3 years or 5 years visa, which is best?

Hello,
I have a sponsor for a job in Norwich on a Tier 5 visa, and I am about to apply for a Tier 2 Visa. I plan on staying with this employer for about a year, if not less, and then move to a different part of the UK for personal reasons, therefore, also changing employer. I believe I will then have to apply for the Visa again. Am I best to apply for a Tier 2 visa for 3 or 5 years? Does it make any difference, other than the fact that it is cheaper! And also, I plan on applying for ILR after the 5 year period.

All help is truly appreciated,

It depends on how long the cos is for. If it is 3 or less years, that is what you apply for. If it is for 5 years, then you have to apply for 5 years.

It is not up to you to choose the visa length, it is determined by the cos.

If you don’t intend to stay with your employer beyond a year then it is a no brainier- you apply for the shorter visa period.
Your visa is Sponsor specific so you are not getting 3 or 5 years of a visa type. You have to apply for a new visa every time you change employer.

CR001’s point is very much correct - it is your employer who sets the number of years the COS is issued for and that determines the length of visa you apply for.

Ah I see, it makes sense thank you for your help.
If I change employer and get a new visa, will that affect the 5 year period for the ILR?

srioux1995 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 17, 2019 12:08 am

If I change employer and get a new visa, will that affect the 5 year period for the ILR?

No.

Thank you for your reply.
If my certificate of sponsorship says it is valid for 5 years, do I have to apply for a 5 years Tier 2 visa, or can I still apply for a 3 years Tier 2 ?

srioux1995 wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 18, 2019 12:14 pm

Thank you for your reply.
If my certificate of sponsorship says it is valid for 5 years, do I have to apply for a 5 years Tier 2 visa, or can I still apply for a 3 years Tier 2 ?

If the CoS says 5 years, then that is what you have to apply for.