UK immigration update: August 2022

The new Scale-Up visa allows highly skilled and qualified individuals (who have been recruited by a UK Scale-up sponsor) to enter the UK in order to aid a Scale up business (a company that has experienced a 20% annual growth rate in turnover or staffing in the past three years) to continue its growth. Once the individual's sponsor has been approved by the UK Home Office, they will be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship that can be used to apply for the Scale up Visa.

Eligibility

Sponsored applicants must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a high-skilled (RQF 6 and graduate level) and sponsored job offer from a qualifying Scale up business
• Be expected to work for their employer for at least six months
• Be offered a salary of at least £33,000 per year or the ‘going-rate’ for the respective occupation code
• Meet the English language and financial requirements (they must be able to prove their English language ability to at least CEFR level B1 and display funds of at least £1,270 or have their UK sponsor accommodate them for their first month of employment).

How long can individuals remain in the UK on this visa?

The Scale up Visa grants permission to stay in the UK for a period of two years which can then be extended if applicants continue through this route. Upon extending this visa, sponsorship is no longer necessary, and visa-holders can be permitted to stay in the UK for a further three years. After five consecutive years of residence in the UK individuals my be eligible to settle in the UK (i.e. obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)).

Can dependants be sponsored?

Yes. Scale-Up visa holders can sponsor dependant family members, this generally includes spouse, partners and children (exceptions apply).

Get in touch

If you have any queries relating to this, please contact the Immigration team who will be happy to provide support and guidance.

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