to 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date in the UK.

Question 12

Can my employer provide maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your employer is willing, they can certify maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to cover the required £1,270 maintenance funds. This must be explicitly stated on the CoS to qualify for the exemption.

Question 13

What are the costs involved in applying for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Scale-up Worker visa is £715. Additionally, you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 per year of your stay. Ensure you also have enough funds for maintenance.

Question 14

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by your employer, confirming that they are sponsoring your visa application. Your employer must be a licensed sponsor and will provide you with a unique reference number to use in your visa application.

Question 15

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another visa category while in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another visa category while in the UK, provided you are not on a visa such as a Visit Visa, Short-term Student Visa, or Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa.

Question 16

What happens if my application for the Scale-up Worker visa is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal. You may have the option to request an administrative review or reapply, addressing the issues raised. It's advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer to understand your options.

Question 17

What happens if my Scale-up Worker visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may have the option to request an administrative review or submit a new application, addressing the reasons for refusal.

Question 18

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another UK visa category?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another eligible UK visa category without leaving the UK, provided you meet all the requirements. Common categories that allow switching include the Tier 2 (General) visa and the Skilled Worker visa.

Question 19

Can I bring family members with me on a Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring your partner and children as dependents. They must apply separately, and you'll need to demonstrate your ability to support them financially by showing additional maintenance funds.

Question 20

What is the minimum skill level required for the Scale-up Worker visa job offer?

Accepted Answer

The job offer must meet the skill level requirement of RQF Level 6 or above, which generally corresponds to a graduate-level position. This ensures that the role is sufficiently skilled to qualify under the Scale-up Worker visa criteria.

Question 21

What is the initial visa validity period for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The initial Scale-up Worker visa is typically granted for 2 years. After 6 months, you do not need to remain sponsored by the same employer and can choose to change jobs or work independently.

Question 22

How can I demonstrate my work experience for the Scale-up Worker visa application?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating work experience can include providing a detailed CV, letters of reference from previous employers, and documentation of your roles and responsibilities. These should align with the job description of the Scale-up Worker position you're applying for.

Question 23

How can I qualify for settlement in the UK with a Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

To qualify for settlement, you must have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years, meet the income requirement, have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Question 24

What is the 'going rate' and how do I find out the going rate for my occupation?

Accepted Answer

The 'going rate' refers to the average salary for a specific occupation in the UK. You can find these rates in the UK government’s official occupation codes of practice. Your salary must either meet the minimum £33,000 or the going rate, whichever is higher.

Question 25

What is considered a 'scale-up' company eligible to sponsor my visa?

Accepted Answer

A 'scale-up' company must demonstrate rapid growth in employee numbers or turnover. They must hold a valid sponsorship license and be recognized by the UK government as a scale-up business.

Question 26

What are the character requirements for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must have a clean criminal record to satisfy the character requirements. You may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, depending on your circumstances.

Question 27

Can I work for multiple employers on a Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

After the initial 6 months with your sponsoring employer, you may work for different employers or even start your own business without requiring a new sponsorship. However, you must continue to meet the visa conditions.

Question 28

What should I do if I need to travel urgently while my Scale-up Worker visa is being processed?

Accepted Answer

If you need to travel urgently, you should contact the UKVI to discuss your options. It may be possible to expedite your application for an additional fee, but this is not guaranteed. Avoid traveling until your application is processed to prevent it from being withdrawn.

Question 29

Is it possible to extend my Scale-up Worker visa after the initial period?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can extend your Scale-up Worker visa. You will need to apply for an extension and demonstrate that you meet the necessary requirements, including employment and salary criteria, and have not breached any visa conditions.

Question 30

Can my family members join me in the UK on a Scale-up Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your family members can apply to join or remain with you in the UK as your dependents. This includes your spouse or partner and children under 18. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.

Scale-up Worker visa FAQ

Featured Questions

What is a Scale-up Worker visa and who can apply for it?Application Process00

What is a Scale-up Worker visa and who can apply for it?

What exactly qualifies a company as a 'scale-up' for the Scale-up Worker visa?General0

What exactly qualifies a company as a 'scale-up' for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Eligibility Questions

Is there a minimum salary I must earn to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

Is there a minimum salary I must earn to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa?

How can I qualify for settlement in the UK with a Scale-up Worker visa?0

How can I qualify for settlement in the UK with a Scale-up Worker visa?

Application Process Questions

What is a Scale-up Worker visa and who can apply for it?00

What is a Scale-up Worker visa and who can apply for it?

What happens if my application for the Scale-up Worker visa is refused?

What happens if my application for the Scale-up Worker visa is refused?

Documents Questions

What documents do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

What documents do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What documents are required to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What documents are required to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Costs Questions

What are the fees associated with applying for a Scale-up Worker visa?00

What are the fees associated with applying for a Scale-up Worker visa?

What are the costs involved in applying for the Scale-up Worker visa?0

What are the costs involved in applying for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Timeline Questions

How long does the application process for the Scale-up Worker visa typically take?00

How long does the application process for the Scale-up Worker visa typically take?

How long does it take to process the Scale-up Worker visa application?0

How long does it take to process the Scale-up Worker visa application?

After Application Questions

Is it possible to extend my Scale-up Worker visa after the initial period?00

Is it possible to extend my Scale-up Worker visa after the initial period?

General Questions

What exactly qualifies a company as a 'scale-up' for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

What exactly qualifies a company as a 'scale-up' for the Scale-up Worker visa?

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How can I prove English language proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

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How can I prove English language proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?General00

How can I prove English language proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What documents do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?Documents00

What documents do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What documents are required to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa?Documents00

What documents are required to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa?

How long does the application process for the Scale-up Worker visa typically take?Timeline00

How long does the application process for the Scale-up Worker visa typically take?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Scale-up Worker visa?General00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Is there a minimum salary I must earn to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa?Eligibility00

Is there a minimum salary I must earn to be eligible for the Scale-up Worker visa?

How do I demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?General00

How do I demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What are the fees associated with applying for a Scale-up Worker visa?Costs & Fees00

What are the fees associated with applying for a Scale-up Worker visa?

What is considered a 'scale-up' company eligible to sponsor my visa?00

What is considered a 'scale-up' company eligible to sponsor my visa?

What happens if my Scale-up Worker visa application is refused?00

What happens if my Scale-up Worker visa application is refused?

How can I demonstrate my work experience for the Scale-up Worker visa application?00

How can I demonstrate my work experience for the Scale-up Worker visa application?

What should I do if I need to travel urgently while my Scale-up Worker visa is being processed?00

What should I do if I need to travel urgently while my Scale-up Worker visa is being processed?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the Scale-up Worker visa?

How do I demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

How do I demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?

Can my employer provide maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?00

Can my employer provide maintenance funds for the Scale-up Worker visa?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another visa category while in the UK?00

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another visa category while in the UK?

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another UK visa category?00

Can I switch to a Scale-up Worker visa from another UK visa category?