Skilled Worker vs Scale-up: which UK visa is right for you?
Both are sponsored work routes, but the Scale-up Worker visa only ties you to the sponsor for the first 6 months, then lets you work freely - unlike the employer-bound Skilled Worker visa.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) | Scale-up Worker visa (Scale-up) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Points-based | Points-based |
| Who it's for | For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation. | For talented individuals with a high-skilled job offer from an authorised fast-growing UK scale-up business. |
| Government cost | ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year | ~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) | ~3 weeks |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per grant (renewable) | 2 years initially, then extendable |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside the UK | Outside or inside the UK |
| Work rights | Work only for your licensed sponsor in the sponsored role | Sponsored for first 6 months, then unsponsored work allowed |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. |
Which is right for you?
Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker)
For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation.
Full Skilled Worker guide →Scale-up Worker visa (Scale-up)
For talented individuals with a high-skilled job offer from an authorised fast-growing UK scale-up business.
Full Scale-up guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Skilled Worker or Scale-up?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) is the lowest at ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Skilled Worker or Scale-up?
Indicatively Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) is the quickest at ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Skilled Worker and Scale-up?
Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) is for for people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation. Scale-up Worker visa (Scale-up) is for for talented individuals with a high-skilled job offer from an authorised fast-growing UK scale-up business.