GB Skilled & work Temporary

Scale-up Worker visa

Sponsored for 6 months, then work freely with no sponsor for a fast-growing UK firm.

Who this route is for

Skilled employees recruited by a qualifying high-growth UK 'scale-up' business that holds a scale-up sponsor licence.

Job offer from an A-rated scale-up sponsor that has grown 20%+ a year (turnover or headcount) over 3 years.
Salary at least 39,100 pounds/year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher.
Job at RQF 6 / in Appendix Skilled Occupations; English at CEFR B1.
Sponsored only for the first 6 months; afterwards you can change/leave employer with no new sponsor needed.
To extend or settle you must show PAYE earnings at the required level for at least 50% of each period.

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Check your points first

Use the free Skilled Worker Points & Salary Checker to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.

The UK's main sponsored work visa.

IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.

Unsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.

Intra-company transfer route for senior staff sent to a linked UK branch.