Scale-up visas, a new category of worker visas recently introduced by the UK, are intended to attract talented professionals like programmers, engineers, architects, content creators etc, to work for UK businesses.
Scale-Up Visa: What Is It?
The brightest and most skilled workers and highly competent employees can be hired by enterprises and companies thanks to the Scale-up visa.
Those who meet the requirements will be able to stay in the UK for two years without needing any additional sponsorship or authorization after the initial six months.
The Scale-up Visa can be sponsored by small firms, IT companies, and financial institutions that have grown 20% or more annually in either employment or revenue; and have employed at least 10 individuals at the beginning of the three-year period.
The UK government stated in a statement that the “Scale-up visa would provide them greater flexibility to hire, often in-demand, talent they need so they can advance to the next level, while expanding the UK’s high-skilled pool.”
Scale-up Visa Validity
The Scale-up visa is valid for a period of two years, but it may be renewed several times for further periods of three years, provided all qualifying requirements are satisfied. Post 5 years, you may apply to settle permanently or as long as you want, in the United Kingdom.
Why More Indians are Looking for Scale-up Visa
According to the British High Commission, Indian nationals received the greatest number of study, employment, and visitor visas to the UK in the fiscal year that ended in June 2022.
According to the report, Indian citizens continue to be the leading nationality receiving skilled worker visas, receiving 46% of all such visas worldwide. The number of Indian students granted study visas to the UK increased by 89% to around 118,000.
In comparison to last year, when travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic were still in effect, almost 258,000 Indians received visit visas, a phenomenal 630% increase. Indian nationals received about 103,000 work visas during the year, including those for skilled and temporary employees. IANS, a wire service, reported a 148% growth in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Many more highly skilled Indians will be able to live and work in the UK thanks to the Scale-up visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Scale-up Visa
- In order to work for a recognized scale-up company for a minimum of six months, one must have a confirmed job offer.
- A “certificate of sponsorship” from one’s employer detailing one’s employment title and responsibilities is required.
- The applicant must have a salary-based work offer from a company in the United Kingdom.
- The ability to communicate effectively in English is required, and this can only be proven by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a reputable testing service.
- If you have studied overseas, you must have a degree-level academic qualification in English, or you must apply through Ecctis (previously UK NARIC) to show that your degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.
How to apply for Scale-up Visa ?
You can apply online for a Scale-up Worker Visa.
You can apply for this visa 3 months prior to the commencement of work in the UK.
Three months prior to the commencement of employment in the UK, one may apply for a visa.
One must present the necessary documentation and provide identification proof as part of the application process.
Scale-up Visa (Documents Needed)
1. Certificate of Sponsorship Ref Number, which your employer will provide.
2. Proof of your knowledge and proficiency in English language.
3. Valid passport or other document that shows your nationality and identity.
4. Your job’s occupation code
5. Your job’s title
6. Documented information about your annual salary.
7. Name of your employer and their sponsorship license number – this has to be on your certificate of sponsorship.
Can I include my family in the Scale-up Visa?
If one is qualified to stay in the UK, they may also include their spouse and children in their application.
One may be able to submit an application for “indefinite leave to remain” in the UK after five years.
This grants the individual the freedom to reside, work, and study in the UK for as long as they like, as well as to apply for benefits if qualified.
Scale-up Visa Cost
You, your spouse, or your kids must each –
- pay the application cost of £715.
- pay the annual healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624.
- You’ll typically need to have at least £1,270 on hand when you come in the UK to sustain yourself (unless you’re excluded).
