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Scale-up Worker Visa UK
Professional support for overseas workers, dependants and fast-growing UK businesses using the Scale-up Worker route. Check eligibility, sponsor approval, Certificate of Sponsorship details, salary, documents, extension and ILR planning before you apply.
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Quick case check
Review whether your sponsor, job, salary, CoS and evidence are ready for a Scale-up Worker visa application.
- Scale-up sponsor approved?
- Salary and going rate checked?
- CoS details accurate?
- Extension or ILR planning?
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Overview
Key Facts
Eligibility
Sponsor
Salary
Documents
Fees
Extension
ILR
Process
FAQs
Overview
What is the Scale-up Worker visa and who is it for?
The Scale-up Worker visa is for overseas workers who have been offered an eligible skilled job by a fast-growing UK business approved to sponsor under the Scale-up route. It can be an attractive route because, after the first sponsored period, the worker may have more employment flexibility than under some other sponsored work visa categories.
This route is most relevant where a qualifying UK scale-up business wants to recruit a skilled worker for at least 6 months and the applicant can meet the salary, English language, maintenance and suitability requirements. Because the route has specific sponsor and salary rules, the details should be checked before relying on it as an alternative to the Skilled Worker route.
We can help you assess whether this route is suitable, review the salary and occupation code, check the Certificate of Sponsorship, prepare the application and identify evidence gaps before submission.
At a glance
Scale-up Worker visa UK: key facts at a glance
These key points summarise the main route features before preparing a Scale-up Worker visa application.
First visa length
Usually granted for 2 years.
Extension length
Extensions are usually granted for 3 years if the requirements are met.
Settlement route
The route may lead to ILR after 5 years if all settlement requirements are met.
Sponsor needed
A sponsor is required for the initial application and must be approved for the Scale-up route.
Initial salary threshold
For a first application, at least £39,100 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
Dependants
A partner and dependent children may be able to apply if they meet the dependant rules.
Eligibility
Can I apply for a Scale-up Worker visa?
You may be able to apply if you have a genuine job offer from an approved UK scale-up sponsor and your role meets the salary and occupation requirements. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship, eligible occupation code, English language evidence and maintenance position will usually need to be addressed before submission.
Job offer and CoS
You usually need a confirmed job offer for at least 6 months and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved scale-up sponsor.
Occupation code
The job must use an eligible occupation code and the role description should match the actual employment terms.
Salary
The salary must meet both the route threshold and the going rate for the selected occupation code.
English language
You must normally meet the required English language level unless an exemption applies.
Maintenance
You may need to show sufficient personal savings unless exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
Case-specific evidence
Some applicants may also need TB, ATAS, translations or additional evidence linked to dependants or immigration history.
Sponsor check
Is my UK employer approved for the Scale-up Worker route?
Your employer must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor workers under the Scale-up route. It is not enough for a business to describe itself as a scale-up, start-up or high-growth company. The sponsor route and licence details must support the application.
A scale-up sponsor may qualify through an approved endorsement route or by meeting the Home Office fast-growth criteria. For the applicant, the practical issue is whether the employer can issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the correct route, job, salary and start date.
We can assist with sponsor route checks, Certificate of Sponsorship review and identifying whether the Skilled Worker route may be a safer or more suitable option if the Scale-up route is not available.
Salary and occupation code
What salary is required for a Scale-up Worker visa?
For a first Scale-up Worker visa application, the salary must normally be at least £39,100 per year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. This means the salary assessment is not a simple flat minimum check. Some occupation codes have a higher going rate, and the application can be refused if the salary falls below the correct figure.
The salary check should be completed before the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned. A mistake in the occupation code, hours, going rate or salary calculation can create avoidable risk for both the applicant and the sponsor.
Occupation code
The correct code determines whether the job is eligible and what going rate applies.
Annual salary
The offered salary must meet the route threshold and the occupation going rate.
Working hours
Hours can affect how the salary is assessed against the going rate.
CoS consistency
The CoS and job details should match the real role and employment terms.
Need your salary and occupation code checked?
Ask us to review your job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply.
Work flexibility
What changes after the first 6 months on a Scale-up Worker visa?
The Scale-up Worker route is different from many other sponsored work visas because the sponsored employment restriction mainly applies during the first 6 months. During that first period, you are expected to work in the sponsored job. If you want to change employer during the first 6 months, you may need to update your visa.
After the first 6 months, the route may give more flexibility. You may be able to continue in the same job, change job, stop working for the sponsor or become self-employed, subject to the conditions of your permission. However, extension and settlement planning still requires careful evidence of qualifying PAYE earnings.
First 6 months
You are expected to work in the sponsored job. Changing employer during this period can require a visa update.
After 6 months
You may have more flexibility, but extension and ILR planning still need careful evidence checks.
Extension stage
You usually do not need a new sponsor, but PAYE earnings evidence becomes very important.
Documents
What documents are needed for a Scale-up Worker visa?
The documents needed for a Scale-up Worker visa depend on your sponsor, job, salary, nationality, immigration history, family members and whether you are applying for a first visa, switching, updating or extending. A general list is useful, but it should not be treated as a complete legal checklist for every case.
