At Reeds Solicitors, we help employers and applicants manage the Scale-up visa process from start to finish. This includes sponsor licence support, eligibility checks, application preparation, and compliance advice.
Whether you are a UK business looking to hire international talent or a skilled worker applying for a new opportunity in the UK, our immigration team can guide you through the process clearly and confidently
The Scale-up Worker visa provides a way for approved high-growth UK businesses to recruit overseas workers into high-skill job roles. It helps fast-growing businesses attract talent quickly, while providing workers with a path that offers more flexibility after the initial sponsored period.
This visa is a hybrid work route, where the visa holder doesn’t need to remain with the sponsor (nor require sponsorship) after the initial six months. The visa holder may then continue on the route for the remainder of the visa without being tied to the initial sponsor.
For the employer, this route provides skilled workers for temporary positions, though it is important to consider retention planning as the worker may leave after the initial six months without any immigration implications. To access this route, the UK scale-up business must hold a Home Office sponsor licence.
The Scale-Up Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility Routes. It was introduced in 2022 as part of the plan to make the UK a ‘global innovation hub’ by 2035, and to fill a gap in skilled workers at the end of free movement with the EU post-Brexit.
At Reeds Solicitors, we advise both employers and applicants on UK Scale-Up visa applications. We can help you determine if this route is a good fit, prepare the right evidence, and manage the application process clearly and confidently.
Contact our team at [email protected] or call 0333 240 7373.
How the application works
The Scale-up Worker visa process usually starts with confirming that both the employer and the applicant meet the route’s requirements. This means checking the sponsor status, the role, the salary, and confirming that the job offer is for at least six months.
This process typically involves:
- A genuine job offer from an approved UK scale-up sponsor.
- A role that meets the required skill level (RQF Level 6) and is listed as eligible for the route.
- A salary that meets the minimum threshold of £39,100 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer.
- Proof that the applicant meets the English language requirement of CEFR level B2, although some exemptions apply.
- Evidence of maintenance funds, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance.
Once the application is prepared, the applicant may need to provide supporting documents and, when necessary, attend an appointment or use the required identity-check process. Careful preparation at the beginning can help avoid delays and reduce the risk of a refusal.
Contact us to speak with a solicitor to discuss your unique situation. Email our team at [email protected] or call 0333 240 7373.
Contact:
[email protected]
How We Can Help
For scale-up businesses, this route can be an effective way to hire skilled workers quickly and support growth. We can help employers understand the sponsor requirements, confirm whether the business qualifies as a scale-up sponsor, and prepare the application sensibly and legally to avoid any obstacles further down the line.
We also help businesses keep the sponsorship process simple. This includes reviewing role eligibility, salary levels, proof of business growth, and the documents needed to support the application. Our goal is to reduce avoidable issues and make the process easier from the start.
If you are applying as an employee, we can guide you through what you need to qualify and what to expect at each step. We can assist you in checking the role requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and preparing a clear and complete application.
This route can be a strong option for skilled workers joining a fast-growing UK employer. We will help you understand how the visa works, what your options are, and how to present your case effectively.
Scale-up Worker visa applications can be delayed or refused if the sponsor is not eligible, the role does not meet the route requirements, or if the evidence is incomplete. It is also crucial to ensure that the application reflects the real business need and the structure of the employer.
Getting advice early can help reduce these risks and improve the chances of a smooth application. We provide clear, practical immigration advice for businesses and individuals. Our approach is straightforward and focuses on making the process as smooth as possible.
Our specialist Immigration Solicitors offer the following:
- Clear and practical immigration advice
- Support for both businesses and individuals
- Assistance with sponsor licences and compliance
- Help with complex or urgent applications
- Professional guidance from application to decision
Whether you are an employer looking to hire skilled staff or an individual preparing to apply, we can help you move forward with confidence.
Contact our team at [email protected] or call 0333 240 7373.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Scale-up Worker visa is a UK work visa designed to meet the needs of high-growth businesses, attracting skilled workers from outside of the UK. This visa route is perfect for companies who are growing exponentially and wish to hire international talent to fill skill and employment gaps on a temporary basis.
One of the main benefits is that it supports fast-growing UK businesses to fill employment and skills shortages with international applicants. For the worker the benefits include the flexibility to change jobs after the initial six months on the same visa, the opportunity to work for a UK high-growth company which may lead to further opportunities, and a possible pathway to long-term residency through Indefinite leave to Remain.
The visa is usually granted for an initial sponsored period of two years. After this it is possible to apply for an extension for up to three additional years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and immigration history.
Whether the visa holder may extend will depend upon meeting a 50% of permission PAYE earnings test. This means that you will need to demonstrate that you have earned at least the threshold salary for at least 50% of the duration of the permitted stay.
Businesses and skilled workers must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the Scale-Up Visa. These criteria for businesses include meeting a growth rate of at least 20% in employment or turnover over a 3-year period, and having at least 10 employees at the start of this period. Skilled worker applicants must have a valid job offer from a qualifying business (with a valid, Home Office issued sponsor license), meet the skill and salary requirements and must usually demonstrate proficiency in the English language (CEFR level B2).
To qualify, the applicant usually needs a qualifying job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible occupation, sufficient salary, English language ability, and maintenance funds if necessary.
It can, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and how the route is used over time.
Yes, you can switch employers after the initial six months of the visa period. This is one of the key benefits of this visa for workers.
Yes, the applicant must have a sponsor for the initial sponsored stage of the route.
In many cases, family members can join the main applicant as dependants. This includes a spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 years old. Each family member will need to apply for a dependent visa and meet any necessary requirements.
Timelines vary depending on the specifics of the application and how quickly the required documents are prepared. Processing times vary, although many applications are decided within several weeks. Priority services may be available in some cases.
If your application is rejected, you will receive notification of the reasons and may have the option to appeal the decision or submit a new application. In the new application you should provide additional information addressing the concerns raised after your rejection. It is highly recommended that you consult with an immigration advisor or solicitor to understand your options to improve your success of future applications.
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