6-Month Sponsorship Freedom Explained
Completing 6 months with your sponsor automatically ends employer sponsorship obligations. You retain valid Scale-up immigration permission and gain the freedom to change jobs, stop work, or become self-employed without a new visa.
Transition & Extension Status Checker
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Scale-Up Worker Visa Timeline Breakdown
| Visa Phase | Sponsorship Status | Permitted Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1–6 | Sponsored by Employer | Must work in specified sponsored job for certified sponsor. |
| Months 7–24 | Unsponsored Status | Can stay with sponsor, switch employers, stop working, or self-employ without a new visa. |
| Year 2 Extension | Unsponsored Extension (3 Yrs) | Requires £39,100 PAYE earnings for at least 12 months during initial grant. |
| Year 5 ILR | Settlement Pathway | Permanent ILR settlement available if 5-year residency and earnings criteria met. |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
For a current Scale-up Worker visa application, the sponsored job must normally pay at least £39,100 per year and at least the applicable occupation going rate, whichever is higher.
After the first 6 months, sponsorship for the Scale-up Worker automatically ends. You can continue working for the original employer, change employer, stop that job, or become self-employed without making a new immigration application.
No. The 6-month sponsored period and the earnings requirement are separate. The worker must work in the sponsored job for 6 months. For extensions on CoS issued on or after 22 July 2025, PAYE earnings equivalent to £39,100/yr are required for at least half of the most recent permission.
Yes. You can extend the Scale-up Worker visa without a new Certificate of Sponsorship if you completed 6 months in the sponsored job and met the PAYE earnings requirement for at least half of your 2-year grant.
Yes, the Scale-up route can lead to settlement after 5 years if all settlement requirements (qualifying residence, PAYE earnings, Life in the UK) are satisfied.
The standard Scale-up Worker application fee is £937. The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year. Maintenance funds are £1,270 held for 28 days unless exempt.
Official GOV.UK Sources
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2026 Key Benchmarks
Salary Floor£39,100 / yr
Sponsored Phase6 Months
Visa Duration2 Years Initial
Extension Duration3 Years