The Scale-Up visa is designed for skilled workers joining fast-growing UK businesses that meet specific growth criteria. This innovative visa route offers unique flexibility: you need sponsorship from a qualifying scale-up company for only the first 6 months, after which you gain the freedom to work for any employer, change jobs, or even become self-employed—all without needing a new sponsor or visa.
To qualify, your employer must be a genuine scale-up business (with proven high growth over 3 years) and must hold a valid sponsor licence. You’ll need a job offer for an eligible skilled role paying at least £33,000 per year. After your initial 6-month sponsored period, you maintain visa validity for up to 2 years initially, with the ability to extend and eventually settle in the UK after 5 years of continuous residence.
Switch employers, become self-employed, or work multiple jobs without needing sponsorship.
Minimum salary of £33,000 is lower than the standard Skilled Worker requirement of £38,700.
Join innovative, high-growth businesses at the forefront of the UK economy.
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
Yes, late applications are still accepted if you have reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline. Examples include serious illness, being a victim of domestic abuse, or simply not being aware of the scheme.
Pre-Settled Status is granted to those with less than 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK. It allows you to stay for 5 years. Settled Status is granted to those with 5+ years’ residence and gives you indefinite leave to remain.
Yes. Close family members (spouse, civil partner, durable partner, children, dependent parents) of EU nationals can apply, even if they are not EU citizens themselves.
You have the right to request an Administrative Review within 28 days. In many cases, you may also have a right of appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal. We can help you challenge the decision.
You can spend up to 2 years outside the UK without losing Pre-Settled Status. However, absences may affect your ability to switch to Settled Status, which requires 5 years’ continuous residence.
It is not automatic. You must apply to switch from Pre-Settled to Settled Status before your Pre-Settled Status expires. IAUK can help ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
