The UK government has launched a new Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme aimed at supporting eligible scale-up businesses. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden of hiring international talent, particularly within strategically important sectors like Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Digital and Technologies. The scheme, which opened on June 9, 2026, offers financial aid to reimburse visa application costs for overseas workers.
Key takeaways
- Eligible businesses can receive up to £25,000 annually, with a £5,000 cap per international recruit and their dependants.
- The scheme covers hires made under the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Scale-up visa routes.
- Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted.
- Applications must be submitted by the sponsoring employer.
Scheme details and objectives
The primary goal of the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme is to reduce the initial financial outlay for UK businesses looking to recruit skilled workers from abroad. By offsetting visa costs, the government aims to speed up the hiring process and provide greater certainty for fast-growing companies in key innovation sectors. This policy directly addresses concerns that the cost of sponsoring overseas workers has become a significant barrier to international recruitment, especially for technology and science-focused industries.
Eligibility criteria for scale-ups
To qualify for the scheme, businesses must meet specific criteria set by the Home Office and the Department for Business and Trade. These include:
- Demonstrating average annualised growth of over 20% in either turnover or employment for a continuous three-year period, starting with at least 10 employees.
- Operating within the designated priority sectors: Clean Energy, Life Sciences, or Digital and Technologies.
- Holding a valid sponsor licence.
- Having an established presence in the UK.
- Passing standard due diligence checks.
- Maintaining a UK bank account for reimbursement payments.
What employers need to know
Qualifying scale-ups can leverage this scheme to offset some of the substantial costs associated with sponsoring international employees. However, it is crucial for employers to note that they will need to pay immigration fees upfront before applying for reimbursement. The funding is limited and competitive, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme is specifically targeted at high-growth businesses in defined sectors and requires employers to already possess or be able to obtain a compliant sponsor licence.
The scheme is currently scheduled to run until March 1, 2027, but may close earlier if the allocated funding is fully utilized. Businesses are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to maximise their chances of securing support.
