Ancestry Visa vs. Skilled Worker Visa: Let The Duel Begin!

Pre-Game Talk

History Corner: Their Origins

Ancestry Visa: An emblem of British colonial history, this visa forms the bridge for descendants of British nationals, letting them relive their ancestors’ steps.

Skilled Worker Visa: Designed to ensure the UK’s employment sectors thrive, this visa prioritizes talent and skills from all over the world.

Track Record: The Pros & Cons

Ancestry Visa:

• Pros: Access to any job sector, pathway to permanent residence, and potential for further visa switches.
• Cons: Must have a UK-born grandparent, the requirement of renewals until obtaining permanent residence.

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Pros: Specific job role with an approved employer, potential for settlement, and inclusion of family members.
• Cons: Strict points-based system, reliance on the employer, potential salary threshold.

Favourite to Win

The Skilled Worker Visa offers direct employment, but with conditions attached. On the other hand, the Ancestry Visa, while reliant on lineage, provides broader work flexibility.

Opening Rounds: Entry Clearance

Ancestry Visa:

• Cost: Approx £516
• Processing Times: Up to 3 months
• Entry Duration: 5 years

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Cost: Varies depending on the job type, but starting from around £610 for a 3-year visa.
• Processing Times: Usually within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
• Entry Duration: The length of the job offer, up to 5 years, with potential for extension.

Middle Rounds: Building Residency

Ancestry Visa:

• Cost of Extension: Approx £1,033
• Processing Times: Up to 8 weeks
• Extension Duration: Additional 5 years

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Cost of Extension: Starting from around £704, but varies depending on job type and duration.
• Processing Times: Vary but usually quicker than initial application.
• Extension Duration: Up to 5 years, as long as the total time doesn’t exceed 6 years.

Final Rounds: The Permanent Residence Prize

Ancestry Visa:

• Path to Permanent Residence: After 5 years
• Total Time: Typically, 5 years to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Path to Permanent Residence: Usually after 5 years of continuous employment.
• Total Time: Typically, 5 years to ILR, provided other settlement criteria are met.

The Winner

The Ancestry Visa provides broad employment opportunities and a clear path to citizenship. However, the Skilled Worker Visa offers the immediacy of specific employment but with conditions. If you value job security and have a premium employer, the Skilled Worker Visa may be your champ. Yet, if flexibility is your goal and you want the freedom to explore, the Ancestry Visa remains the reigning titan.

Next Up on Visa Battles: