While scale up workers must initially be sponsored, they will be able to change employers after 6 months, allowing them greater flexibility and choice than other sponsored work visas.
The scale up visa is a points-based route for migrant workers who have been recruited by a UK scale up sponsor, and who have the skills necessary to enable the sponsor’s business to continue growing. This visa is designed to allow those with a suitable job offer at the required skill level from a recognised UK scale up to qualify for a fast-track visa. In this way, together with a number of other business immigration routes designed to boost the UK economy.
Although the applicant must be employed in the job for which they’re being sponsored for the first 6 months of their grant of leave, scale up workers are then permitted to work full-time at any skill level.
Study is also permitted under this route, subject to the ATAS condition — this is a requirement to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before studying certain sensitive subjects at postgraduate level.
The scale up worker will be able to bring dependent family members to the UK, as in other work routes, including a dependent partner and dependent children. The primary visa-holder and any qualifying family members may also be able to eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for settlement.
DavidsonMorris are UK business immigration specialists. We support employers with all aspects of corporate immigration to meet their UK talent needs through international recruitment and global mobility. By seeking expert advice from an immigration specialist at the earliest possible opportunity, prospective and existing sponsors can maximise the chances of successful Home Office applications.
For advice and guidance for your organisation, please contact us.
