A New, Exciting Worker Visa Route opens up in the UK 

In August 2022, the UK Government opened a new worker visa route for the UK, the Scale-up Worker Visa. What makes this visa different from other UK work visa types is that the applicant will get two years of leave to remain in the UK but only need a scale-up business in the UK to sponsor him/her for six months.

One can thus leave the sponsored job after six months, find other employment or start self-employment.

It is thus a wonderful opportunity for talented workers to further their international careers. It also offers many other advantages, including the fact that it leads to settlement.

How to qualify for the Scale-up Worker Visa

To qualify to apply for the Scale-up Worker visa, the applicant will, among other things, have to fulfil some criteria;

• Have a confirmed job offer to work for at least six months from an approved scale-up business.
• The job on offer must be on the list of eligible occupations for this visa type;
• You must be paid at least £33,000 per year or £10-10 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is the highest.

Your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to consult on the eligible jobs, approved scale-up employers and rate of pay.

Spouses and Children

The main concern for many persons wanting to apply for work visas is whether their spouse and children will be able to accompany them to the UK.

Fortunately, you can include your spouse/partner and children in your application. If their application is successful, their visas will end on the same date as yours.

Settling in the UK

It is possible to stay in the UK for two years with a Scale-up Worker visa. You can extend your visa if it expires as often as you like for up to three more years.

After five years in the UK on the Scale-up Worker visa, you can qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

How Breytenbachs can help you

Breytenbachs have a team of highly trained and experienced consultants dealing with business and worker visas to the UK. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the UK, please contact us to discuss available routes.

Please email Breytenbachs at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website for more information. You can also phone your nearest Breytenbachs on the following numbers: Durban – 031 880 2777, Cape Town – 021 879 0969 or Pretoria – 012 460 9959, or our London office at +44 207 442 2160.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. 

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