If you are seeking to apply for entry clearance for the Scale-up Worker visa in the UK, you must secure a job with a qualifying employer or sponsor who operates as a fast-growing UK business. The application process for the Scale-up Worker visa follows the guidelines outlined in Appendix Scale-up of the Immigration Rules.

Aden & Co Solicitors specialize in UK immigration law, offering unparalleled legal expertise for UK visa and immigration services. The exceptional quality of our services is reflected in the 5-star Google Reviews rating received by 99% of our clients, showcasing our dedication and expertise in the field.

Our team of immigration solicitors, based in London, provides comprehensive legal representation and expert immigration advice on a fixed-fee basis for your entry clearance application for the Scale-up Worker visa. For personalized guidance, reach out to our specialist solicitors for free advice or schedule an appointment online for detailed support regarding your application.

Requirements for Entry Clearance for the Scale-Up Worker Visa (UK)

To qualify for entry clearance under the Scale-up Worker visa category, applicants must meet the following criteria outlined in the UK Immigration Rules:

Valid Entry Clearance Application
Applicants must submit a valid entry clearance application for the Scale-up Worker visa, following the guidelines specified in Appendix Scale-up of the Immigration Rules.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must be issued to the applicant by a registered sponsor within three months prior to the application submission.

Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the date the application is submitted.

Written Consent from Government or Agency
If the applicant has received a government or international scholarship award in the last 12 months that covers both tuition fees and living expenses for studies in the UK, they are required to submit written consent from the respective government or agency authorizing the application.

Points-Based Criteria
To qualify for the Scale-up Worker visa, applicants must earn a total of 70 points. Points are awarded based on the following table:

Sponsorship Requirements for Sponsored Applications

To apply under the Scale-up Worker route, the applicant must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the job they intend to undertake. This certificate must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant Details: The CoS must verify the applicant’s identity, confirm that they are being sponsored as a Scale-up Worker, and outline the job and salary offered by the Sponsor, along with PAYE (Pay As You Earn) information.
• Job Start Date: The certificate must specify a job start date from the Sponsor, which cannot exceed three months from the application submission date.
• Employment Duration: It should confirm that the applicant is expected to work for the Sponsor for a minimum of six months following the grant of their permission.
• Previous Use: The CoS must not have been previously utilized in an application that was either granted or refused. However, it can have been used in applications that were deemed invalid, voided, or withdrawn.
• Withdrawal or Cancellation: The certificate should not have been withdrawn by the Sponsor or cancelled by the Home Office.
• ATAS Requirements: The CoS must clarify if the applicant is subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirements, as outlined in Appendix ATAS.

Additionally, the sponsor must be Home Office-authorized to sponsor the job under the Scale-up route and must hold an A-rated status on the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors.

The decision-maker must ensure there are no reasonable grounds to suspect that the position the applicant is being sponsored for:

• Does not exist,
• Is fraudulent or contrived,
• Has been created primarily for the purpose of enabling the applicant to gain entry clearance or permission to stay.

Furthermore, the role should not be one where the applicant is hired by a third party, unrelated to the Sponsor, to fill a position or perform ongoing routine tasks for that third party, whether temporary or permanent, regardless of any arrangement between the Sponsor and the third party.

Job Requirements for Sponsored Application at the Appropriate Skill Level

To be eligible for the Scale-up route, the applicant must be sponsored for a job in an occupation listed under the Appendix Skilled Occupations, which meets the criteria for the Scale-up route. The sponsor must select the correct occupation code, and the decision-maker should have no reason to believe that the sponsor has chosen a less appropriate occupation code due to any of the following factors:

• The chosen occupation code is not eligible under the Scale-up route; or
• The most suitable occupation code has a higher salary threshold than the proposed pay.

To assess the genuineness of the application, the decision-maker may consider the following:

• Whether the sponsor has demonstrated a genuine need for the role as outlined;
• Whether the applicant possesses the required skills, qualifications, and experience for the job;
• The sponsor’s history of compliance with immigration regulations, including ensuring proper remuneration of sponsored workers;
• Any additional supporting information provided by the sponsor.

If the ATAS requirement outlined in Appendix ATAS is applicable, the applicant must provide a valid ATAS certificate.

Appropriate Salary Requirement for Sponsored Application

The salary for the position being sponsored must meet or exceed all of the following criteria:

• A minimum annual salary of £33,000;
• A minimum hourly rate of £10.10;
• The going rate for the specific occupation code.

Suitability Requirements

The applicant must not fall under the refusal grounds outlined in Part 9 of the immigration rules.

