Insights
The Home Secretary has announced a new visa category named the Scale-Up Visa, aiming to attract the skilled talent the UK economy needs. The route is open to people who have a job offer from a “Scale-Up” company.
What is a “Scale-Up” company?
A Scale-Up company is one that is registered with Companies House in the UK, and has either experienced a 20%+ annual growth rate in turnover, or accomplished a 20%+ annual growth rate in employee numbers over the past three years — having employed at least 10 people at the start of that three-year period.
Eligibility requirements
Detailed requirements were still being finalised at the time of writing, but published information points to a basic qualification requirement, a salary threshold, an English language competence requirement, a minimum level of education, and likely a financial maintenance requirement — the Scale-Up Visa being a sponsored work visa under the Points-Based System.
Extending, settling, and bringing family
Holders are expected to be able to extend the visa for a maximum of 5 years, after which they become eligible to apply for settlement in the UK and, potentially, British citizenship. While not yet confirmed, there is a possibility that — in line with similar visas — this route may allow applicants to bring their family to the UK.
Fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the route are expected to be announced alongside the detailed policy guidance.
About the writer: Mr Abdullah is an English Solicitor, Arbitration Law expert and Human Rights Advocate. He heads Wright Justice Solicitors, a Midlands-based law firm.