The Scale-up Worker visa is for people offered a skilled job by an approved fast-growing UK business. It offers more flexibility on changing employer after an initial period than many sponsored routes.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- You need a confirmed job offer of at least 6 months from an approved scale-up, a certificate of sponsorship, a job on the eligible occupations list and the minimum salary.
- You will usually need to prove knowledge of English.
- The initial stay is 2 years. You can extend by 3 years at a time, as many times as needed, if you still meet the requirements.
- In your first 6 months you must apply to update your visa before changing employer. After 6 months you can extend without a new sponsor if you meet the earnings requirements.
- People already in the UK on a different visa can apply to switch.
- Eligible partners and children can join you or stay.
- After 5 years in the UK you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Whether the employer holds a valid scale-up sponsor licence.
- Whether the role and salary meet the route’s requirements.
- Your plans for changing employer after the first 6 months, and the earnings tests that apply.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.