Can I switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Global Talent visa?

The Skilled Worker route is designed for individuals who have an eligible job offer in the UK from an organisation who is able to sponsor their visa. The Global Talent route, on the other hand, is designed for individuals who are exceptionally talented or are able to demonstrate exceptional promise in their field, for example, arts, technology, engineering etc.

On a Skilled worker visa, you will be required to work for a specific UK company, in a specific role. On a Global Talent visa, you can work for any employer or you can be self-employed.

Arguably, the Skilled Worker route may offer greater job security, however, the freedom and flexibility offered on the Global Talent route may be more suitable for some individuals. If you are considering changing from the Skilled Worker visa to the Global Talent visa and you are eligible, you will be pleased to know that it is now possible to switch your visa in the UK without having to apply from your home country.  

Prior to December 2020, the rules on switching were much stricter. The Home Office have become more flexible and now only prevent switching to a limited number of visa holders, such as Visitors, Short-term Students etc.

Any other considerations?

When switching to another immigration category, you should consider how doing so may impact your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future.

For example, when applying for ILR under the Global Talent route, you will need to show that you have completed a continuous period of residence in the UK of either 3 or 5 years (depending on certain criteria). Would the period of time spent on the Skilled Worker route count towards your continuous period of residence?

Fortunately, it does and therefore, this period of time will not have been wasted but it is very important to check these details to ensure you are making an informed decision before switching to a different visa category.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa routes. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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