Northern Irish companies are set to benefit from plans by the British government to introduce a new Scale-Up Visa aimed at attracting international talent to high-growth businesses.

UK businesses experiencing "impressive success" will be eligible to sponsor individuals such as scientists, engineers, architects and programmers to support their growth the the new Visa.

Successful applicants for the Scale-Up Visa will receive two years’ leave to remain in the UK without requiring further sponsorship or permission beyond the first six months.

It is the latest shake-up to British immigration rules as part of the points-based system introduced post-Brexit, and the UK's Home Office said it would give employers "greater flexibility to hire, often in-demand, talent they need so they can go to the next level."

UK Minister for Safe and Legal Migration Kevin Foster said: "Rapidly growing businesses, like small enterprises, tech and financial services, need the right level of support to go to the next level.

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"Through our Scale-Up Visa, we’re enabling businesses to focus on their growth and innovation by giving them more freedom to bring in the diverse skills and experience they need, making them more attractive on an international stage.

“By supporting our high growth tech, financial services and small businesses, we are ensuring the UK remains a global hub for emerging technologies and innovation while enhancing productivity across the economy – creating jobs, growth and prosperity across Britain.”

Visa sponsorship will be open to companies that have achieved growth of 20% or more in either employment or turnover year-on-year for at least three years and employed a minimum of 10 people at the start of those three years.

Eligible business will be able to sponsor workers, including scientists, engineers, programmers, software developers, R&D professionals, economists, architects, technicians, and financial and investment advisors.

Eligible individuals not not require a degree, but they will need to have a job offer from a sponsor for a role skilled to at least RQF 6 in the UK qualifications framework and earn a minimum of £33,000 per years.

Successful applicants will receive an initial grant of leave to remain for two years without requiring further sponsorship, which can be extended for a further three years. Applicants can bring their partner and children. After five years applicants can apply for settlement.

Irene Graham, CEO of the Scale Up Institute, which advocates for businesses to scale up in the UK, welcomed the announcement, adding that a fast-track Visa for high-skilled was something it had advocated for since its inception.

"Scaleups add over £1tn a year and more than 3m jobs to the UK economy, and are present in every community, hiring people from at home and abroad, as they drive growth into their local areas and beyond," she added.

“The visa should help with the skills demands. We look forward to continuing to work with the government as this service evolves to ensure it fully addresses scaling business needs and works effectively.”

(Pic: Getty Images)