Which is better – Skilled Worker visa or a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?

Employees will usually prefer to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa because it leads to settlement in the UK whereas the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a temporary visa and they have to leave the UK at the end of it.

However, Tier 2 ICT and Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders are able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa which also means that they will subsequently be able to apply for ILR after holding the Skilled Worker visa for 5 years.

For the employer, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is usually a little quicker and easier to obtain. The applicant also doesn’t have to meet the English language eligibility criteria. However the minimum salary for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is often higher than for the Skilled Worker visa.

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Disclaimer

Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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