Moving to the UK for work can be exciting, whether you’re looking to advance your career, gain international experience, or start a new chapter in life. However, navigating the UK’s visa system can be complex, as various visa routes depend on your job, skills, and nationality. Among the most common options for skilled workers are the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa, and the Tier 2 (General) Visa.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the most used visa for individuals wishing to work in the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) Visa in December 2020 and is designed for non-citizens with a job offer from a UK employer. To be eligible, the applicant must meet several key criteria:
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in a role that meets the required skill level, which is typically RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).
- Salary Requirement: The position must meet a minimum salary threshold. Generally, this is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, although certain occupations may have lower salary thresholds.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove their ability to speak English to a required standard, typically through a secure English language test or a recognised qualification.
The Skilled Worker Visa is a flexible option. It allows you to bring your family members (spouse/partner and children) to the UK, and it can lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years of residence, provided the visa holder continues to meet the criteria.
What is the Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent Visa is a high-level visa designed for exceptional talent and leaders in specific sectors, such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or the arts. It offers a more prestigious path for highly skilled professionals who have made significant contributions to their field or are recognised as emerging leaders.
Key eligibility criteria for the Global Talent Visa include:
- Endorsement: Applicants must be endorsed by a recognised body in their field, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for science and technology or Tech Nation for digital technology experts.
- Exceptional Talent or Promise: To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are either established experts (Exceptional Talent) or have the potential to become leaders in their field (Exceptional Promise).
- No Job Offer Requirement: Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa does not require a job offer. This makes it an attractive option for those who wish to work independently or start their own businesses in the UK.
This visa offers a more flexible approach than the Skilled Worker Visa, as applicants can switch jobs without updating their visa or sponsorship. The Global Talent Visa can also lead to permanent residency after three years for those with Exceptional Talent or five years for those with Exceptional Promise, making it a quicker route to indefinite leave to remain.
What is the Tier 2 (General) Visa?
The Tier 2 (General) Visa was the predecessor to the Skilled Worker Visa and was closed to new applicants in December 2020. While it is no longer available, it is useful to understand the historical context as some people may still have this visa type or be familiar with it.
Before its closure, the Tier 2 (General) Visa had many similarities with the current Skilled Worker Visa, including:
- Sponsorship Requirement: Applicants needed a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Salary Requirement: Many roles (with some exceptions) require a minimum salary of £30,000 per year or £10.10 per hour.
- English Language Requirement: As with the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants had to demonstrate English proficiency.
The main difference was in the administrative process and the points-based system, which has since been streamlined by introducing the Skilled Worker Visa. Applicants with a Tier 2 (General) Visa may slightly impact their residency process. Still, in many cases, the transition to the Skilled Worker Visa has been seamless for those who continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Comparing the Visas
Now that we’ve looked at the key details of the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa, and the now-closed Tier 2 (General) Visa, let’s break down how they compare across various features:
- Eligibility: To apply for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in a role that requires at least RQF Level 3 skills (equivalent to A-levels). Similarly, the Tier 2 (General) Visa also requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor with the same skill level. In contrast, the Global Talent Visa doesn’t require a job offer, but applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent or potential in specific fields, such as science, technology, or the arts.
- Salary Requirement: The minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, though this can vary depending on the job. However, The Global Talent Visa does not have a salary requirement, making it a more flexible option for highly skilled individuals. On the other hand, the Tier 2 (General) Visa had a higher minimum salary threshold of £30,000 per year or £10.10 per hour, although this varied based on the occupation.
- Job Offer Requirement: A job offer from a licensed sponsor is necessary for both the Skilled Worker Visa and the Tier 2 (General) Visa. However, the Global Talent Visa does not require a job offer, allowing individuals to work independently or with multiple employers.
- English Language: All three visa types require proof of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test or equivalent qualification.
- Path to Settlement: The Skilled Worker Visa offers a route to permanent residency after five years of living and working in the UK. The Global Talent Visa provides a faster path to settlement—three years for those with exceptional talent and five years for those with exceptional promise. The Tier 2 (General) Visa also offers a path to permanent residency after five years.
- Flexibility: The Skilled Worker Visa allows for job switching within the same sponsor, offering more flexibility than the Tier 2 (General) Visa, which requires reapplication if the job changes. With the Global Talent Visa, there is the highest level of flexibility; holders can work for multiple employers or even independently without updating their visas.
- Family Members: All three visa types allow applicants to bring their family members, including a spouse or partner and children, to the UK.
Which Visa is Right for You?
The right visa for you depends on your circumstances, skills, and career ambitions.
- Skilled Worker Visa is the most practical option if you have a job offer from a UK employer, especially in a field with a specific skill shortage.
- Global Talent Visa is ideal for individuals who are already leaders in their field or have the potential to be, offering more flexibility and quicker paths to permanent residency for exceptional talent.
- Tier 2 (General) Visa is no longer available for new applicants but is relevant for those currently holding it.
If you don’t fit the criteria for the Global Talent Visa and don’t have a job offer yet, the Skilled Worker Visa is likely your best option. However, if you’re a highly skilled professional with significant recognition in your industry, the Global Talent Visa may provide more opportunities for career development and quicker settlement.
In either case, it’s important to understand your eligibility, plan accordingly, and seek advice if needed to ensure you choose the right visa for your situation.
