The United Kingdom this week launched a new immigration route to attract top talent into the country.
The new Scale Up visa system aims to encourage innovation by streamlining the process for ‘Scale Up’ businesses to bring those who are “very highly skilled” and “academically elite” to the UK.
To be eligible for a Scale-up visa, you will need a sponsor. Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor scale-up workers.
Eligibility
To qualify for a Scale-up Worker visa, you must:
- have a confirmed job offer to work for an approved scale-up business for at least 6 months
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- have a job offer to do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
be paid a minimum salary in your new job
Proficiency in English
You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.
You can prove your knowledge of English by:
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
- having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or
- Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
- having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that
- your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD
You must apply online for a Scale-up Worker visa.
Documents you’ll need
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
proof of your knowledge of English - a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- your job title and annual salary
- your job’s occupation code
- the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
How soon can you apply?
You can apply up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK.
How long you can stay
With a Scale-up Worker visa, you can stay in the UK for 2 years, and apply to extend your visa when it expires.
You can extend your visa as many times as you like by 3 years, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK.
How much will it cost
You, your partner or children will each need to:
- pay the £715 application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £624 per year
- support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
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