UK Scale-up Visa: Expert Legal Guidance from London Immigration Lawyers

The UK Scale-up Visa is an innovative immigration route designed to attract talented individuals to the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing businesses. This visa provides a flexible pathway for skilled professionals to come to the UK to work for a qualifying scale-up company, offering the potential for both sponsored and unsponsored periods of stay. At Conroy Baker Ltd., our specialist UK Scale-up Visa Immigration Lawyers in London are dedicated to guiding high-achieving individuals through this dynamic visa process, helping them secure their place within the UK’s thriving scale-up ecosystem.

The UK Scale-up Visa is part of the UK’s strategy to bolster its economy by supporting high-growth businesses and attracting the skilled workforce they need. It offers a unique blend of initial sponsorship followed by significant flexibility. This visa stands apart by allowing individuals who meet specific criteria to extend their stay in the UK without requiring further sponsorship, providing a direct pathway to continued contribution and potential settlement. Our expert team ensures you understand all aspects of this distinctive visa.

Eligibility for the UK Scale-up Visa depends on whether you apply via the sponsored or unsponsored route. Our UK Scale-up Visa Immigration Lawyers in London provide comprehensive assessments to confirm your suitability:

• Job Offer from a UK Scale-up Sponsor: You must have a confirmed job offer from a qualifying UK scale-up company that holds a valid sponsor licence for the Scale-up route.
  • Qualifying Scale-up: The business must demonstrate an annualized growth of at least 20% in either employment or turnover for the previous three-year period, and it must have had at least 10 employees at the start of that three-year period.
• Eligible Occupation: Your job must be in an eligible occupation code, as per the Home Office’s list, and typically skilled to RQF Level 6 or above.
• Minimum Salary Requirement: You must be paid at least £36,300 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your specific job, whichever is higher.
• English Language: You must demonstrate English language proficiency to at least level B1 CEFR.
• Maintenance Funds: You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants in the UK without recourse to public funds.
• Immigration History: You must meet general immigration suitability requirements.

After your initial sponsored period (usually six months), you may be able to extend your UK Scale-up Visa without needing ongoing sponsorship, provided you meet certain criteria. You must:

• Have earned at least £36,300 per year (gross) in the UK during your initial Scale-up Visa period.
• Have been paid this salary for at least two-thirds of your time on the visa.
• Continue to work for a qualifying scale-up business (this can be the same or a new one).

The UK Scale-up Visa application process involves specific requirements for both the initial sponsored application and any subsequent unsponsored extensions. Our UK Scale-up Visa Immigration Lawyers in London will guide you through each necessary step:

We confirm your job offer is from a genuinely qualifying scale-up sponsor.

We assist in gathering all required personal and employment documentation, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the initial application, evidence of salary for extensions, and proof of English language and maintenance funds

We ensure the online visa application form is accurately completed, and all necessary government fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are paid.

We assist with arranging and attending biometrics appointments.

We oversee the submission of your visa application and monitor its progress, handling any queries from the Home Office.

The UK Scale-up Visa is initially granted for a period of two years (or the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, if shorter).

Critically, after your initial sponsored period (usually six months), you can apply for extensions for subsequent periods of two years, without needing further sponsorship, as long as you meet the earnings requirement and continue to work for a qualifying scale-up business.

The UK Scale-up Visa leads directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a continuous period of five years in the UK on this route. This makes it a very attractive option for talented individuals seeking long-term careers and settlement in the UK.

The UK Scale-up Visa offers unique flexibility but also presents specific challenges, particularly in verifying the employer’s scale-up status and meeting ongoing earnings requirements for extensions. Meticulous documentation and strategic planning are essential for maximizing the benefits of this visa.

As Top UK Immigration & Business Advisors in the UK, Conroy Baker Ltd. offers a holistic and client-focused approach, combining unparalleled expertise to deliver outstanding immigration solutions. Your UK Business Vision. Expertly Launched.

Our comprehensive services for UK Scale-up Visa applications include:

Assisting in confirming your employer is a qualifying scale-up sponsor.

Meticulously reviewing your qualifications, job offer, and earnings against all visa criteria.

Guidance for both initial sponsored applications and subsequent unsponsored extensions.

Ensuring all personal and employment documents are perfectly prepared.

Advising on the pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Expert legal guidance if an application is refused.

We are committed to helping talented individuals accelerate their careers within the UK’s dynamic scale-up sector.