Introduction: What the Scale Up Visa offers in 2025
The scale up visa is designed for individuals joining fast-growing UK companies that are expanding at pace and need skilled talent to fuel their growth. This visa offers a unique path for professionals seeking a role in a dynamic business environment with fewer restrictions than traditional routes. In 2025, it continues to stand out as a streamlined option with clear progression toward settlement.
key changes to immigration law from 22 july 2025
From 22 July 2025, the UK government implemented a host of reforms to tighten access to various work visas. While the scale up route remains open, it now carries stricter requirements. Key updates include a higher salary threshold, refined occupation eligibility lists, new English language standards, and updated sponsor criteria. Employers and applicants must now adhere to more rigid documentation and compliance measures.
who qualifies as a Scale-Up Sponsor
3.1. Growth benchmarks and eligibility
Only businesses officially recognized as “scale-ups” by the Home Office can issue a certificate of sponsorship. These companies must demonstrate a minimum of 20% year-on-year growth in either revenue or staffing for at least 3 consecutive years, with a headcount starting from 10 or more employees. This growth trajectory ensures only genuinely scaling businesses can access this route.
3.2. Sponsorship duties under updated rules
Even after the initial six-month sponsored period, employers must meet record-keeping, compliance, and reporting standards. Sponsors are now expected to maintain digital monitoring and provide evidence of the employee’s role and salary. Non-compliance can lead to loss of sponsor status, impacting existing and future visa holders.
Job role eligibility and required skill levels
In 2025, only jobs classified as Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 or above are eligible under the scale up route. These typically include positions in tech, finance, engineering, science, and business leadership. Each role must be matched to the government’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes listed for the visa category.
Minimum salary threshold: what’s changed
The minimum salary threshold for scale up visa applicants has been raised to £39,100 annually—whichever is higher. This aligns with the broader reforms aimed at reducing reliance on international workers in lower-paid positions. Some roles may require higher pay if their “going rate” surpasses the baseline figure.
English language requirement: new accepted standards
Applicants must now prove English language proficiency at level B1 or above, in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Acceptable methods include:
A secure English language test (SELT)
A UK degree or equivalent taught in English
National of a majority English-speaking country
Tighter enforcement of this rule means incomplete or invalid certificates will likely result in refusal.
Required documents for applicants
A successful application includes:
A valid certificate of sponsorship reference number
A current passport or travel document
Proof of English proficiency
Evidence of available maintenance funds (unless exempt)
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable based on your country)
Payslips or contracts may be required to prove prior employment experience
Financial maintenance requirements in 2025
Unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS, the applicant must show at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before applying. Dependants also need additional proof: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. All funds must be in accessible, liquid form.
Visa duration, extensions, and settlement pathway
Initially, the visa allows 2 years of stay—6 months under sponsorship and 18 months unsponsored. You can extend for 3 years if you’ve earned at least £34,600 annually over the previous 12 months without a sponsor. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK (on qualifying visas), applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided all criteria are met.
Rules for dependants and family members
The scale up visa still permits dependants, even after other categories like the Skilled Worker visa have seen restrictions on bringing family. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can accompany or join you later, provided you meet the financial requirements and can show evidence of genuine relationships.
Switching from other visa routes to scale-up
You may switch into the scale up route from inside the UK if you hold a Student, Graduate, Skilled Worker, or other eligible visa. The new job offer must meet the skill, salary, and sponsorship requirements. Switching is not permitted if you’re on a visitor, seasonal, or short-term student visa.
Application timeline and how to prepare
It’s advisable to begin preparing at least 2 months in advance. Employers must assign the Certificate of Sponsorship no more than 3 months before the intended start date. Applications are generally processed within 3 weeks for out-of-country applicants and 8 weeks for in-country ones. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or verification is needed.
Common mistakes to avoid in 2025
Avoid outdated salary references—post-July rules must be followed. Submitting invalid English tests, insufficient financial evidence, or mismatched SOC codes can lead to automatic rejections. Applicants must ensure every detail aligns with the updated immigration rules, including job title, salary, and sponsor legitimacy.
How bs immigration simplifies the process
With significant changes in immigration law, even eligible applicants can get tripped up by technicalities. BS Immigration offers end-to-end support—from verifying sponsor compliance, aligning job roles with SOC codes, preparing financial and English documents, to full application submission. Whether switching from another visa or starting from scratch, our experience navigating UK Home Office complexities offers peace of mind. Our team ensures everything is up to date with the July 2025 reforms, minimizing the risk of refusal.
