What you need to qualify
Your employer handles the sponsorship side; you'll need to meet the personal requirements. Exact salary and skill thresholds change, so always confirm the current figures on GOV.UK.
- A scale-up sponsor: your employer must be an approved scale-up business able to sponsor you
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): an electronic record from your employer confirming your job
- Salary: your pay must meet the minimum for this route (check the current threshold on GOV.UK)
- Skill level: your job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required skill level
- English language: you must show you can speak, read, write and understand English to the required standard
Flexibility after six months, duration and settling
The standout feature is the flexibility that kicks in after your first six months. For the first six months you must work in the sponsored job your CoS describes. After that, you can change job, change employer, or even work for yourself — without needing a new Certificate of Sponsorship. That's a big difference from most sponsored visas, where leaving your sponsor can put your status at risk.
The visa is usually granted for two years at a time and can be extended. After five years of continuous residence on this route, and provided you meet the other rules, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain ('settlement') — permanent permission to live and work in the UK. The detailed conditions are set out on GOV.UK.
How a network of immigration solicitors can help
Immigration Lawyers UK is a network of SRA-regulated immigration solicitors working on a fixed-fee basis, across the UK. A regulated solicitor can confirm whether the Scale-up route is the right fit, and check that your employer's sponsorship and your Certificate of Sponsorship are in order before you apply.
Because the salary and occupation rules can be technical, a solicitor's review helps you avoid the simple mistakes that lead to delays or refusals, and plan ahead towards settlement.
What to do next
If you have a job offer from a UK scale-up — or you're an employer wanting to sponsor someone — the easiest first step is a free assessment with one of the solicitors in our network. There's no obligation.
Request a free call-back and we'll match you with a solicitor who can talk through your circumstances and explain the costs upfront.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'scale-up' sponsor?
It's a fast-growing UK business approved by the Home Office to sponsor Scale-up Worker visas. The company must meet growth criteria and pass the relevant checks before it can take on overseas workers on this route.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record your employer creates confirming your job, your details and your salary. It isn't a paper certificate — you use its reference number when you apply.
Can I really change employer on this visa?
Yes. After your first six months in the sponsored role, you can change job, change employer, or work for yourself without a new Certificate of Sponsorship. For the first six months, you must stay in the job your CoS describes.
How long does the visa last and can I settle?
It's normally granted for two years at a time and can be extended. After five years of continuous qualifying residence, and if you meet the other rules, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Check the current conditions on GOV.UK.