Scale-up Worker visa

A Scale-up Worker visa allows individuals to work in specific skilled jobs listed on the eligible occupations list; however, only in certain roles. These jobs must be offered by employers who have a sponsor licence to hire foreign workers. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, after the initial 6 months of employment, individuals can continue to stay in the UK without requiring ongoing sponsorship.

If you are applying to enter the UK or switch to this route, the visa can last for up to 2 years before it needs to be extended. If applying for further leave to remain, the grant is for up to 3 years. This visa is a five-year route to settlement.

The main eligibility requirements for a Scale-up Worker visa are:

• You need a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence and has been accepted by the Home Office specifically as a scale up business. The job offered must be at or above a certain skill level.
• The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the individual if applying for entry clearance or switching. 
• The job must pay a minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the profession, whichever is higher, if applying for entry clearance or switching. 
• Proven knowledge of the English language at level B2 or above.
• Unless exempted, you must show you have enough money to support yourself for an initial period in the UK.
• UK earnings in most recent grant: You must show that during for at least 50% of your most recent permission as a Scale-up Worker you have had monthly PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £39,100 per year if your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned on or after 22 July 2025;
  • £36,000 per year if your most recent permission on the route was on the basis of a CoS assigned on or after 4 April 2024 and before 21 July 2025;
  • £34,600 per year if your most recent permission on the route was on the basis of a CoS assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024; or
  • £33,000 per year if your most recent permission on the route was on the basis of a CoS assigned on or before 11 April 2023.
• You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application.

If you are successful in being granted a visa, you must only work in the job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship for the first six months. The Scale-up Worker visa does not allow access to public funds. 

You may be able to perform a second job or self-employment except as a professional sportsperson. You may also be able to do voluntary work and study (subject to Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate requirements).