The Home Office began accepting applications for Scale-up visas on Aug. 22.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals who have a high-skilled job offer from an eligible business that satisfies the required salary level can apply for the Scale-up visa.
  • The Scale-up visa allows businesses to employ high-skilled individuals who will receive two years’ leave to remain in the U.K. without requiring further sponsorship beyond the first six months.
  • For at least half of the first two years, Scale-up workers must be employed on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) earning at least 33,000 GBP per year.
  • After the unsponsored extension application, a further three-years’ permission can be granted. The Scale-up worker must spend at least two of those three years employed on PAYE earning at least 33,000 GBP per year. After five years, they may qualify for permanent residence.
  • Information about which companies are considered scale-ups is available here.

Background: The Home Office introduced the Scale-up route along with the Global Talent Network and the Global Entrepreneur Program in October of last year in the 2021 Budget and Spending Review. More information regarding the Scale-up visa and its eligibility requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: U.K. authorities launched the Scale-up visa to give high-growth companies greater flexibility to hire in-demand foreign talent while boosting the U.K’s labor pool. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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