The Scale-up Worker visa offers the opportunity to work in the UK for a fast-growing UK business, also known as a “scale-up business.” However, your UK employer must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to sponsor scale-up workers.
If you or your family member are citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be eligible to apply for the free EU Settlement Scheme. The application deadline for most individuals was 30 June 2021. However, there are exceptions. You can still apply if you have a later deadline, such as when you are joining a family member in the UK who was already living there by 31 December 2020. Additionally, if you have reasonable grounds for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021, such as illness or being a victim of domestic abuse, you may still be able to submit your application. It is advisable to check if you are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you do not meet the criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme, you will need a visa to work in the UK. Irish citizens, however, are exempt from applying for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Eligibility
In order to qualify for a Scale-up Worker visa, there are several requirements that must be met:
Firstly, you must have a confirmed job offer to work for an approved scale-up business for a minimum period of 6 months. This job offer should be supported by a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, providing details about the specific role you have been offered in the UK.
Additionally, the job you have been offered must fall under the list of eligible occupations for the Scale-up Worker visa, and you must be offered a salary that meets the minimum requirements for your new position. It is recommended to check if your job is eligible for this visa category.
Language proficiency is another important aspect. You are expected to possess the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. Typically, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language skills when submitting your application.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Scale-up Worker visa, there might be alternative visa options available for you to work in the UK. It is advisable to explore these alternatives based on your specific circumstances.
How long you can stay
With a Scale-up Worker visa, you can initially stay in the UK for a period of 2 years. However, it is important to note that you will need to apply for an extension of your visa before it expires if you wish to continue staying in the UK.
If you desire to prolong your stay in the UK beyond the initial 2-year period, you have the option to extend your visa multiple times, each time for a duration of 3 years, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Upon completing a total of 5 years in the UK on a Scale-up Worker visa, you may become eligible to apply for settlement, also referred to as ‘indefinite leave to remain.’ This status grants you the right to reside, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. Additionally, if you meet the necessary criteria, you may also be eligible to apply for certain benefits.
Getting a decision
After completing the online application, submitting your identity verification, and providing the required documents for your visa, you can typically expect a decision within the following timeframes:
- If you are outside the UK, it usually takes around 3 weeks to receive a decision.
- If you are already inside the UK, the decision typically takes around 8 weeks.
If you wish to expedite the decision-making process, you may have the option to pay an additional fee for a faster response. The specific procedure for expediting the decision varies depending on whether you are outside or inside the UK.
In terms of costs, each applicant, including your partner and children, will be required to pay an application fee of £715. Additionally, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay. It is also necessary to demonstrate that you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself and your family during your time in the UK.
About your stay
Once you have obtained a Scale-up Worker visa, it is important to note that you cannot switch to a different employer unless you apply to update your visa accordingly. However, if you start a different job that meets the eligibility criteria and is with the same employer, you do not need to update your visa.
After completing a minimum of 6 months on the Scale-up Worker visa, you have certain privileges. You are permitted to continue working in your current job, make changes to or cease employment without informing the Home Office, or engage in self-employment. In these cases, there is no requirement to update your visa.
When your current Scale-up Worker visa nears its expiration, you have the option to extend it without the need for a new sponsor. However, you must satisfy the earnings requirements specified for the extension.