Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups – how do I apply?

The government is introducing a reimbursement scheme for visa fees (also known as VFRS4SU).

This is geared at businesses in the life sciences, clean energy and digital technologies. Covers specialist hires and their dependents. The scheme aims to reduce cost restrictions and hire time while giving business owners more confidence when hiring overseas.

As part of the scheme, businesses will be able to apply for up to £25,000 per year. That means a maximum sum of £5,000 per international hire and their dependents. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be processed in the order that they’re received. Funding will be distributed until the funding pot has run out.  

Am I eligible? Be a UK-based scale-up Hold a valid UK visa sponsor licence Have an established presence in the UK Be in one of the following industries: Clean Energy 

These are the industries which directly contribute to the clean power transition. They could be part of the supply chain, or part of the manufacturing and services relating to the deployment, construction, and maintenance of clean energy assets and products. 

Life Sciences 

These businesses are involved in developing and/or producing their own pharmaceutical products and all businesses whose primary business involves developing and producing medical technology products. This can range from single-use consumables to complex hospital equipment, including digital health products. 

Digital and Technologies 

The Digital and Technologies sector develops and applies advanced technologies and digital tools to drive transformative changes in UK economy and society.

However, technologies related to Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Defence, and Life Sciences are excluded as they are covered in separate Sector Plans. 

The government will reimburse you for eligible visa fees incurred on or after June 9, 2026.

How do I apply?

Before you start your application, ensure you have the following information to hand: 

Your organisation’s legal name  Organisation type  Registered address  Companies House number  The breakdown of eligible roles  Job titles  Outline of role responsibilities  Outline of person specification  Contract type (duration of the contract and terms),   Eligible hire salary  Confirmation of the visa (including evidence of payment defrayal)

Apply through the Grants Hub portal at Available grants – Department for Business and Trade. Applications will be accepted from June 16, 2026. You’ll be notified about the outcome of your application within 30 working days.

Start getting what you need in place now, before applications open. Fozia Iqbal, business immigration law expert at Harper James, said:

“In fast-moving sectors, such as technology, life sciences and clean energy, waiting weeks or months to put the right immigration arrangements in place can mean losing out on highly sought-after talent, which can slow expansion plans, reduce momentum or place additional pressure on existing teams.

“If hiring international talent is part of your growth strategy, it’s vital that you understand which visa routes may be available, check whether a sponsor licence is needed, and make sure your sponsor duties, right-to-work checks and compliance processes are fit for a business that is scaling quickly.

“Leaving these considerations until a candidate has been identified can create avoidable delays at what’s often a critical stage of the growth journey. Businesses that have done the groundwork are simply better placed to move when the right person comes along.”

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