Scale-up Worker visa

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Update your visa if you change employer in the first 6 months

You’ll need to apply to update your Scale-up Worker visa if you want to change your employer in the first 6 months of your stay in the UK.

Your job with your new employer must still be on the table of eligible occupations.

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically change if you update yours. If they do not update their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

You do not need to apply to update your visa if either:

  • you’ll be doing a different job for your current employer
  • you’ve worked in the job that’s listed on your certificate of sponsorship for 6 months or more

If you change employers after 6 months, you must meet the earnings requirements when you extend your Scale-up Worker visa

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.

Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year.

When to apply to update your visa

You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered, or to work out your notice period.

You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to.

Apply to update your visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back in to your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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