Let’s start by clearing up a major point of confusion. If you’ve been searching for “Express Entry to the UK,” you’re likely thinking of Canada’s famous points-based system. The UK does not have a program by that name. But don’t close this tab just yet—what you’re actually looking for exists, it’s just called something different. In the UK, the primary path for skilled professionals with a job offer is the Skilled Worker Visa.
This is your real “express entry.” It’s the main highway for career-driven individuals to move to the UK. It’s not a lottery or a vague points system; it’s a structured partnership between you, a UK employer, and the government. This guide will walk you through exactly how that partnership works, from finding the job to landing in the UK.
The Golden Ticket: The Job Offer with Sponsorship
The entire process hinges on one thing: a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence. This is the non-negotiable first step. You cannot apply for this visa first and then look for a job. Your mission is to secure that sponsored offer.
Think of the Sponsor Licence as a badge of trust from the UK government. It allows a company to hire talent from overseas. Not every UK company has one—they must apply and be approved. So, during your job hunt, you need to be strategic. Target companies that are already licensed or are large enough to potentially sponsor you. You can find the official register of licensed sponsors on the UK government website, but it’s often more effective to ask directly in interviews or see if job adverts mention they “can sponsor the right candidate.”
The Three Pillars: Salary, Skill, and English
Once you have that job offer in hand, you and your employer must prove you meet three core requirements.
First, the salary. Your job must pay at least £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for that specific occupation, whichever is higher. For example, a software developer might have a “going rate” of £34,000. You’d need to meet that higher figure. Some healthcare and education jobs have lower thresholds, but the £26,200 is the general baseline.
Second, the skill level. Your job offer must be for a role listed on the UK’s Eligible Occupations List. This list covers hundreds of jobs, from engineers and scientists to chefs and artists. Your employer will assign your job a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code to prove it’s eligible.
Third, the English language. You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least a B1 level (intermediate). The easiest ways are to be a national of a majority-English-speaking country (like the USA or Australia), to have a degree taught in English, or to pass an approved English test like IELTS.
The Financial Requirement: Proving You Can Support Yourself
Beyond your salary, you must show you can support yourself when you first arrive. You’ll need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. This is to cover your initial costs. There’s a huge catch here, though: you are exempt from this requirement if your UK employer agrees to “certify your maintenance” on your Certificate of Sponsorship. Most reputable sponsors will do this, saving you a lot of paperwork.
The Step-by-Step Journey
Here’s how the process flows, from start to finish.
- The Job Hunt: You apply and interview for roles with licensed sponsors. Be upfront about your need for visa sponsorship.
- The Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once hired, your employer issues you a “Certificate of Sponsorship.” This is a unique electronic reference number, not a physical document. It contains all the details about your role and salary.
- You Apply: With your CoS reference number, you complete the online visa application. You’ll pay the application fee (which varies from about £719 to £1,500 depending on your circumstances) and the massive Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year of your visa. You’ll upload your documents (passport, proof of English, proof of funds if needed) and attend a biometrics appointment.
- Decision & Move: Standard processing is about 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK. Once approved, you’ll get a vignette (sticker) in your passport to enter the UK, and then a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after you arrive.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
This process is strict. Small mistakes can lead to refusal. Here’s what to watch for.
- Job Title Mismatch: Ensure your official job title and duties match the SOC code your employer assigns. Inconsistencies are red flags.
- Salary Confusion: Be 100% certain your salary meets both the general threshold and the “going rate” for your specific code. Don’t forget to account for the guaranteed annual salary, not just potential bonuses.
- Financial Evidence: If you’re proving the £1,270 yourself, the 28-day rule is strict. The money must not dip below that amount for a single day in that period. Provide bank statements that clearly show this.
- Using the Wrong Visa Guide: The rules change. Always use the official UK government Skilled Worker Visa guidance documents. Don’t rely on third-party blog posts from two years ago.
Life on the Skilled Worker Visa
Getting the visa is just the beginning. It’s initially granted for up to 5 years. You can renew it, change jobs (but you must get a new CoS from a new sponsor), and bring your partner and children as dependants. Crucially, after 5 years on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent residency. This is your ultimate goal.
So, while the term “Express Entry” might not apply, the path is real and clear. It’s built on a foundation of a real job, a fair salary, and your proven skills. Your task is to land that sponsored offer. Everything else, while detailed and requiring care, is a procedural journey with a defined destination. Start your job search with a focus on licensed sponsors, understand the salary and skill requirements inside out, and prepare for a life-changing move.
Conclusion
Let’s be clear: there is no express lane to the UK, but there is a clear highway. The journey we’ve laid out isn’t about shortcuts or secret passwords; it’s about a proven, legal process that thousands navigate successfully every year. The “secret” isn’t hidden—it’s a sponsored job offer from a licensed UK employer.
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be the shift in focus. Stop searching for a magical visa portal. Start searching for the right job. Your application is not the first step; it’s the final step in a successful job hunt. Your CV, your interview skills, and your ability to connect with companies that hold that Sponsor Licence are now your most important tools.
The process is meticulous for a reason. The salary thresholds, the English requirement, the financial proof—they are filters designed to ensure that those who come are set up to succeed and contribute. Seeing them as bureaucratic hoops will lead to frustration. See them instead as the blueprint for your transition: you need a skilled job that pays a decent wage, the ability to communicate, and a plan to support yourself. It’s practical, not personal.
Frequently Ask Questions: UK Skilled Worker Visa
What is the UK’s “Express Entry” system called?
The UK does not use the term “Express Entry.” The direct equivalent for skilled professionals is the Skilled Worker Visa. It is a points-based system where a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor is the most important requirement.
Can I apply for the Skilled Worker Visa without a job offer?
No, you cannot. A formal job offer from a UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence is the mandatory first step. Your entire strategy must focus on securing this sponsored offer before you can even begin the visa application.
How do I find employers who can sponsor a visa?
Look for companies on the official UK Register of Licensed Sponsors. Also, during your job search, use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or “sponsorship available” on job boards like LinkedIn. Be upfront in applications and interviews about your need for sponsorship.
What is the minimum salary required?
You must meet two salary tests: the general threshold (usually £26,200 per year) AND the “going rate” for your specific job code, whichever is higher. For example, a senior engineer might have a “going rate” of £45,000, so you’d need to meet that figure.
Do I need to have £1,270 in savings?
You must meet this financial requirement to support yourself upon arrival unless your employer certifies your maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship. If they do this, you do not need to show the savings. Most good sponsors will offer this.
How long does the visa process take?
From outside the UK, a standard application takes about 3 weeks once submitted. You can pay for priority services to get a decision in 5 working days, or super-priority for the next working day, for an extra fee.
Can I bring my family (dependents)?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependents. You must show you have extra funds to support them (currently £285 for your partner, £315 for one child, £200 for each additional child) unless your sponsor certifies maintenance for them too.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
This is a mandatory fee you pay to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It is currently £1,035 per year and is paid upfront for the entire duration of your visa. For a 3-year visa, that’s £3,105. This is paid during your application, on top of the visa fee.
Can I switch jobs on this visa?
Yes, but you must start the process over. Your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor, and the new job must meet all salary and skill requirements. You must apply to update your visa with the new Certificate of Sponsorship before you leave your current sponsored role.
Is this a path to permanent residency (ILR)?
Yes. After holding a Skilled Worker Visa for 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent settlement. You must still meet salary thresholds and pass a “Life in the UK” test at that time.