Scale up Visa UK 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide

1. Overview: Scale Up Visa UK 2024

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The Scale Up Visa UK is a strategic initiative launched by the UK government to accelerate the growth of high-potential sectors by attracting top-tier international talent. This visa is designed specifically for “scale-up” businesses that are experiencing rapid growth and need to supplement their workforce with highly skilled professionals from abroad.

Overview of Scale up Visa Requirements

Purpose of the Scale Up Visa UK

The primary aim of the Scale Up Visa is to support dynamic scale-up businesses in their growth endeavors by facilitating the immigration of highly skilled international professionals. These individuals are expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s economy through their expertise and skills.

Eligibility and Detailed Requirements

• Age:
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Job Offer & Skill Level:
  • Applicants are required to have a high-skilled job offer from a recognized UK scale-up company.
  • This job offer must be detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship and should correspond with occupations listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• Salary:
  • The offered salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold of £34,600 or the occupation’s ‘going rate,’ whichever is higher.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Applicants must demonstrate English language skills at CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), unless exempt.
• Financial Requirements:
  • First-time applicants must demonstrate financial stability by showing they have at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves in the UK, unless these costs are covered by the UK sponsor.
• Point System:
  • Applicants need a total of 70 points to qualify, with points awarded for the job offer (including sponsorship and salary), English language skills, and financial resources.

Visa Routes

• Sponsored Route:
  • For new applicants, this route offers a 2-year visa, which requires the visa holder to stay with the sponsoring employer for the first 6 months.
  • After this period, the visa holder gains full employment flexibility, allowing changes in employment without needing a new sponsorship.
• Unsponsored Route:
  • This route is available to existing visa holders who meet specific earnings criteria. It offers a 3-year visa that provides full work rights from the start.

Settlement Pathway

Eligibility for settlement in the UK is possible after 5 continuous years, provided all specific criteria are met during this period.

Additional Suitability Requirements

Applicants must have a clean criminal record, comply with all UK immigration rules, and in some cases, register with the police depending on their nationality.

This visa serves to bolster the growth of the UK’s innovative businesses by attracting global talent, highlighting the UK’s commitment to remaining a competitive destination for international professionals in key industries.

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2. Employer Guide: Registering for the Scale Up Visa UK

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The UK continues to attract global talent, significantly enhancing its economic landscape. The Scale Up Visa UK facilitates this by streamlining the sponsorship process for employers, making it easier to bring in international professionals. Here’s a detailed guide on how employers can navigate this process:

Scale Up Sponsor Licence Requirements

To qualify for a Scale Up sponsor licence, businesses must demonstrate robust growth and staffing:

• Growth Criteria:
  • Companies need to show a minimum of 20% growth annually in turnover or staff numbers over three years, starting with at least 10 employees​​.
• Staffing Requirements:
  • A minimum of 10 employees is required at the beginning of the three-year assessment period​​.

Sponsorship Process

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Issuance:
  • Eligible businesses can issue CoS to overseas recruits, allowing them to apply for the Scale Up Visa.
• Initial Duration:
  • Sponsorship is initially valid for six months, and the visa may extend up to two years​​.
• Post-Sponsorship Flexibility:
  • Employees can change jobs or employers after six months, subject to meeting ongoing Scale Up criteria​​.

Registration Steps for Employers

Employers need to showcase sustained growth and employment levels, then obtain Home Office approval to issue CoS​​.

Scale Up Endorsing Pathway (Effective from 13 April 2023)

Employers not meeting standard criteria can seek an endorsement from a Home Office-approved body, valid for three months, to simplify the sponsorship process​​.

Understanding Visa Types: Sponsored vs. Unsponsored Routes

• Sponsored Route:
  • Offers a two-year visa, requiring the visa holder to stay in the sponsored job for at least six months, ideal for specific roles.
• Unsponsored Route:
  • Grants a three-year visa with more job flexibility, suitable for those seeking broader opportunities and an easier pathway to settlement. Both routes require an initial job offer from a licensed Scale Up sponsor​​.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Scale Up Visa process, enabling UK employers to effectively support their growth by leveraging global talent.

3. UK Scale Up Visa Application Process

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Applying for a Scale Up Visa in the UK involves a series of straightforward steps, whether you’re applying from within the UK or from overseas. Attention to detail in documentation and adherence to specific requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Online Application

• Submission:
  • Applications must be filed online through the UK government’s visa services portal.
• Documentation:
  • All necessary supporting documents must be uploaded as specified in your application guide.
• Fees:
  • Applicants must pay a visa application fee of £822, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is typically £1,035 per year. These fees are necessary to cover the administrative costs of visa processing and health services during your stay in the UK.

Biometric Information

• Appointment:
  • Depending on your location, you will either visit a visa application center to have your fingerprints and photograph taken, or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document. This is required for generating your biometric residence permit.

Key Documents Required

• Identification:
  • A valid passport or another acceptable travel document.
• English Proficiency:
  • Proof of CEFR Level B1 in English is required, such as test results or recognized qualifications, unless you are exempted by nationality or previous visa approvals.
• Financial Proof:
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay is required, which typically means having at least £1,270 in your bank account. This proves you can support yourself without access to public funds.
• Medical Certificate:
  • If you come from a country where it’s required, you’ll need to provide tuberculosis (TB) test results from a UK-approved clinic.

