Let’s clear up a major point of confusion right at the start: the UK does not have a system called “Express Entry.” That’s Canada’s flagship immigration program, and mixing them up can lead you down a costly and frustrating rabbit hole. You’ve likely landed here because you’re dreaming of a life in Britain, and the term “express” sounds appealing—fast, efficient, direct. While the UK system isn’t called that, the concept of skilled, points-based migration is very much alive. Think of this as your honest guide to the real pathways, cutting through the jargon to show you how the UK’s points-based immigration system actually works for skilled workers, and how it differs from simply visiting.
The Reality: The UK’s Points-Based System
In 2021, the UK replaced its old tiered system with a single, global points-based system. The goal was to be simpler and to attract talent based on what you can offer, not where you’re from. The main work visa route is now the Skilled Worker visa. This is the closest equivalent to what many think of as “express entry”—a merit-based path for professionals.
So, how do you earn your points? You need 70 points to qualify. The good news is that 50 of them are relatively straightforward if you have a solid job offer:
- A Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor (20 points): This is the non-negotiable foundation. A UK employer must want to hire you and, crucially, hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
- That Job is at the Required Skill Level (20 points): The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A-level equivalent). The government provides an eligible occupations list.
- You Speak English at the Required Level (10 points): Usually proven by being a national of a majority English-speaking country, having a degree taught in English, or passing an approved test like IELTS.
That gets you to 50. You then need 20 more “tradeable” points, most commonly from:
- Salary: Earning at least £26,200 per year generally gets you the 20 points. But there’s a crucial twist—you must also meet the “going rate” for your specific profession, which can be higher. Some shortage occupations or roles for PhD holders offer salary trade-offs.
- Being in a Shortage Occupation: If your job is on the official shortage list, you can earn 20 points with a slightly lower salary threshold.
The process is employer-led. They issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique reference number, not a physical certificate. You then use this to apply online, pay the fees (which are significant), and attend a biometrics appointment. If successful, your visa will be tied to that employer for up to 5 years initially, with the potential to extend and later apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
How This Is Different from Just Visiting
This is where people get tangled. Applying for a Skilled Worker visa is a life-changing immigration process. It is nothing like getting a tourist visa. Let’s separate the two completely.
As a Tourist (Standard Visitor):
- Purpose: Holiday, short business meetings, academic conferences.
- Duration: Usually up to 6 months.
- Key Requirement: You must prove you will leave the UK at the end of your stay. You cannot work or access public funds.
- Process: Apply online, often straightforward if you have strong ties to home (job, property, family).
As a Skilled Worker (Migration):
- Purpose: To live and work long-term in the UK.
- Duration: Tied to your job, typically 3-5 years initially, leading to settlement.
- Key Requirement: A formal job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting the 70-point threshold.
- Process: A lengthy, expensive application requiring sponsorship, proof of qualifications, English test, and maintenance funds.
Mixing these up—like trying to enter as a tourist to look for work—is a fast track to refusal and a red flag on your immigration record.
Other Key Pathways to Know
While the Skilled Worker route is the main highway, there are other specialist lanes:
- Global Talent Visa: For recognized or promising leaders in academia, research, arts and culture, and digital technology. You need an endorsing body to vouch for you. This is less about a job offer and more about your exceptional talent.
- Health and Care Worker Visa: A specific route under the Skilled Worker scheme for qualified healthcare professionals, with slightly lower fees.
- Scale-up Visa: For people with a job offer from a fast-growing UK “scale-up” company. It allows more flexibility to change jobs after the first 6 months.
- Graduate Route: For international students who have completed a UK degree. It allows you to work (or look for work) in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation, which can be a perfect bridge to a Skilled Worker visa.
Your Action Plan: Where to Start
- Forget the term “Express Entry.” Start your research using the correct UK terms: “Skilled Worker visa” or “UK points-based system.” Use only the official GOV.UK website. It is the single source of truth.