You will usually need evidence linked to your identity, Certificate of Sponsorship, job details, salary, English language, maintenance funds and any dependant family members. Some applicants may also need a TB certificate, ATAS certificate, certified translations or additional evidence because of their previous immigration history.
Identity and nationality
We check whether personal details match the passport, online application and UKVI account process.
Sponsorship and CoS
We review the route, job title, occupation code, salary, working hours and start date for consistency.
Salary and role evidence
We identify refusal risks linked to wrong going rate, salary calculation or role classification.
English and maintenance
We check the evidence route, timing, funds level and format before the application is submitted.
Dependants
We review family relationship evidence and identify missing documents that can affect dependant applications.
Additional documents
We identify case-specific requirements such as TB, ATAS, certified translations or immigration history evidence.
Need a document check before submission?
We can provide a focused document check if you have prepared your own application, or full end-to-end support if you want the application prepared for you.
Application route
Should I apply from outside the UK, switch inside the UK or extend?
Most applicants need a clear route map rather than a long procedural guide. The practical question is whether you are applying for entry clearance, switching from another UK visa category or extending existing Scale-up Worker permission.
Applying from outside the UK
You may apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK. The usual decision time is around 3 weeks after identity and documents are provided.
Switching inside the UK
You may be able to switch if your current visa category allows switching and you meet the Scale-up Worker requirements.
Extending your permission
You may be able to extend if you worked in the sponsored role for at least 6 months and meet the earnings requirement.
Fees and costs
How much does a Scale-up Worker visa cost?
Each applicant normally needs to pay the Home Office application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge and show sufficient maintenance funds unless exempt. The current Scale-up Worker visa application fee is £937 per applicant. The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually charged for each year of permission, and applicants are told the exact amount when applying.
Application fee
£937 per applicant.
Maintenance funds
Usually at least £1,270 unless exempt or sponsor-certified.
Separate costs
IHS, biometrics, translations, TB, ATAS, Ecctis and professional fees are separate.
Dependants must also meet separate financial requirements unless an exemption applies. Fees and surcharge rates can change, so the latest GOV.UK position should be checked before submission.
Processing time
How long does a Scale-up Worker visa decision take?
After the online application, identity verification and document submission are completed, the usual decision time is around 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made from inside the UK. Some applicants may be able to pay for a faster decision where priority services are available.
A case can take longer if UKVI needs to verify documents, request more information, invite the applicant to an interview or review personal circumstances. A well-prepared application can reduce avoidable delays, although it cannot guarantee a faster decision.
Family members
Can my partner and children apply with me?
A partner and dependent children may be able to apply to join or remain with a Scale-up Worker visa holder if they meet the dependant requirements. Their visa will usually be linked to the main applicant’s permission end date.
Family evidence can be straightforward for some applicants and more complex for others, especially unmarried partners, children over 18 who are already dependants, families applying from different countries or families with previous UK immigration history.
Extension
Can I extend a Scale-up Worker visa?
You can usually apply to extend a Scale-up Worker visa if you worked in the sponsored job for at least 6 months and met the relevant earnings requirement during at least half of your most recent Scale-up Worker permission. In many extension cases, you do not need a new Certificate of Sponsorship, but the PAYE earnings evidence becomes very important.
Self-employed earnings cannot be counted towards the minimum earnings requirement because the qualifying earnings must be paid through PAYE. You may need payslips, P45s, P60s, bank statements and employer PAYE reference details to show that the requirement is met.
| CoS or extension history | Minimum annualised PAYE salary usually required for qualifying months |
|---|---|
| Already extended before, or last CoS issued on or after 22 July 2025 | At least £39,100 per year during at least half of the most recent stay. |
| Last CoS issued on or after 4 April 2024 and before 22 July 2025 | At least £36,300 per year during at least half of the most recent stay. |
| Last CoS issued on or after 12 April 2023 and before 4 April 2024 | At least £34,600 per year during at least half of the most recent stay. |
| Last CoS issued on or before 11 April 2023 | At least £33,000 per year during at least half of the most recent stay. |
Need your PAYE earnings reviewed before extension?
Scale-up extension applications often fail because applicants misunderstand the earnings calculation. We can review payslips, bank statements and PAYE evidence before you apply.
Settlement
Can a Scale-up Worker visa lead to indefinite leave to remain?
A Scale-up Worker visa can form part of a route to settlement in the UK. You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years if you meet the residence, earnings, Knowledge of Life in the UK, English language and suitability requirements that apply at the time of your ILR application.
Settlement planning should start well before the final application. Absences, employment changes, PAYE records, tax records, dependant timelines and previous UK visa history can all affect the strategy. We can review your long-term route and identify issues early.
Application support
How we can help with your Scale-up Worker visa application
Build a route-specific Scale-up Worker visa strategy
A strong Scale-up Worker application should not be prepared as a generic work visa file. The application needs to match the sponsor route, CoS, job details, salary, occupation code, evidence and future extension or ILR planning.
sponsor and CoS review
salary and going rate check
documents and maintenance
dependants and switching
extension and ILR planning
Process
Scale-up Worker visa support pathway
1
Initial review
Review your job offer, sponsor position, current immigration status and timing.
