If you are a foreign talent desiring to work for fast-growing businesses in the UK, I have good news!
On the 22nd of August 2022, the UK launched the Scale Up Visa to enable people like you to travel to the UK and work.
But, if you are still perplexed about a scale-up visa and how to go about the whole process.
This post is for you as we will take you through the details of getting the UK scale-up visa.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
Table of contents
UK Scale Up Visa
The UK scale-up visa allows talents from different countries to travel to the UK and work legally for scale-up businesses for a minimum of six (6) months.
The scale-up visa was launched on the 22nd of August 2022 to promote the rapid growth of companies in the UK by employing the best hands from around the world.
Hence, high skilled Nigerians who can ensure the continuous development of a fast-growing business (scale-up company) in the UK and have received sponsorship from them can now take this route to travel to the UK.
This visa is primarily available to professionals in the following fields;
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Software Developers
- Programmers
- Economists
- Research and Development Professionals
- Architects
- Technicians
- Financial and Investment Advisers
Bear in mind that this visa opens the door for these individuals who would be given a two (2) year leave to stay in the UK without needing more sponsorship or permission after the first six (6) months to be employed.
Eligibility UK Scale Up Visa for Nigerians
To be eligible for the UK scale-up visa 2022, you must meet the criteria below:
- Be 18 years old or more.
- Have a confirmed legal employment offer for an approved scale-up business for six (6) months.
- Possess a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer for the job you have been offered in the UK.
- Have a genuine job offer among the eligible occupations for the visa.
- You will be paid the required salary for the job.
- Financially capable of supporting yourself.
- Have a valid tuberculosis test result if needed.
- Have a good understanding of English and can prove this with a language proficiency test result.
UK Scale Up Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
The following are the requirements for the UK Scale Up Visa as a Nigerian citizen;
- International Passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Valid Job
- Job Skill Level
- Salary
- English Proficiency
- Proof of Financial Ability
- Tuberculosis Test Result
International Passport
Applicants are expected to provide a valid international passport. You also need at least a blank page in your passport.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Applicants require a certificate of sponsorship for the job they wish to do in the UK.
This certificate must be issued by your employer and approved to sponsor a scale-up worker by the Home Office.
Your employer, your sponsor, must be given an A-rated license by the Home Office before he can issue you a certificate of sponsorship and sponsor you for six months.
The CoS must have been given to you not more than three months before the date you applied for the visa.
The CoS must include the following details: your full name, job description, and expected salary.
Valid Job
The Home Office requires that applicants provide proof that they have been offered a valid job for which they have been sponsored.
If the officials discover that the job is invalid or is a means to apply for the visa, your application will be rejected.
Job Skill Level
It is essential in your application as your job must meet the required skill level, at least RQF level 6.
Salary
To apply for the scale-up visa, you must be paid at least £33,000 per year, £10.58 per hour, and the going rate for the job as stated in the relevant occupation code.
Your salary is assessed on the basic gross pay and excludes other remuneration or benefits.
English Proficiency
Applicants must have a good mastery of the English language and demonstrate the same in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Applicants would be deemed to have satisfied the English requirement if:
- They are citizens of an English-speaking country such as Nigeria.
- They have passed a Secure English language Test from an authorized provider.
- They possess a degree taught in the English language.
- They have acquired a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English while at a UK school.
- They indicate that they have a level B1 in a previous application for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK.
Proof of Financial Ability
Applicants are required to have at least £1,270 available to them.
They must possess these funds for a minimum period of 28 days consecutively.
This period must end not more than 31 days before they apply for the scale-up visa.
However, this requirement is applicable except where your sponsor agrees to meet your maintenance costs up to the first month of your job, summing up to a minimum of £1,270 if needed. It would be confirmed on your CoS.
Also, you won’t need to provide proof of finances if you are seeking permission to stay in the UK and have had permission to be there for at least a year at the time of application.
Tuberculosis Test Result
Nigerians who desire to travel to the UK must provide tuberculosis test results to be eligible for the visa.
Cost for UK Scale Up Visa
How much does the Uk Scale Up Visa Cost?
Applicants are required to pay:
- £715 for the application fee.
- £624 for the health surcharge, which is paid every year.
- £1,270 for financial sustenance if applicable.
How to Apply for UK Scale Up Visa
Applying for the UK scale-up visa is advisable three months before you travel to the UK.
