Needless to say, obtaining a visa to relocate or work in foreign countries like the UK is no longer as easy as it was nearly a decade ago.
Immigration policies and rules keep changing, making the process more complicated than it used to be. However, while things have become tougher, there are still opportunities worth exploring.
The Scale-up Worker visa is one way people been able to obtain a work permit in the U.K.
Here is everything we know about it and how you can apply:
What is Scale-up Worker visa
The Scale-up Worker visa allows professionals to take up eligible roles with fast-growing UK companies, often referred to as scale-ups. These are businesses that are expanding quickly and looking for skilled talent to support that growth.
To hire through this route, a UK employer must meet certain eligibility requirements before they can sponsor scale-up workers. The same also applies to the worker.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Scale-up Worker visa, there are a few boxes you need to tick. The UK government has set specific conditions around the type of job you’re offered, who is hiring you, and whether you meet basic salary and language requirements. If those align, you can then apply online through this route.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK scale-up company, with the role lasting at least six months.
- Receive a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, which includes details of your role and employment terms.
- Have the required documents to apply.
- Be offered a role that appears on the UK’s list of eligible occupations.
- Meet the minimum salary threshold of £39,100 ($53,735) for the Scale-up Worker visa.
- Prove you can support yourself with at least £1,270 ($1,742) when you arrive.
- Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English, and provide proof of this when required during your application.
How long can you stay in the UK on a Scale-up Worker visa?
The Scale-up Worker visa is initially granted for two years. Once that period ends, you’ll need to apply for an extension if you plan to remain in the UK.
Provided you still meet the eligibility requirements, the visa can be extended by three-year with no fixed limit on how many times you can extend it.
For those thinking long term, the route can also lead to permanent settlement (indefinite leave to remain). After five years of living and working in the UK under this visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.
How much does Scale-up Worker visa cost?
Applying for a Scale-up Worker visa comes with several fees. The application itself costs £880 ($1,207), and you’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually around £1,035 ($1,419) per year. On top of that, you’ll need to show you can support yourself financially when you arrive in the UK at least £1,270 ($1,741), unless you’re exempt.
Bringing your family with you
When it comes to family inclusion, you are allowed to bring certain family members with you to the UK, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. This includes your partner and children, who can apply as your dependents.
To qualify, you’ll need to show evidence of your relationship. This can include proof that:
- You are married or in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK
- You have been living together in a long-term relationship for at least two years by the time you applied
- For children, they must be unmarried and live with you.
- Show that your dependents can support themselves financially with at least £285 ($391) for your partner, £315 ($432) for one child, and £200 ($274) for each additional child.
How to apply?
Applying for the Scale-up Worker is done online, but part of the process involves proving your identity and depends on where you’re applying from, as well as the type of passport you hold.
Some applicants can verify their identity using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app, which also lets you create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Others may need to visit a visa application centre to have their fingerprints and photo taken. Your application will let you know which option applies to you.
If an in-person appointment is required, you’ll need to bring your passport with you, and in some cases, you may have to travel to the nearest centre, even if it’s in another country. You’ll be able to collect your passport on the same day.
David Adubiina
