Let’s clear up the most important point first. If you’re searching for “Express Entry to the UK,” you’re almost certainly thinking of Canada’s famous system. The UK does not have a program called “Express Entry.” But what you’re really looking for—a structured, points-based path for skilled professionals to work and live in the UK—absolutely exists. It’s the Skilled Worker Visa.
This is the UK’s primary work migration route, and for the 2025 cycle, understanding its mechanics is your golden ticket. Think of it not as a lottery, but as a checklist. If you meet the criteria, you can apply. This guide will walk you through that checklist, demystify the points, and give you a clear action plan for a 2025 application.
The Foundation: It’s All About Sponsorship and Points
The entire process hinges on two pillars: a job offer from a licensed sponsor and enough points to qualify. You cannot apply for this visa by yourself. You must have a concrete job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence. Your first task is to secure that offer.
Once you have it, you need to score at least 70 points on the UK’s points-based system. The great news is that a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor in an eligible skilled role gives you 50 points right away. The remaining 20 are relatively straightforward for most applicants.
Breaking Down the 70-Point Requirement
Let’s make the points system, which seems abstract, feel concrete.
- Mandatory 50 Points (The Non-Negotiable Core):
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor (20 points): The company must be on the UK’s official register of licensed sponsors.
- Job at Appropriate Skill Level (20 points): The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A-level equivalent or higher). Most professional jobs qualify.
- English Language Ability (10 points): You must prove your English skills at a B1 level, usually through an approved test like IELTS or a degree taught in English.
- The Crucial 20 Points (Where You Have Options):
You must earn these from one of the following categories:- Salary Threshold (The Most Common Way): Your salary must meet the general threshold or the “going rate” for your job, whichever is higher. For 2025, watch for any announced changes, but the 2024 general threshold is £38,700 per year. This is the single most important financial figure.
- If Your Salary is Lower: You may still qualify if you have a PhD relevant to the job (10 points) or a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job (20 points). Some health and education roles also have different salary rules.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan for 2025
- Find a Licensed Sponsor (Start Now): This is the longest step. Update your LinkedIn, CV, and start applying to roles in the UK. Target companies you know can sponsor. Use the UK government’s official Register of Licensed Sponsors to check employers. Be upfront in applications about your need for visa sponsorship.
- Secure the Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once hired, your employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a unique reference number, not a physical certificate. It contains details about your role and salary. You cannot apply without it.
- Prepare Your Documents (Meticulously): You will need:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of your knowledge of English.
- A valid passport.
- Evidence of your personal savings (usually £1,270 held for 28 days) to show you can support yourself, unless your sponsor will cover your costs.
- Your job title and annual salary.
- Your job’s occupation code.
- Your sponsor’s licence number.
- Apply Online and Pay Fees: The application is submitted online. You’ll pay two major costs: the application fee (which varies from ~£827 to ~£1,500 depending on your circumstances) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year of your visa. This grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: You’ll need to provide your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application Centre.
What About the “Shortage Occupation List”?
Keep an ear to the ground for 2025 updates. Previously, jobs on the Shortage Occupation List had lower salary requirements and lower application fees. However, the UK is phasing out this list and replacing it with a new Immigration Salary List with a reduced number of roles. By 2025, the rules may have solidified, so always check the official .gov.uk website for the latest list and its specific salary discounts when you apply.
Timeline and What to Expect
The process from receiving your CoS to getting a decision typically takes about 3 to 8 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. You can pay for priority services to speed this up. The visa is initially granted for up to 5 years, after which you can extend it or apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence.
A Final, Critical Reality Check
The Skilled Worker Visa is a transparent system, but its success depends entirely on two factors you control: finding a sponsoring employer and ensuring the job meets the salary and skill level. The employer handles the sponsorship; you handle proving you’re the right candidate for the role.
For 2025, the key is to start your job search early. Build your skills, tailor your CV for the UK market, and network proactively. While it’s not called “Express Entry,” a well-managed Skilled Worker Visa application is a direct and predictable path to starting your new life in the UK. Your journey begins not with a government form, but with your next job application.
Frequent Ask Questions: UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025
What is the minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
The headline figure for 2025 is expected to remain £38,700 per year for most applicants, but this is not the only rule. You must be paid at least this or the specific “going rate” for your occupation code, whichever is higher. For example, a software developer might have a higher going rate. Always check both figures.
Is the Shortage Occupation List still valid for 2025?
No, it’s being replaced. As of April 2024, the UK abolished the old Shortage Occupation List. A new, much smaller Immigration Salary List (ISL) is now in effect. Jobs on this list have a reduced salary requirement, which is £30,960 or the going rate for the job, whichever is lower. You must check the official .gov.uk list to see if your specific occupation code is included.
Can I bring my family (dependents) on this visa?
Yes. You can apply to bring your partner/spouse and children under 18 as your dependents. They must apply at the same time as you or after you have the visa. You will need to show extra savings for them—currently £285 for your partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child, on top of the £1,270 you need for yourself.
How do I prove my English language requirement?
You usually need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 level (like IELTS for UKVI). You are exempt if you have an academic degree taught in English. If your degree is from a majority-English-speaking country (like the USA, Canada, Australia), you can usually just use your degree certificate. If it’s from another country, you may need an official statement from UK NARIC.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I get one?
A CoS is not a paper document. It’s a unique electronic reference number your UK employer generates for you from the Home Office’s sponsorship management system. You cannot get it yourself. Your licensed sponsor employer issues it to you after you accept a job offer. You need this number to apply for the visa.
How long can I stay and can I get permanent residency (ILR)?
The visa is granted for up to 5 years. You can extend it as long as you still have a job with a sponsor. After living in the UK for 5 continuous years on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent residency. You must still meet salary and other requirements at that point.
Can I switch jobs or employers on this visa?
Yes, but you cannot just switch. Your new job must also be with a licensed sponsor and meet the skill and salary requirements. You will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and must apply to update your visa before you start the new role.
How much money do I need to have in my bank account?
You must have at least £1,270 in your personal savings for 28 consecutive days before you apply (the end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application). Your bank statements must prove this. Your employer can certify they will cover your first-month costs instead, which waives this requirement.
How long does the application process take?
If you apply from outside the UK, you should get a decision within 3 to 8 weeks of your biometrics appointment. You can pay for priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (next working day) for a much faster decision, but these services cost extra and are not always available.
What happens if my application is refused?
You will get a refusal letter explaining why. Common reasons are: not meeting the salary, not proving funds, or problems with the sponsor’s license. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply with corrected information, request an administrative review, or appeal the decision. You typically do not get a refund of the application fee.