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Scale-up Worker Visa

For highly skilled workers joining fast-growing UK businesses (scale-ups).

Estimated Cost

$3,791

Processing Time

~21 days

Validity

24 months

Description

The Scale-up Worker visa allows skilled professionals to work for fast-growing UK businesses. After 6 months of sponsored employment, visa holders can change jobs or become self-employed without needing a new sponsor. Extensions are based on earnings, not sponsorship.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-02-15

Timeline

Processing Time
21 days – 2 months

Average: 21 days

Visa Validity
2 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~6 years

Eligibility

Age:18+Min Income:$46,700/yrLanguage:English (B1 CEFR)

Requirements

Job offer from approved scale-up business (6+ months)*

Certificate of Sponsorship*

Job in eligible occupation*

Minimum salary (£36,300/year or going rate)*

English language proficiency (B1)*

Maintenance funds (£1,270)*

Valid passport*

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Application fee$1,131One-time
Immigration Health Surcharge (2yr)$2,660One-time
Priority processing(optional)$643One-time
Estimated Total$3,791