English Language Requirement for Scale-up Worker

Unless exempted, the applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, achieving at least a B1 level in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). The applicant must meet the English language requirement as specified in Appendix English Language. Meeting this requirement will award the applicant 10 points.

Financial Requirement for Scale-up Worker

For those applying for entry clearance under the Scale-up Worker visa, one of the following conditions must be met:

• The applicant must have a minimum of £1,270 in available funds; or
• If the applicant is a sponsored worker, the A-rated sponsor must confirm in the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will maintain and accommodate the applicant up to the end of their first month of employment, ensuring at least £1,270 in support.

The applicant must prove they have held the required funds for a 28-day period, as specified in Appendix Finance. Meeting this financial requirement will award the applicant 10 points.

Tuberculosis Certificate

Applicants seeking entry clearance as Scale-up Workers must, in cases where paragraph A39 and Appendix T apply, provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that they do not have the condition.

Terms and Conditions for the Grant of Scale-up Worker Visa

If an applicant earns 50 points by fulfilling the Sponsored Application criteria, they will be granted entry clearance for a period of 2 years.

However, the grant is subject to the following conditions:

• The applicant will have no access to public funds.
• For the first 6 months of the visa, the applicant must remain employed in the role for which they were sponsored.
• After completing 6 months as a Scale-up Worker, the applicant can take up other employment, including self-employment and voluntary work. However, working as a professional sportsperson or a sports coach is prohibited.
• The applicant is permitted to study, subject to the ATAS condition outlined in Appendix ATAS.

Priority Services for Scale-up Worker Visa Entry Clearance

As immigration experts at Aden & Co Solicitors, based in London, we specialize in providing Priority and Super Priority Services for Scale-up Worker Visa entry clearance applications. These services expedite the decision-making process for your application by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO).

Applications submitted through the Super Priority Service are typically decided within 24 hours, while applications submitted through the Priority Service are generally processed within 5 working days.

Our highly skilled immigration solicitors are dedicated to preparing and submitting your Scale-up Worker Visa entry clearance application promptly, ensuring that you receive a faster decision through our Priority or Super Priority Visa Services.

How We Can Assist You with Your Scale-up Worker Visa UK Entry Clearance Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration experts provides comprehensive, expert legal guidance and representation for your Scale-up Worker visa entry clearance application. We offer this service on a fixed-fee basis, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the process. Our fixed fee covers all necessary work by our immigration solicitors until a final decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) regarding your application. The services we provide for your entry clearance application include:

Expert Advice on Entry Clearance Requirements: Our immigration solicitors will thoroughly guide you through the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet all necessary requirements for a successful entry clearance application.

Document Preparation and Guidance: We will supply you with a detailed list of required supporting documents for your application and ensure you are fully informed on how to proceed.

Document Assessment: Our legal team will carefully review your documents to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules, guaranteeing that all submissions meet the stringent requirements set by the UK authorities.

Completion of Application Form: Our immigration experts will accurately complete the relevant application form for your entry clearance application, ensuring every detail is correct.

Submission via Priority or Super Priority Service: Where applicable, we will submit your entry clearance application using the Priority or Super Priority Service, expediting the processing time to secure a faster decision.

Booking Biometric Appointment: After your application is submitted online, we will arrange your biometrics enrolment at the application centre to ensure the timely processing of your application.

Preparation of a Detailed Cover Letter: Our solicitors will draft a comprehensive cover letter that explains how your application satisfies all the necessary legal requirements for approval.

Online Document Upload: Before your biometrics appointment, we will upload all supporting documents online for the Entry Clearance Officer’s review.

Ongoing Case Follow-Up: Our team will continue to monitor and follow up on your application throughout the entire process, ensuring you receive updates and assistance until a decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer.

Comprehensive One-Time Legal Services for UK Visa Entry Clearance Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a broad spectrum of one-time legal services tailored to UK visa entry clearance applications. These services are ideal for individuals who prefer not to engage our full-service package for their entry clearance process. By opting for our one-off legal services, you can benefit from expert guidance in specific areas of the application, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. Explore the range of one-off legal solutions we provide for UK visa entry clearance applications:

Fixed Fees for Scale-Up Worker Visa Applications with Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent fixed fees for Scale-Up Worker Visa applications in the UK, ranging from £800 to £1,500 (exclusive of VAT). The final fee will be determined based on the complexity of the case and the amount of work required to complete the application.

Please note that our fixed fee covers our professional services, but it does not include additional disbursements, such as the UKVI application fee. The applicant is responsible for paying the Home Office UKVI fees separately.