Also, your application will be processed within 15 business days.
However, it may take longer if your documents are missing or you filled in the wrong information.
To apply for the UK scale-up visa in Nigeria, you need to follow the steps below:
A description of how to apply for the UK scale-up visa for Nigerians
- Register your Account
You need to register your user account at the GOV.UK website.
This site would also guide you on what you need for your application, visa type, required documents, etc. - Apply Online
After creating an account, click the “Work in the UK” section and select” Scale Up Worker Visa” under the Long term work visas section.
Go through the information carefully, click “Apply now,” and follow the instructions.
Note that you don’t need to complete your application once; you can save it and continue later. - Pay the UK Scale Up Visa Fees
You will be directed to the payment webpage to pay for the visa.
The application fee for the scale-up visa is £715, and you can pay with your debit card or e-wallet such as PayPal. - Book an Appointment with the Visa Application Center
After paying the necessary visa fees, the system would direct you to the TLSContact portal, where you would book an appointment for your biometrics.
You can take your biometrics at Abuja, Ikeja, or Victoria Island. You would have to select your preferred location on the portal.
Remember that once you have set your site, you cannot change it, so choose carefully.
The Victoria Island location is more expensive due to tax rates.
Also, do not choose 9 am and 12 am as these times are reserved for prime-time applicants except if you want the service.
In addition, once you have received a confirmation email for your appointment date and time, print it out and download a checklist on the portal.
If the date is inconvenient, you can reschedule at least one day before the appointment.
You also have two options when you are booking your visa appointment.
You can choose either Self Service or Assisted Service.
• Self Service: This allows you to upload all the required documents online by providing digital copies of the documents.
• Assisted Service: You must submit your documents at the TLSContact center.
Once you choose the service, the upload button will not be available to upload your documents online.
This service costs about ₦11,000. - Attend your Appointment
Go for your appointment on the scheduled date and provide your biometrics.
If you have opted for Assisted Service, bring all the relevant documents, including your original passport, checklist form, and receipt of payment of visa fees.
If you have submitted your documents online, then come with a confirmation of document submission, valid passport, and receipt of payment of visa fees.
Please note that you must not be late for the appointment to prevent delays.
Once your biometrics and documents have been submitted, your application will be transferred to the UK Visas and Immigration. - Collect your Passport
You will be notified as soon as your passport has been returned to the visa application center in Nigeria.
You can choose to collect your passport at the TLSContact center. Make sure to take along the checklist issued to you by the visa application center and a copy of your original photo ID.
You can also have your passport returned via courier. However, you would need to choose the Express Courier Return service, which costs about ₦7,000.
Bear in mind that your passport could either be approved or rejected.
If approved, your visa will be attached to your international passport.
Note that any errors in your visa must be reported to the UK Visas and Immigration as soon as possible so corrections can be made.
If your application is rejected, you will receive reasons for rejection and be directed on how you can appeal the decision if needed.
Conclusion
The UK scale-up visa allows employers to easily employ high skilled in-demand talents from around the world, including Nigeria.
This opportunity is open to Nigerians who are technicians, architects, engineers, etc. and meet other eligibility criteria.
This article has shown you what the UK scale-up visa entails, focusing on eligibility criteria, requirements, and application guide.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
Hello Sir,
I already have a job in an Big MNC, but I am student dependant, and I want to switch to this scale up visa instead of Tier 2, as I want to pay by myself to avoid any contract or commitment to my current company. I have few questions
1) Can I pay all by myself?
2) When company issues COS then do they incur any cost or its a simple letter
3) I know my company gives Tier 2 visa, are they also eligible to give scale up visa as well
4) I am already working there since Jan 22, so will this affect and I am full time employee.
It will be really great if you can answer these for me
Thanks.
Hello Mr. Prateek,
Does your field of work fall in any of the professions for the UK scale-up visa?
Hi sir,
Can you help with getting a job offer from any of these scale up companies?
My partner is a data analyst/ecientist with certifications and a portfolio that can be provided on request.
Hello Omodasola,
The best thing to do is to register with a recruitment Agency. There are lots of them in the UK. They can offer you a Job and can sometimes, fund your Visa Application.
Thanks alot sir, you really educate me now. More blessings
Thank you, Sir Kenes, for your feedback.
I am glad you find this post helpful.