2
Route strategy
Check whether Scale-up Worker, Skilled Worker or another UK work visa route is more suitable.
3
CoS and salary check
Review occupation code, salary, working hours, going rate and CoS consistency.
4
Application preparation
Prepare the online application, evidence bundle, dependant documents and representations where needed.
5
Future planning
Plan extension evidence, PAYE records, dependant timelines and ILR strategy.
Ready for the next step?
Ask Immigration Visa Expert to review your Scale-up Worker visa case
Before submitting your application, ask us to review whether your sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship, salary, occupation code and documents support the route you intend to apply under.
Eligibility consultation
Check whether the Scale-up route is suitable.
Document review
Review CoS, salary, English, maintenance and dependant evidence.
Full application support
Prepare the application and supporting evidence from start to finish.
Book Consultation
Request Document Review
Related services
Related UK work visa services
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Settlement
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Plan long-term settlement, absences, earnings evidence and family timelines.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Scale-up Worker Visa UK
What is the UK Scale-up Worker visa?
The UK Scale-up Worker visa is a sponsored work route for skilled workers who have a job offer from a qualifying fast-growing UK business approved by the Home Office for the Scale-up route. The worker must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible occupation code and a salary that meets the required threshold.
Is the Scale-up Worker visa the same as the Skilled Worker visa?
No. Both routes involve skilled work and sponsorship, but they are not the same. The Scale-up Worker route is specifically for approved scale-up businesses and usually requires the worker to work in the sponsored job for at least the first 6 months. After that first period, the worker may have more flexibility than under the Skilled Worker route.
What salary do I need for a Scale-up Worker visa?
For a first Scale-up Worker visa application, the salary must normally be at least £39,100 per year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. The going rate depends on the specific job code, so both the salary figure and occupation code should be checked before the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned.
Can I apply if my employer is not approved for the Scale-up route?
Usually, the employer must be approved to sponsor under the Scale-up route. A company is not automatically eligible just because it describes itself as a scale-up, start-up or high-growth business. If the Scale-up route is not available, the Skilled Worker route may need to be considered instead.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Scale-up Worker visa?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by the approved sponsor. It includes key information about the role, salary, occupation code, employer and start date. Errors in the CoS can lead to delay or refusal, so the details should be checked carefully before the visa application is submitted.
Can I change employer on a Scale-up Worker visa?
During the first 6 months, you are expected to work in the sponsored job. If you want to change employer during that period, you may need to update your visa. After the first 6 months, the route can provide more flexibility, although extension and settlement planning still requires careful attention to qualifying earnings and evidence.
Do I need a new sponsor to extend my Scale-up Worker visa?
In many Scale-up Worker extension cases, a new Certificate of Sponsorship is not required. However, you must normally show that you worked in the sponsored job for at least 6 months and met the relevant PAYE earnings requirement during at least half of your most recent Scale-up Worker permission.
Can self-employed income count for a Scale-up Worker visa extension?
Self-employed income cannot be counted towards the minimum earnings requirement for a Scale-up Worker extension because the qualifying earnings must be paid through PAYE. If you became self-employed after the first 6 months, take advice before relying on that income for extension or settlement planning.
What documents do I need for a Scale-up Worker visa?
The exact documents depend on your case. Common evidence includes identity evidence, Certificate of Sponsorship details, job title, salary, occupation code, sponsor licence information, English language evidence, maintenance evidence and dependant relationship documents. Some applicants may also need a TB test, ATAS certificate or certified translations.
How much does a Scale-up Worker visa cost?
The Home Office application fee is currently £937 per applicant. Applicants also usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and show enough maintenance funds unless exempt. Professional legal fees, translation fees, TB tests, Ecctis assessments, ATAS certificates and other third-party costs are separate.
How long does a Scale-up Worker visa application take?
The usual decision time is around 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made from inside the UK after the online application, identity verification and document submission are completed. Faster decision services may be available in some cases for an additional fee.
Can my partner and children apply as dependants?
A partner and dependent children may be able to apply if they meet the dependant requirements. The evidence required depends on the relationship and can be more detailed for unmarried partners, children over 18 who already hold dependant permission, or families applying from different countries.
Can a Scale-up Worker visa lead to ILR?
Yes. The Scale-up Worker route can lead to settlement after 5 years if the applicant meets the ILR requirements. These can include continuous residence, absences, earnings, Life in the UK, English language and suitability requirements.
Can Immigration Visa Expert only check my documents instead of preparing the full application?
Yes. We can provide a focused document-checking service where you have prepared your own application but want a regulated immigration adviser to review the evidence before submission. We can also provide full application support if you want end-to-end assistance.
Book a Scale-up Worker visa consultation
If you are applying from overseas, switching inside the UK, reviewing a sponsored job offer, checking your salary position, bringing family members, extending your visa or planning toward settlement, our team can review the case before anything is submitted.
Check eligibility, salary and occupation code before applying
Request document checking before submission
Discuss sponsor-side Scale-up route, CoS and evidence issues
Ask an immigration adviser
Share your Scale-up Worker visa query and our team will guide you on the next step.