UK Sets Conditions for Scale-up Worker Visa Permanent Residency

The UK government has published the requirements for holders of a Scale-up Worker visa seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency. To qualify, applicants must have lived and worked in the UK for five years, meet financial requirements set by the Home Office, and if aged between 18 and 64, pass the Life in the UK Test.

English language proficiency does not need to be proven again at this stage, as it was assessed during the initial visa application. The application fee is £3,226 (approximately ₦6.4 million), and partners and children may be included in the same application, each paying the same fee.

Biometric information must be provided at no additional cost, and decisions are typically made within six months. Applicants must remain in the UK during the application process, as leaving the country will result in withdrawal of the application.

The earliest application can be submitted is 28 days before the five-year period is completed.