Foreign nationals may now submit an application for a scale-up visa, according to the United Kingdom (UK), as of August 22.
In a statement issued on Monday, the government said that the new form of visa will provide the UK's top high-growth companies more freedom and leverage to recruit talent from all over the world.
What is a scale-up visa?
It is a pathway for international talent who has been sponsored by a scale-up business in the UK and who possesses the necessary abilities to support the expansion of scale-up businesses.
Scientists, engineers, programmers, software developers, experts in research and development, economists, architects, technicians, and financial and investment consultants are among the professions that qualify for the scale-up visa.
“This will further enhance the government’s overall offer to businesses through the points-based immigration system to hire eligible employees from anywhere in the world. The Scale-up visa will give them greater flexibility to hire, often in-demand, talent they need so they can go to the next level, while boosting the UK’s high-skilled pool,” the statement reads.
“Companies, including small businesses and those in the tech and financial services sectors, that have achieved growth of 20% or more in either employment or turnover year-on-year for at least 3 years and employed a minimum of 10 people at the start of the 3 years will be eligible to sponsor talented individuals through the Scale-up visa.”
