Scale-up Worker Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £880
- Validity
- 2 years initial, extendable by 3 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For workers offered a skilled job with a fast-growing UK employer (scale-up business). Minimum salary of £39,100 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Job must be for at least 6 months. Can extend as many times as needed by 3 years each time. Eligible for settlement (ILR) after 5 years. English language requirement at B1 (increasing to B2 from 8 January 2026 for new applicants). Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Employment
Must have a genuine job offer from a licensed scale-up employer for at least 6 months, in an eligible occupation, paying at least £39,100 or the going rate
Required status: Offered skilled employment with scale-up business
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Financial
Must have at least £1,270 in personal savings unless employer certifies maintenance
Minimum funds: £1,270
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days, or employer certification; Minimum amount: £1,270
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £880
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Trinity College London, or degree taught in English; Minimum score: B1 CEFR (B2 from 8 January 2026 for new applicants)
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Sponsorship certificate
Certificate name: Certificate of Sponsorship; Sponsor type: Licensed scale-up employer
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship from your licensed scale-up employer and gather required documents
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Online application
Complete the Scale-up Worker visa application online
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application