Overview

The Scale-up Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to perform an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business, often referred to as a “scale-up business.”
This visa is designed to support innovative UK companies experiencing rapid growth by allowing them to hire highly skilled professionals. To sponsor scale-up workers, UK employers must meet strict eligibility criteria and hold Home Office approval.

Visa Duration and Extension

The initial visa is granted for 2 years.
It can be extended for 3 years at a time, with no limit on the number of extensions.
After 5 years, holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they continue to meet eligibility and residency requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Scale-up Worker Visa, applicants must:

Have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK scale-up business for at least 6 months.
Possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by that employer.
Be offered a role that appears on the list of eligible occupations.
Be paid a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum salary threshold (see below).
Meet the English language requirement (minimum B1 level on the CEFR scale).

Salary Requirements

Applicants must be paid whichever is higher of the following:

£34,600 per year, or
The “going rate” for their specific occupation code.
Each eligible occupation has a set “going rate,” as defined by the Home Office.

Eligible Employers and Businesses

The sponsoring employer must be an approved UK scale-up business authorised by the Home Office.
To qualify as a scale-up business, the company must have:
- Grown by 20% on average each year in either employment or turnover during the 3 years prior to approval.
- Had at least 10 employees at the start of that 3-year period.
Alternatively, the employer may be endorsed by an approved body (also known as an endorsing body).

Dependants

Partners and dependent children can apply to join or accompany the main applicant in the UK. They must each meet the relevant relationship and financial requirements.

Application Process

Applications are completed online.
The process differs depending on whether you are:
- Outside the UK (applying for entry clearance), or
- Inside the UK (extending or switching from another visa).
You can apply up to 3 months before your employment start date.

Processing Times

Outside the UK: decisions are typically made within 3 weeks of biometric submission.
Inside the UK: applications usually take around 8 weeks to process.
Delays may occur if the Home Office requests additional information or documentation.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Work in your sponsored job for at least 6 months.
Leave your sponsored job after 6 months and continue working in the UK without employer sponsorship.
Study while living in the UK.
Bring eligible dependants (partner and children).
Take on additional or self-employed work.
Do voluntary work.
Travel freely in and out of the UK.
Apply for ILR after 5 years, subject to requirements.

You cannot:

Apply for public funds or benefits.
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Documents Required

Applicants must provide:

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Valid passport or travel document.
Evidence of personal savings (if not certified by the employer).
Proof of relationship for dependants (if applicable).
Tuberculosis test results (if required).
ATAS certificate (if specified by the employer).
Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

Knowledge of English

Applicants must prove their English ability to at least Level B1 on the CEFR scale, demonstrated by one of the following:

Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Holding a recognised qualification taught in English (e.g. GCSE, A-level, or equivalent).
Having a degree-level qualification taught in English (verified by Ecctis if from overseas).
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Home Office Fees and Financial Requirements

Application fee: £822 per person
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
Personal maintenance funds: at least £1,270 (held for 28 days, unless certified by employer)
Additional dependants must meet separate financial requirements.
Fees are accurate as of October 2025 and subject to change.

Administrative Review (Entry Clearance and Extension Applications)

If a Scale-up Visa application is refused:

Applicants have the right to request an Administrative Review within:
- 28 days (if applied from outside the UK), or
- 14 days (if applied from within the UK).
Only documents submitted with the original application will be considered — no new evidence may be added.
Applicants are strongly advised to seek professional assistance when preparing review grounds.