Scale-up Visa
On 22 August 2022, the UK introduced a new immigration route for high-skilled individuals who wish to work and settle in the UK via the promising route of Scale-up visa.
The visa is designed for talented individuals who possess the necessary skills, to enter and work in the UK in order to continue development of fast growing businesses.
Eligibility for Scale-Up Visa
Applying for this new visa category requires both the business and potential worker to meet certain requirements.
Eligibility for Businesses
As a business you may be eligible to apply for a scale-up sponsor license if you are a fast-growing business.
In the 3-year period immediately before the Home Office assesses you as a sponsor of a scale-up workers, you must have:
- Grown by 20% on average in each year in either employment or total turnover;
- Had at least 10 employees at the start of the 3-year period.
Eligibility for Workers
You must meet a strict criterion to qualify for the visa:
- Your job is eligible for a scale-up visa.
- You should have a job offer from an approved scale-up business for a minimum of 6-months;
- You should have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS.) from your employer;
- You should meet the minimum salary requirements, which is £33,000 per year or £10.10 per hour or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work;
- You should meet the English language requirement;
- Show proof of adequate funds in order to support yourself.
The job offer must come from an approved UK employer, and we can confirm this for you.
If your potential sponsor does not hold the said licence, we can assist them to be an approved sponsor.
Benefits of the Visa
Scale-up businesses are more likely to choose this visa route since this category is exempted from immigration skill charges, Companies and businesses can save up to £1000 a year depending on the number of workers they wish to recruit.
Also, once employees have completed his initial six-month contract with the business, they are free to change their role within their organisation or apply for another job without applying for another visa.
Individuals on a scale-up workers visa can apply for an unsponsored application, which will grant them an extension of leave to remain in the UK for the next 3 years. During this period, the individual will have the freedom to work for any other company or business he wishes to. They are not required to work for a scale-up business during the period. The visa also provides freedom to work in any paid employment, undertake voluntary work or be self-employed.
Any scale-up visa holders can obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK once they have fulfilled the requirements, which are:
- Living lawfully in the UK for 5 years;
- Having no criminal record;
- Must not spend more than 180 days within any 12 months of the qualifying 5 years;
- Pass the Life in the UK test;
- Pass the B1 Level of English.
You can also add your dependants to your visa as well which will allow them to enter the UK and after completing 5 years residency and meeting all other requirements, they can apply for an indefinite leave to remain.
How much does it cost?
Scale-up Worker Visa:
- Application Fee: £715
- Health Surcharge: £624 (per year)
- Proof that worker can support themselves in UK: £1,270
Sponsor, in order to obtain the license:
- Application Fee:
- (a) small business: £536
- (b) large business: £1,476
- Assigning Certificate of Sponsorship: £21 (per person).
How can we help?
Ashton Ross Law specialises in immigration matters. Our aim, to achieve the best possible outcome while collaborating along with our clients every step of the way.
If you have any questions, please contact us: info@ashtonrosslaw.com
The information provided under this article is only to provide general information. The article does not purport to be comprehensive or published with the purposes of providing legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure that the article cover updated information and laws as of the date of publication, it does not imply that the legal position remains the same. Ashton Ross Law accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise due to reliance on the information contained in this blog. Please feel free to contact Ashton Ross Law in order to obtain updated information related to the information provided in this article.