- Assess Your Profile. Do you work in a skilled profession? Is your English strong? Start researching if your role is on the eligible occupations list and what the typical “going rate” salary is.
- The Job Hunt is Everything. Your entire mission becomes finding a UK employer with a Sponsor Licence who is willing to hire you. This is the hardest part. Update your LinkedIn, specify “requires visa sponsorship,” and be prepared for a search that can take many months.
- Understand the Costs. This is not cheap. You’ll face a visa application fee (£719 to £1,500 depending on circumstances), the Immigration Health Surcharge (over £1,000 per year), and potentially legal fees. Ensure you also have the required personal savings.
- Consider Professional Advice. Given the stakes, a consultation with a registered UK immigration adviser can be a wise investment to review your specific situation.
The path to the UK is structured, transparent, and points-based. It’s not called Express Entry, but for those with the right skills, a coveted job offer, and the patience to navigate the process, it can be a direct route to building a new life. Ditch the confusing terminology, focus on the real Skilled Worker route, and start your journey with clear eyes and the right information. Your future in the UK begins with knowing the actual name of the door you need to knock on.
Wrapping It Up: Your Path to the UK Starts Here
Let’s be direct. The dream of moving to the UK is achievable, but it’s not about finding a mythical shortcut called “Express Entry.” The real path is more structured, built on a simple deal: you bring the skills and a job offer, and the UK offers a visa.
Your entire journey hinges on two things: a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and a score of 70 points. Get those, and you’re looking at the Skilled Worker visa—your main, official route in. Start by researching your occupation on the official GOV.UK list and understanding the salary you’ll need to meet. Then, focus every ounce of your energy on the job hunt with companies that can sponsor you.
Frequently Asked Questions: UK Skilled Worker Visa
Here are clear answers to the most common questions about moving to the UK for work.
Is there really no “Express Entry” for the UK?
That’s correct. “Express Entry” is the name of Canada’s specific immigration system. The UK’s equivalent pathway is the Skilled Worker visa, which operates under a points-based system. Using the wrong term can lead you to outdated or incorrect information.
What is the single hardest part of getting a Skilled Worker visa?
Securing the job offer from a licensed sponsor. The employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office and be willing to go through the process and cost of sponsoring you. The visa application itself is straightforward if you have this.
How many points do I need, and how do I get them?
You need 70 points. You get 50 points automatically for having a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, for a job at the required skill level, and for speaking English. The final 20 points almost always come from your salary meeting the threshold (usually £26,200+ and the “going rate” for your job).
Can I bring my family?
Yes. A Skilled Worker visa allows you to bring your partner and dependent children. They will need to apply for dependent visas, and you must show you have additional funds to support them.
How long does the visa last?
It’s initially granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years, you can apply to extend it or, if you meet the requirements (including continuous residence), apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Can I change jobs on this visa?
Yes, but there are rules. Your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor, and the new job must meet the same skill and salary requirements. You must apply to update your visa with the new Certificate of Sponsorship.
What are the main costs involved?
Costs add up significantly:
- Visa application fee: £719 – £1,500 per person
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per person, per year (paid upfront for your visa duration)
- Potential immigration lawyer fees
- Proof of savings: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days before applying.
Do I need to use a lawyer or immigration consultant?
It’s not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended for most people. The rules are complex, the fees are high, and a mistake can lead to refusal. If you use one, ensure they are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
What’s the difference between this and the Global Talent visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is job-dependent—you must have a specific sponsored job. The Global Talent visa is talent-dependent—you need to be a recognized or promising leader in academia, research, arts, or tech, endorsed by an approved body. It offers more freedom as you are not tied to one employer.
Where do I even start?
- Use the right terms: Search for “UK Skilled Worker visa” on the official GOV.UK website.
- Check your job: See if your occupation is on the eligible list and note the typical salary.
- Begin the job search: Target your job hunt on companies known to sponsor visas and be transparent about your need for sponsorship.
- Calculate the costs: Understand the full financial commitment for you and your family before proceeding.