UK Scale-up Worker

Summary

The UK Scale-up Worker visa is for people recruited into eligible roles by approved fast-growing UK businesses. It starts as a sponsored route, but it can become more flexible after the initial sponsored work period.

This route can lead to settlement, but it is narrower than Skilled Worker because the employer must be approved for the Scale-up route and the job must meet specific occupation and salary rules.

Eligibility

You may be a fit if:

• You are not already a British or Irish citizen.
• You have a confirmed UK job offer from an approved Scale-up sponsor.
• The sponsored job will last at least 6 months.
• The role is in an eligible occupation.
• The salary meets the Scale-up Worker salary rule and the occupation's going rate.
• Your employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You can prove English or qualify for an exemption.
• You meet identity, suitability, financial, and document requirements.

What This Route Allows

The route can let you live and work in the UK, bring eligible dependants, and potentially settle after enough qualifying residence. It is designed for high-skilled recruitment by fast-growing businesses.

What This Route Is Not

• A general job-seeker route.
• A route for any start-up or small company.
• A route that works without an approved Scale-up sponsor.
• The same as Skilled Worker, even though the two routes overlap in some practical ways.

Next Steps

1. Confirm the employer is approved for the Scale-up Worker route.
2. Confirm the role's occupation code.
3. Check the salary against the current Scale-up rule and going rate.
4. Confirm English and financial evidence.
5. Apply after the employer issues the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Sources

• GOV.UK - Scale-up Worker visa
• GOV.UK - Scale-up Worker visa: your job
• GOV.UK - Immigration Rules Appendix Scale-up
• GOV.UK - Register of licensed sponsors