United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Scale-up visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.
- Processing time
- Typically 3 weeks from outside the UK after CoS assignment.
- Government fees
- Application fee plus IHS £1,035/year. Verify current on GOV.UK.
- Typical duration
- 2 years; extendable; leads to settlement after 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Scale-up visa is a sponsored route specifically for employees joining companies that meet prescribed growth criteria (annualised revenue or employee growth of 20%+ over 3 years). After the first 6 months, the visa holder is no longer tied to the sponsor and may work flexibly.
Recent changes to this route
- UK: Skilled Worker English raised to B2, CoS fee £525, Immigration Skills Charge up 32%8 April 2026
A run of Skilled Worker changes from late 2025 into early 2026 raised the language bar, sponsor costs, and tightened salary assessment.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer from a Home Office–registered Scale-up sponsor.
- ✓Qualifying occupation and salary threshold.
- ✓English at CEFR B1.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor does not meet growth criteria for Scale-up endorsement.
- !Salary below the Scale-up route's minimum.
Typical evidence
- ·Scale-up sponsor's Certificate of Sponsorship.
- ·English-language evidence.
- ·Passport and supporting documents.
Application pathway
Secure offer from a Scale-up–registered sponsor
The sponsor must appear on the Scale-up Sponsor register.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
CoS references the Scale-up route and occupation code.
Apply for visa
Submit the online application and attend biometrics.
Work flexibly after 6 months
After the initial 6 months with the sponsor, the visa holder may change employers or be self-employed without a new CoS.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for the Scale-up Worker visa ↗
Use this GOV.UK form to apply after a Scale-up sponsor assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship.
UK Home Office · verified
- ChecklistApplicant + sponsorCheck Scale-up job requirements ↗
Applicants and sponsors use this page to confirm the role, sponsor and salary conditions before filing.
UK Home Office · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Application fee plus IHS £1,035/year. Verify current on GOV.UK.. A decision then typically takes 3 weeks – 8 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I switch employers on a Scale-up visa?+
Yes, after an initial 6-month period with the sponsoring Scale-up employer. After that, the visa is unsponsored and permits flexible work.
Does the UK Scale-up visa lead to permanent settlement, and how long does it take?+
Yes. The Scale-up visa is granted for 2 years initially and is extendable, and it leads to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence. Confirm the current settlement requirements on GOV.UK.
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