Get in Touch
Who can apply for a Scale-up Sponsor licence
To apply for a Scale-up sponsor licence, an employer must meet these criteria:
The company has been established for at least three years before the application date.
The employer had at least 10 employees at the start of that three-year period.
The company has demonstrated at least 72.8% growth in either staff numbers or turnover compared to the start of the three years.
Documents required in support of the Scale-up sponsor licence application
To support a Scale-up sponsor licence application, you will need to provide:
Companies House or UTR reference number
VAT registration number
At least one PAYE reference number to demonstrate employee numbers at the start of the three-year period and at the application date
Evidence of turnover growth if relying on the 72.8% increase, using Box 6 from monthly or quarterly VAT returns submitted continuously over the three years (annual returns are not accepted)
Proof of registration with a regulatory body if your business is regulated
How Scale-up sponsorship works
Scale-up sponsorship works similarly to the Skilled Worker route, requiring a job offer supported by a Certificate of Sponsorship. The job must meet the required skill level (RQF level 6) and pay at least £33,000 per year for up to a 48-hour working week, with thresholds varying by occupation.
However, unlike the Skilled Worker route, sponsorship is only required for the first six months. After this period, the worker can continue with the same employer in the same or a different role, change jobs, work additional employment, become self-employed, or start a business—free from sponsorship restrictions.
The initial Scale-up visa is granted for two years despite the six-month sponsorship requirement. The visa remains valid even if the worker changes jobs after six months, and it can be extended for up to three more years without sponsorship. After five years, the visa holder may apply for indefinite leave to remain.
The visa requires meeting standard English language and maintenance criteria, and dependants are permitted.
Skills requirement for the Scale-up route
For the Scale-up route, the job must be at RQF level 6 or above, which is higher than the Skilled Worker route’s minimum of RQF level 3. You can verify the skill level and eligibility of a specific occupation by checking its SOC code in the Skilled Occupations appendix of the Immigration Rules.
This skill level requirement refers to the nature of the work, not the employee’s personal qualifications—so the worker does not necessarily need a degree or graduate-level certification, only to perform duties at the required skill level.
Salary requirement
For a Scale-up worker, the salary must meet or exceed:
The minimum threshold of £34,600 per year (for up to a 48-hour week), updated as of 12 April 2023
The full “going rate” for the specific job listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations, with no reductions for new entrants, shortage occupation roles, or PhD-level jobs
When assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, the employer must specify the correct occupation code (SOC), the salary, and the hours the salary is based on. The Home Office may review the job description to ensure it matches the SOC code and may request justification for the SOC choice, evidence of genuine need for the role, and the prospective employee’s qualifications and experience.
.
The role of legal representatives
Your immigration consultants supports you throughout the entire process—from the initial sponsor licence application to advising on the eligibility of employees for specific visas and identifying the fastest, most suitable immigration routes.
After helping your business secure the sponsor licence, we guide you on the best immigration options for your vacancies, ensuring correct occupation codes and salary compliance. When appointed as Key Contact, we handle communications with the Home Office on your behalf and can also serve as Level 1 users in the Sponsor Management System.
If you’re considering a Scale-up sponsor licence or want to explore whether it fits your needs, we’d be happy to arrange a brief Zoom meeting to discuss your goals.