Why the UK remains a top destination in 2025
• Talent war: The UK added Digital Visas and eased PR rules for STEM talent.
• Salaries: London tech pay hits £55 k–£120 k (₦60 m–₦130 m) even at mid-level.
• No IELTS cost for many: Dozens of universities and employers now accept WAEC C6 (see waiver list 🔗).
• PR pace: Both routes let you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
Global Talent vs Skilled Worker — 2025 Head-to-Head
| Feature | Global Talent Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Need UK Sponsor? | No (endorsement by tech/body) | Yes (licensed employer COS) |
| Minimum Salary | N/A | £38 700 or occupation “going rate” |
| English Proof | Waived if degree taught in English | IELTS 4.0 overall or WAEC C6* |
| Application Fee | £623 + £192 healthcare/year | £719–£1 199 + £1 035 IHS/year |
| Dependants | Yes | Yes |
| Processing Time | 3–8 weeks | 3 weeks (priority) – 8 weeks |
| Employer Switch | Any time, no permission | Sponsor change requires new visa |
| PR Clock | 3 years (exceptional) / 5 years | 5 years |
*Many NHS trusts accept WAEC as English proof under health-worker concessions.
Route 1: Global Talent Visa (Tech, Science, Arts)
How it works
- Stage 1 — Endorsement: Secure approval from an endorsing body (Tech Nation successor, Arts Council, UKRI, etc.). Two tracks:
- Exceptional Talent (3-year ILR): Evidence of internationally recognised impact.
- Exceptional Promise (5-year ILR): Early-career high potential.
- Stage 2 — Visa: Apply online with endorsement letter; pay visa + IHS.
Typical endorsement evidence (Tech)
- Led a product that hit 100 k+ MAU or ₦50 m+ revenue.
- Open-source repo with 500+ stars.
- Two reference letters from C-level execs.
Cost & timeline
- Endorsement fee: £456.
- Visa fee: £167.
- IHS: £192 per year.
- Processing: 3 weeks (priority) to 8 weeks.
Funding hack: Combine endorsement with USD side income (see remote-jobs guide 🔗) to skip employer drama.
Route 2: Skilled Worker Visa (Employer-Sponsored)
How it works
- Secure job offer from a sponsor licensed under UKVI.
- Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
- You apply online, pay visa + IHS, and show English proof.
Key 2025 updates
- New minimum salary: £38 700 or occupation “going rate” (whichever higher).
- Fast-track Health & Care route: No IHS + lower salary floor for nurses/doctors (see nurse shortage guide 🔗).
- Scale-Up route merge: High-growth firms can sponsor without salary bump after 6 months.
Cost & timeline
- Visa fee: £719 (≤3 yrs) or £1 199 (>3 yrs).
- IHS: £1 035 per year (waived on health route).
- Processing: 3 weeks with priority service (£500 extra).
IELTS hack: Many banks and tech consultancies accept WAEC C6 as English proof—double-check HR FAQs.
Cost Comparison for a Single Applicant (5-Year Stay)
| Item | Global Talent (Promise) | Skilled Worker (5-yr COS) |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Fee | £456 | N/A |
| Visa Fee | £167 | £1 199 |
| IHS (5 yrs) | £960 | £5 175 |
| Total | £1 583 | £6 374 |
Bottom line: Global Talent is 4× cheaper if you can secure endorsement.
Decision Tree: Which Visa Fits You?
- Are you a senior developer, researcher, or creative with global impact? → Go Global Talent.
- Have a UK job offer ≥£38 700 but limited portfolio? → Skilled Worker.
- Healthcare professional with NHS offer? → Skilled Worker Health & Care sub-route (IHS waived).
- Start-up founder with VC backing? → Global Talent (business track) + Innovator Founder fallback.
Success Stories: Nigerians Thriving on Each Route
Isioma U. — Product Designer; Exceptional Promise endorsement in May 2024; switched jobs twice without visa change; now earns £82 k.
Segun A. — AWS DevOps; Skilled Worker COS from Barclays; upgraded to £95 k after 14 months; heading for ILR 2029.
Ada E. — NHS RN; Health & Care route with no IHS; brought spouse + two kids for £0 surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I switch from Skilled Worker to Global Talent later?
- Yes—apply for endorsement, then re-file; PR clock restarts unless same field.
- Is a degree mandatory for Global Talent?
- No. Portfolio and impact outweigh academics (esp. in tech & arts).
- Do dependants pay separate IHS on Global Talent?
- Yes—£192 per year each.
- Can I study part-time on either visa?
- Yes. Skilled Worker needs employer consent; Global Talent free.
- What about tax?
- Both visas subject to PAYE; Global Talent can claim overseas income exemption in first year if non-resident per Statutory Residence Test.
Related Reads for a Smooth UK Journey
Final Thoughts: 60-Day Visa Action Plan
Days 1–10: Audit your résumé, quantify impact, choose route.
Days 11–30: Collect reference letters (Global Talent) or apply to UK sponsor jobs (Skilled Worker).
Days 31–45: Draft endorsement / accept COS, gather bank statements.
Days 46–60: File visa online (priority if budget allows); plan relocation logistics.
Share this roadmap: Know someone torn between Global Talent and Skilled Worker? Send them this side-by-side cheat-sheet and save their brain cells.