What English level does the UK Scale-up Worker visa need?

Gov.uk: "If you had a Scale-up Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and you're applying to extend it, you only need level B1 English." You do not need to provide proof again or meet B2. If you are switching from another visa, you need B2 (gov.uk).

Instead of a test, gov.uk accepts a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English from a UK school you began before age 18; a degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution; or a degree taught in English outside the UK, with an Ecctis code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher.

Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA do not need to prove their English (gov.uk).

The Scale-up overview says you need a confirmed job offer of at least 6 months with an approved scale-up business, a certificate of sponsorship, a job on the eligible occupations list and the minimum salary. The visa lasts 2 years and can be extended by 3 years at a time. Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Scale-up page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.