The Skilled Worker Visa is available across a wide range of eligible occupations and employers who hold a sponsor licence. The Scale-Up Worker Visa is specifically for individuals joining a qualifying high-growth company and requires the role to be at RQF Level 6 or above. After six months on the Scale-Up route, the visa holder can work for any employer without sponsorship—this flexibility is not available on the Skilled Worker route.

From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary is £38,700 per year for most roles, or the going rate for the occupation code if higher. Reduced thresholds apply for new entrants, roles on the Immigration Salary List, and certain health and education positions. V Immigration advises on the applicable threshold for specific roles and occupation codes.

Yes. For both the Skilled Worker and Scale-Up Worker routes, the employing organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. For the Scale-Up route, the employer must also qualify as a scale-up business by meeting the Home Office's growth criteria at the time of sponsorship.

A qualifying scale-up employer must have achieved annualised growth of at least 20% per year over a consecutive three-year period, measured in either employees or turnover, and must have had a minimum of ten employees at the start of that three-year period. This must be evidenced at the time the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned.

In most cases, yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements of the Skilled Worker route at the time of application. Switching is not permitted from a visitor visa or following an overstay. V Immigration advises on whether a switch is available in specific circumstances.

Yes. Dependants, including a partner and dependent children under 18, can apply to accompany or join applicants on both the Skilled Worker and Scale-Up Worker routes, subject to meeting the applicable requirements. Dependants on these routes are generally permitted to work without restriction, other than as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Yes. After five years of continuous leave on the Skilled Worker route, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and have not exceeded the 180-day absence limit in any 12-month period during that five years.

After the initial six-month sponsored period, Scale-Up Worker visa holders may work for any employer or on a self-employed basis without requiring further sponsorship. They can also apply to extend their leave in the Scale-Up route or switch to another eligible route, including the Skilled Worker route.

For both routes, applicants will typically need a valid passport, a Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, evidence of English language ability, and proof of personal maintenance funds unless exempt. Role-specific documents, such as professional qualification evidence or registration with a regulatory body, may also be required depending on the occupation. V Immigration reviews all documentation before submission.

For applications made outside the UK, standard processing is typically around three weeks. For applications made from within the UK, standard processing is around eight weeks. Priority and super priority services may be available for an additional fee. V Immigration advises on realistic timelines as part of the application planning process.