For many Nigerians working in the UK on Tier 2 (ICT) or Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas, switching to the Skilled Worker visa is one of the most important immigration decisions you’ll ever make.
Why? Because ICT and GBM visas do NOT lead to settlement, while the Skilled Worker route does.
This guide explains who can switch, the latest Home Office rules, salary requirements, and what Nigerians in the UK need to know in 2026.
1. What Happened to the Tier 2 (ICT) Visa?
The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa closed to new applicants on 11 April 2022.
It was replaced by:
- Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Senior or Specialist Worker
- GBM – Graduate Trainee
If you already hold:
- a Tier 2 ICT visa, or
- a GBM Senior or Specialist Worker visa
👉 You are still allowed to switch to the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK.
2. Why Many Nigerians Switch from ICT/GBM to Skilled Worker
Key limitations of ICT & GBM visas:
- ❌ No route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- ❌ Strict maximum stay limits
- Up to 5 years in 6 years (if earning under £73,900)
- Up to 9 years in 10 years (high earners)
Skilled Worker visa advantages:
- ✅ Leads to UK settlement (ILR)
- ✅ Dependants can also settle
- ✅ No maximum total stay
- ✅ More job flexibility long term
For Nigerians planning to build a future in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa is usually the smarter option.
3. Can ICT or GBM Visa Holders Switch to Skilled Worker?
Yes.
You can switch from inside the UK if you currently hold:
- Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer visa, or
- Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker visa
This rule changed in recent years — ICT migrants were previously blocked, but this is no longer the case.
4. Who Cannot Switch?
You cannot switch to Skilled Worker if your last permission was as:
- Visitor
- Seasonal Worker
- Domestic Worker in a private household
- Parent of a child student
- Outside the immigration rules
If you’re on ICT or GBM, you’re safe to switch.
5. Core Requirements to Switch to Skilled Worker (2026)
To qualify, you must:
✔ Be 18 years or older
✔ Have a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Worker
✔ Work for a UK employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Workers
✔ Have a genuine job role at the required skill level
✔ Meet salary thresholds (see below)
✔ Meet English language requirements
✔ Meet financial maintenance rules (usually automatic if you’ve lived in the UK 12+ months)
6. Skill Level Rules (Important 2025–2026 Update)
From July 2025, the Home Office raised the Skilled Worker skill level to:
👉 RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above
Good news for ICT/GBM holders:
- ICT roles were already RQF Level 6+
- Most Nigerians switching in the same role will not be affected
However:
- Some lower-skilled occupation codes are no longer eligible
- Switching to a new or different role requires extra checks
7. Salary Requirements You Must Meet
As of the latest update:
- Skilled Worker minimum salary: £41,700
- This is higher than the ICT minimum
⚠️ Many ICT migrants must get a salary increase before switching.
You must meet:
- The general salary threshold, AND
- The “going rate” for your occupation code (whichever is higher)
8. English Language Requirement (Big 2026 Change)
Currently:
- Minimum: CEFR Level B1
From 8 January 2026:
- New Skilled Worker applicants must meet CEFR Level B2
You can meet this by:
- Passing a UKVI-approved English test
- Having a UK or recognised English-taught degree
- Being from a majority English-speaking country
9. TB Test, Criminal Records & Maintenance
If you are switching inside the UK:
- ❌ No TB test required
- ❌ No criminal record certificate required
- ✅ Maintenance requirement is automatically met if you’ve lived in the UK for 12+ months
10. Settlement (ILR) – What Nigerians Must Know
- Skilled Worker visas lead to settlement
- You must complete 5 continuous years as a Skilled Worker
- ❌ Time spent on ICT or GBM does NOT count
However:
- If you reach 10 years lawful residence, you may qualify under Long Residence (10-year rule)
11. Can You Extend if You’re Not Ready to Settle?
Yes.
- Skilled Worker visas can be extended multiple times
- There is no maximum stay
- You can keep extending until you qualify for ILR
12. Key FAQs (Quick Answers)
Can I still apply for Tier 2 ICT?
No. It closed in April 2022.
Do I need a new CoS to switch?
Yes. A Skilled Worker CoS is mandatory.
Can I switch with the same employer?
Yes — if they hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Does switching affect my dependants?
No. They can switch with you and later qualify for settlement.
Final Advice for Nigerians in the UK
If you’re currently on ICT or GBM and plan to stay long-term in the UK:
👉 Start planning your Skilled Worker switch early
👉 Check your salary level now
👉 Confirm your employer has a Skilled Worker licence
Switching at the right time can be the difference between temporary work and permanent settlement in the UK.
⚠️ Disclaimer (Naija UK Connect)
We do not provide legal immigration advice. Always confirm details with a regulated immigration adviser or the UK Home Office.
🚨 Scam Warning
NaijaUKConnect will never ask for payments, job placements, or visa processing fees.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