Visa Decision Times

• Standard Processing Times:
  • Typically, decisions are made within 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications made within the UK.
• Expedited Processing:
  • An additional fee allows for a faster decision on your application. This option is available if you need to expedite the processing time due to urgent circumstances.

Additional Considerations

• Family Members:
  • Your partner and children can apply to join you as dependants under this visa type, with each needing to meet the individual application requirements and prove sufficient financial means or have their costs covered by the main applicant for at least their first month in the UK.

This detailed guide aims to provide prospective applicants with a clear understanding of the Scale Up Visa application process, outlining the necessary steps, fees, and documentation to ensure a smooth and successful application.

4. Scale Up Visa UK: Sponsored and Unsponsored Routes

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The Scale Up Visa UK provides two distinct pathways for professionals looking to work in fast-growing UK businesses—Sponsored and Unsponsored routes. Each pathway is designed to cater to different applicant needs, balancing initial job requirements with future flexibility.

Sponsored Scale Up Visa UK: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sponsored Scale Up Visa is specifically designed for non-UK nationals who receive a high-skilled job offer from a recognized UK scale-up business. This pathway requires:

• Eligibility for Visa:
  • Applicants must have a job offer from a UK scale-up business that is on the list of eligible occupations and supported by a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The role should meet specific salary requirements, either the going rate for the occupation or a minimum salary, whichever is higher.
• Points-Based Requirements:
  • This route operates on a points-based system where candidates need to score a minimum of 70 points. Points are awarded for sponsorship (50 points), English language proficiency at B1 level or higher (10 points), and financial stability with proof of having at least £1,270 (10 points).
• Visa Application Process:
  • The application is submitted online, and it can be initiated up to 3 months prior to the job start date specified on the CoS. A commitment to the sponsoring employer for a minimum of 6 months is required.
• Costs:
  • The application fee is £822, along with a £1,035 annual NHS surcharge. Additional financial proof of £1,270 is needed to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to support themselves.

Unsponsored Scale Up Visa UK: Extended Stay Opportunity

For those who are already in the UK on a Scale Up Visa, the Unsponsored route offers an opportunity to extend their stay without the need for a new CoS. This extension is ideal for those seeking greater flexibility after their initial sponsored period:

• Overview:
  • This option allows current Scale Up Visa holders to apply for a further extension of 3 years, providing that they continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including minimum earnings thresholds.
• Eligibility:
  • To be eligible for this extension, applicants must have been employed in their CoS role for at least 6 months and meet the annual minimum earnings requirement of £34,600, or the going rate for their job if higher.
• Application Process:
  • The application process mirrors the sponsored route but does not require a new CoS. Applications for extensions are typically processed within 8 weeks, and expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
• Visa Validity:
  • Successful applicants can extend their stay for an additional 3 years with no cap on renewals. After 5 years in the UK, they may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, provided they meet all other requirements.

Both routes under the Scale Up Visa UK facilitate significant opportunities for professionals to contribute to and benefit from the UK’s dynamic economic sectors, with pathways tailored to both initial employment needs and longer-term career and residency aspirations.

5. Switching to Scale Up Visa in the UK

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For overseas nationals already in the UK on different visa types, switching to the Scale Up Visa offers a pathway to engage in high-skilled employment within dynamic UK scale-up businesses. This section outlines essential information for those looking to transition to the Scale Up Visa, detailing eligibility criteria, costs, and other relevant considerations.

Eligibility for Switching

Overseas nationals in the UK can switch to the Scale Up Visa if they are currently on eligible visas and meet the necessary criteria. Note that visitors, short-term students, and some other visa categories must apply from outside the UK as they cannot switch directly to the Scale Up Visa.

Restrictions on Switching Visa Categories

• It is not possible to switch to a Scale Up Visa from visitor, short-term student, parent of a child student, seasonal worker, domestic worker in a private household visas, or from other categories that fall outside the standard UK Immigration Rules.

Associated Costs

• Application Fee:
  • The fee for switching to the Scale Up Visa is £822.
• Healthcare Surcharge:
  • An annual healthcare surcharge of £1,035 is required to access NHS services.
• Financial Requirement:
  • Applicants need to show they have at least £1,270 in savings, maintained for 28 days, unless these costs are covered by a UK sponsor.

Extending the Scale Up Worker Visa

• New Sponsorship:
  • Extending the visa does not require new sponsorship, but applicants must meet the minimum income requirement of £33,000 annually for at least half the duration of their visa, increasing to £34,600 after 11 April 2023.

Dependent Eligibility

• Family Members:
  • Dependents include spouses, partners, and children under 18.
• Financial Evidence for Dependents:
  • Financial evidence requirements are £285 for a spouse or partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. These requirements may be waived if a UK sponsor supports the dependents financially.

Benefits of the Scale Up Visa UK

• For Applicants:
  • Offers employment flexibility, a pathway to residency, and opportunities for family reunion.
• For UK Sponsors:
  • Provides expedited verification, reduced costs, and is advantageous over the Skilled Worker Visa, fostering the inclusion of global talent in the UK’s workforce.

Switching to the Scale Up Visa allows individuals already in the UK to smoothly transition into high-skilled roles, promoting personal and professional growth and contributing significantly to the UK economy.

6. Endorsement Process for the Scale Up Visa UK

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The endorsement process for the Scale Up Visa UK is pivotal for entrepreneurs aiming to expand their businesses within the UK’s vibrant market. This process not only evaluates business viability but also aligns with the UK’s strategic goals of stimulating economic growth by attracting international entrepreneurial talent. Below, we outline the key steps and requirements for obtaining an endorsement, along with detailed information on specific endorsing bodies.

Steps in the Endorsement Process

1. Identify an Endorsing Body:

Entrepreneurs must select an endorsing body recognized and authorized by the UK Home Office, which closely aligns with their business sector. Below are some of the key endorsing bodies currently recognized:

• Innovator International:
  • Supports international innovators starting their businesses in the UK.
• Envestors Limited:
  • Connects investors with scale-up companies, providing vital capital for growth.
• UK Endorsing Services:
  • Specializes in the tech and digital sectors, endorsing companies with innovative business models and technologies.
• The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP):
  • Supports tech-based entrepreneurs scaling and internationalizing their companies from a UK base. Note: GEP endorsements are exclusive to founders invited to their program.

2. Seek Consent:

• Obtain written consent from the endorsing body to share relevant information with the Home Office about your application. Retain a copy for your records and potential audits.

3. Prepare the Application:

• Include robust documentation such as financial statements, employment records, and a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates your business’s potential for substantial growth and job creation.

4. Submit the Application:

• Present the full application package to the selected endorsing body, which will evaluate it against the established criteria for the Scale Up Visa.

5. Receive the Endorsement Letter:

• Upon approval, you will receive an endorsement letter detailing the endorsing body’s name, reference number, issue date, and confirmation that you meet the Scale Up criteria.

6. Notify the Home Office:

• The endorsing body will inform the Home Office about the endorsement to ensure its validity and facilitate the visa application process.

Additional Considerations

• Monitoring and Compliance:
  • Unlike some other entrepreneurial visa routes, the Scale-up route does not require intensive monitoring or periodic check-ins with the endorsing body, providing entrepreneurs with greater operational flexibility.
• Withdrawing Endorsement:
  • If there are significant deviations from the business plan, or if the business fails to meet ongoing requirements, the endorsement can be withdrawn. This could be due to a failure to maintain contact with the endorsing body, not achieving projected business growth, or the business ceasing to operate within the agreed parameters.

Successfully navigating the endorsement process is essential for entrepreneurs who wish to leverage the opportunities provided by the Scale Up Visa. This pathway underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering economic growth through the support of innovative and growth-oriented businesses. Applicants should thoroughly prepare and align their business plans with the expectations of the endorsing bodies, which are instrumental in assessing their eligibility for the visa.

For further details, please refer to the British Government’s Official Website.

7. Settlement Pathway for Scale Up Visa UK Holders

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The Scale Up Visa UK offers a viable route to settlement for individuals who can demonstrate a sustained contribution to the UK’s economy through high-skilled employment. This section outlines the conditions and steps towards eligibility for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under this visa category.

Eligibility for Settlement

• Duration of Stay:
  • Applicants must have spent 5 years in the UK on a combination of eligible routes, which may include the Scale Up Visa route itself or other compatible immigration paths.
• Continuous Residence:
  • The five years must involve continuous residence in the UK. Absences from the UK during this period should not exceed 180 days in any 12 months.
• Employment History:
  • Applicants must demonstrate they have been employed during the period of their visa, meeting or exceeding the minimum income threshold, which reflects the required salary at the time of application.
• Immigration Status:
  • Applicants must not have any immigration breaches or overstay records during their stay in the UK.

Application Process

• Documentation:
  • Applicants need to provide comprehensive evidence of employment, earnings, and continuous residence. This may include salary slips, bank statements, and a current passport.
• Life in the UK Test:
  • Applicants must pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test, demonstrating knowledge of British life, culture, and history.
• English Language Requirement:
  • Adequate knowledge of the English language is required, typically evidenced by passing a recognized English language test at B1 level or higher.

Additional Considerations

• Family Members:
  • Dependents of the Scale Up Visa holder, such as partners and children, may also apply for settlement provided they have resided in the UK for the same period and meet all other relevant criteria.
• Switching Visa Categories:
  • Those who have switched from other visa categories to the Scale Up Visa can count their time towards the 5-year requirement if those categories are eligible for settlement.

After Settlement is Granted

Once granted, individuals with ILR can work without restrictions, access public funds, and apply for naturalization as British citizens after fulfilling residency requirements and other criteria set by the UK Home Office.

This settlement pathway is integral for Scale Up Visa holders aiming for long-term residency and citizenship, reflecting the UK’s commitment to integrating highly skilled international talent into its workforce.

8. FAQs for the Scale-Up Visa UK

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For further details please refer to Immigration Rules: Appendix Scale-up Visa.