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Scale-Up Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > Scale-Up Visa

Scale-Up Visa UK Overview

The Scale-Up Visa allows highly skilled foreign workers to join rapidly growing UK businesses. Sponsorship is only required for the first six months, after which you can work for any employer or be self-employed without sponsorship. It offers a route to settlement after five years if all criteria are met.

Key Points:

Sponsorship needed for first six months only

Job must meet skill and salary thresholds

2-year visa → extend for 3 years → ILR after 5 years

Dependants allowed; no access to public funds

After just six months with your first sponsored employer, you can switch jobs or even go self-employed without losing your visa status.

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    Eligibility Criteria for Scale-Up Visa

    Applicants must be 18 or over, have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an A-rated Scale-Up sponsor, meet English and financial requirements, and have a genuine job offer meeting salary and skill criteria.

    Key Points:

    Salary: 39,100 for sponsored route and the going rate (whichever is higher)

    English: CEFR B1 or higher

    Maintenance: £1,270 unless exempt or certified

    TB certificate if from a listed country

    Areas of expertise

    what we are best at

    Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirements

    The CoS confirms job details, start date, and employer information. It must be issued by an eligible sponsor and used within three months of the application date.

    Key Points:

    Must confirm job title, salary, and start date

    Must not be expired, withdrawn, or cancelled

    Confirms applicant will work for sponsor for at least six months

    Job and Salary Requirements

    The job must be genuine, meet the required skill level, and meet salary rules to qualify under the Scale-Up route.

    Key Points:

    Must meet RQF 6+ skill requirement

    Salary threshold: £36,300 or going rate

    Employer must choose correct occupation code

    English Language Requirements

    Applicants must prove English proficiency at CEFR B1 level unless exempt based on nationality, qualifications, or previous UK immigration history.

    Key Points:

    Must meet CEFR B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening

    Exemptions for majority English-speaking countries or UK degrees

    Application Process for Scale-Up Visa

    Applications are made online, with supporting documents uploaded and identity verified via the ID Check app or visa application centre.

    Key Points:

    Typical decision: 3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK

    Apply before current leave expires if switching routes

    Fees and Financial Requirements

    Applicants must pay visa fees, the immigration healthcare surcharge, and meet the financial requirement unless exempt.

    Key Points:

    Visa fee: £880

    IHS: £1,035 per year

    Funds: £1,270 unless exempt or certified by sponsor

    Duration and Extension Rules

    The initial visa lasts two years and can be extended for three years if salary and job requirements are met.

    Key Points:

    Must have worked in the sponsored job for at least six months

    Must meet salary requirements for at least half of stay

    Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Eligibility

    After five years, applicants may qualify for ILR if salary, residence, and English language criteria are met.

    Key Points:

    Salary thresholds depend on CoS date: 39,100

    Must meet Life in the UK and absence requirements

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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