How the UK points system works
The 70-point requirement breaks down into two categories. Mandatory points (50) come from three requirements every applicant must meet: a genuine job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor (20 points), a job at RQF 6 skill level or above (20 points), and English language ability at B2 level (10 points). You cannot proceed without all three.
The remaining 20 tradeable points come from your salary relative to the going rate for your occupation. If your salary meets the going rate you score 20 points. If it falls below the going rate but above the minimum threshold, you can make up points through a relevant PhD (10-20 points), a shortage occupation listed on the Immigration Salary List (20 points), or new entrant status (20 points for applicants under 26 or switching from a student visa).
The salary threshold changed significantly in 2024-2025, rising to £41,700 for most roles. The Health & Care Worker visa retains a lower threshold of £29,000 for nurses, doctors and care workers.
Understanding your results
If you score 70 or more
You meet the points requirement. Your next step is to have your employer assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), then submit your visa application through the gov.uk portal. Processing typically takes 3-8 weeks.
If you score 50-65
You have the mandatory points but need more tradeable points. Consider whether your role qualifies for the Immigration Salary List discount, whether you qualify as a new entrant, or whether a PhD would bridge the gap.
If you score below 50
You are missing one or more mandatory requirements. The most common blocker is not having a licensed sponsor - check the gov.uk sponsor register to find employers who can sponsor your visa.
Who should use this checker
- Professionals with a UK job offer who want to verify eligibility
- Nurses and healthcare workers checking Health & Care visa points
- Students on Graduate visas planning to switch to the Skilled Worker route
- HR teams assessing whether a role meets sponsorship requirements
- Anyone comparing the UK points system against other countries
2026 changes affecting your points
The UK Immigration White Paper proposes significant changes to the Skilled Worker system. Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) may extend from 5 to 10 years, and the Immigration Salary List is under review, which could remove shortage occupation discounts for some roles. If you qualify now, applying before these changes take effect is strongly advised.
Read the UK Immigration White Paper analysis →
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Câu hỏi thường gặp
How many points do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
You need 70 points: 50 mandatory (a licensed sponsor, an RQF 6+ job, and B2 English) plus 20 tradeable points from salary, a PhD, shortage occupation status, or new entrant status.
Do I need a job offer before applying?
Yes. Unlike Canada or Australia, the UK Skilled Worker visa requires a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor before you can apply. There is no arrive-and-search route.
What English level do I need?
B2 level (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 across all components) is required and contributes 10 mandatory points. Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries and holders of UK degrees may be exempt from the test.
What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
The general threshold is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. Health & Care Worker visa holders qualify at £29,000. New entrants can qualify at a reduced rate of the going rate.
Can I get a UK Skilled Worker visa without a degree?
Since 2025, the role must be at RQF 6 (degree) skill level - but this refers to the job's classification, not your personal qualifications. Some roles without a formal degree requirement still qualify if they are classified at RQF 6 or above.
How does the UK points system compare to Canada or Australia?
The UK requires an employer sponsor first, then a points check. Canada Express Entry and Australia's subclass 189 use comprehensive points systems where you can qualify with no job offer at all - simpler entry, but the UK route is more direct once you have a sponsor.