Originally Posted by
JandM
The LTSSL work visa is a Work To Residence visa, which, if you keep to the conditions and meet the requirements, will entitle you to go on to Residence after two years. The Essential Skills work visa is JUST a work visa, for a set period of time. Many people who have a job offer which would entitle them to residence under SMC apply for the Essential Skills work visa as well, because that can normally be processed more quickly, so they get to start working sooner, and the application under SMC ticks away, taking the time it takes, in the background. In your situation, since you've applied for residence under SMC already, there is probably not any advantage to you in applying for any sort of Work To Residence visa. But you COULD hold one while your SMC application is running.
Thank you for your useful information!