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Introduction

The UK Scale-up Visa is a revolutionary scheme introduced in 2023, aimed at facilitating the employment of highly skilled individuals in fast-growing, or ‘scale-up’, businesses in the UK. This visa category targets skilled workers from around the world, promoting UK business expansion and enabling skilled migration to contribute to the UK’s economic growth.

What is a Scale-up Business?

A ‘scale-up’ business refers to a company that has demonstrated significant growth over a period of time. Specifically, it should have achieved an average annual revenue or employment growth of 20% over three years, with at least ten employees at the start of the three-year period.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up Visa comes with specific eligibility requirements for applicants:

• A confirmed job offer from an approved scale-up business, lasting for at least six months.
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer, indicating the specifics of the role offered in the UK.
• The job offered should be on the list of eligible occupations.
• The applicant should meet the minimum salary requirements, currently set at £34,600 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job.
• The applicant must be proficient in English, able to speak, read, write, and understand the language.

Application Process for the Scale-up Visa

The application for the Scale-up Visa is completed online, and the process may vary depending on the applicant’s current location and visa status. If changing employer within the first six months of employment, an update to the visa is required.

Applications can be submitted up to three months before the start date of work in the UK, as indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Upon application, identity verification and document submission are necessary.

Costs and Timeframes

The application fee for the Scale-up Visa is £715. Applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay and prove that they have sufficient personal savings.

Typically, the decision on a visa application is given within three weeks for applicants outside the UK, and within eight weeks for those inside the UK. It’s possible to pay for a faster decision.

Rights and Restrictions

With a Scale-up Visa, the holder can:

• Work in the sponsored job for at least six months.
• Leave the sponsored job after six months.
• Engage in additional work, including self-employment.
• Undertake voluntary work.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.
• Apply to settle permanently in the UK after five years, subject to meeting the other eligibility requirements.

However, the holder cannot apply for most benefits or the State Pension, nor can they work as a professional sportsperson.

Potential for Settlement in the UK

The Scale-up Visa grants the right to live and work in the UK for up to two years, with the possibility of extension for three years at a time. After five continuous years on the visa, holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, granting them the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely.

Conclusion

The Scale-up Visa presents an excellent opportunity for highly skilled professionals to contribute to the UK’s thriving scale-up business sector. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, prospective employees can unlock new professional experiences while aiding the growth of innovative UK businesses.”