Global Talent vs Skilled Worker visa – what is the difference?

If you are looking to work in the UK, you may be considering which visa option would be most suitable for you. In this blog we look at the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes, and the key differences between them.  

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in the UK for a specific employer, in a specific role. After 5 years in the UK as a Skilled Worker, subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, and thereafter, British citizenship. 

The Global Talent visa is for individuals who are exceptionally talented (or have exceptional promise) in their field. On a Global Talent visa, you can work for any employer or you can be self-employed. After 5 years in the UK in this category (or 3 years if you meet additional criteria), subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, and thereafter, British citizenship. 

Sponsorship vs endorsement 

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, your prospective UK employer will need to hold a UK sponsor licence and they will need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to you for your job. With a Skilled Worker visa, your visa status is tied to your role and your employer, so if you were to change role you may need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa.

To apply for a Global Talent visa, unless one of the exemptions applies, you will need to be endorsed by a Home Office approved endorsing body relevant to your field. If you specialise in arts and culture, for example, the relevant endorsing body would be Arts Council England. 

An endorsement is not always required when applying for a Global Talent visa. Individuals who have been awarded a prestigious prize listed in the Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prize list are not required to apply for an endorsement.

The main differences between a Skilled Worker visa and a Global Talent visa are the need to have sponsorship or an endorsement (if needed), and the existence, or lack, of work restrictions.

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.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. 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, Instagram, 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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