2026 Home Office Scale-up Criteria
Salary floor: £39,100/yr (or occupation going rate if higher). English: CEFR B2. Sponsorship: First 6 months only (full work freedom thereafter).
Scale-up Route Eligibility Checker
Calculates salary compliance, fees, and statutory requirements
2026 Scale-Up Worker Requirements Table
| Requirement | 2026 Home Office Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary Floor | £39,100 / year (or going rate if higher) |
| English Language Standard | CEFR Level B2 |
| Sponsored Period | First 6 months only |
| Post-6 Month Rights | Full work, job change & self-employment freedom |
| Extension Duration | 3 Years (Unsponsored if earnings threshold met) |
| 5-Year Settlement (ILR) | Eligible after 5 years qualifying residence |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
The Scale-up Worker route is a sponsored work route for workers with a qualifying job offer from an approved UK Scale-up sponsor. Permission is granted for 2 years. You must work in the sponsored job for at least 6 months, after which sponsor duties fall away.
For a new sponsored application, the salary must normally be at least £39,100 per year and at least the applicable going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, whichever is higher.
For new applications, you normally need to prove English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, unless an exemption or permitted evidence applies.
After 6 months, your sponsor no longer has to sponsor you. You can continue working, change or stop your job, take additional work or become self-employed without updating your visa.
Yes. A Scale-up Worker can apply for an unsponsored extension for a further 3 years without a new CoS if you worked in the sponsored job for 6 months and met earnings rules for at least half the initial period.
Yes. Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants with separate application fees, IHS, and maintenance requirements.
Official GOV.UK Sources
Live Expat FX Tool 0% Hidden Spread
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
Sending funds for tuition, rent, or immigration fees? Retail banks sneak 2.5%–4% into exchange rates. Check today's real mid-market rate first.
High-Street Banks:~3.5% Hidden Markup
Wise Mid-Market:Zero Markup (Google Rate)
⚡ Free live comparison • 50+ currencies supported
Expat Security & Streaming 256-Bit Encrypted
Expat Global Access & Banking Security
Avoid foreign IP bank lockouts (Barclays, Chase, HDFC), securely access home government portals, and stream regional media without geo-blocks.
Expat Special:Up to 71% Off + 3 Mos Free
Starting At:$3.19 / month
🛡️ Risk-free • 30-day money-back guarantee
2026 Key Benchmarks
Salary Floor£39,100 / yr
English StandardCEFR B2
Application Fee£937
IHS Rate£1,035 / yr