Understanding the UK Points System

Since 1 January 2021, every non-Irish worker coming to the UK has faced the same gatekeeper: the points-based immigration system. The Skilled Worker visa — the main work route — demands exactly 70 points. No negotiation, no discretion, no “almost.” You either score 70 or your application is refused. The good news is that the system is transparent: every point has a published rule, which means you can calculate your position precisely before spending a penny on fees.

The 70 points split into two buckets. 50 points are mandatory — the non-negotiable foundation: a job offer from a licensed sponsor (20), a job at the required skill level (20), and English at B1 (10). The remaining 20 points are “tradeable” — flexible characteristics where different strengths can substitute for each other. A high salary, a shortage occupation, a PhD, or new-entrant status can each deliver those final 20. The calculator above tests every combination and shows you your best route.

The 50 Mandatory Points Explained

📌 Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor (20 points)

Your employer must hold a Home Office sponsor licence — not every UK company does. The sponsor issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a digital reference number (not a paper certificate) that links your application to the job. No CoS, no 20 points, no visa. Always verify your sponsor on the official register of licensed sponsors before accepting an offer; our UK Sponsor Licence Expiry Tracker helps you monitor licence status.

📌 Job at RQF Level 3+ (20 points)

The role must sit at Regulated Qualifications Framework level 3 or above — roughly A-level standard. Most professional, technical and skilled-trade roles qualify; the Home Office publishes eligible occupation codes with their skill levels. Your job title matters less than the occupation code your sponsor assigns — make sure it matches the actual duties.

📌 English at B1 Level (10 points)

You must prove English at CEFR B1 (intermediate) in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Accepted proofs include: a degree taught in English (verified via Ecctis), a Home Office-approved SELT test, or being a national of a majority-English-speaking country. Some applicants are exempt — for example, those who already proved B1 in a previous successful UK application.

The 20 Tradeable Points: 4 Routes

Here is where strategy lives. You need 20 more points from any one of these routes (they don’t stack — the calculator takes your best):

Salary Thresholds & Going Rates

The salary rules trip up more applicants than any other element, because there are two thresholds and you must clear the higher one: the general threshold (£26,200) and the occupation “going rate” for your specific job code. A £27,000 offer fails if the going rate for that occupation is £30,000. Always check both.

Discounts exist for specific groups. New entrants can qualify at 70% of the going rate (minimum £20,960). Shortage occupations use 80% of the going rate. PhD holders in relevant fields get 90% (80% for STEM). These discounts are why the tradeable routes matter so much — a £24,000 salary that fails the general route can pass comfortably as a new entrant or shortage hire.

Shortage Occupations & New Entrants

The shortage occupation list (now partly folded into the Immigration Salary List) covers roles where the UK has recognised recruitment difficulties — historically including care workers, certain engineers, IT specialists, healthcare roles and skilled construction trades. Being on the list does three things: it grants the 20 tradeable points, it lowers the salary threshold to 80% of the going rate, and it reduces the visa application fee.

New entrant status is the most underused route. You qualify if you are under 26 at application, a recent UK graduate, or switching from the Student or Graduate visa — among other categories. New entrants get four years at the discounted threshold, which is often the difference between an offer that works and one that doesn’t. Graduates on the Graduate visa should check their switch timing carefully against the Graduate to Skilled Worker switch counter.

The Application Process Step by Step

1. Secure the job and CoS. Your licensed sponsor assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship — confirm the occupation code, salary and skill level first.
2. Prove English and funds. Book your SELT early (slots fill up); show £1,270 in maintenance funds for 28 days unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
3. Apply online and pay the visa fee (varies by duration and shortage status), the Immigration Skills Charge (paid by your employer, ~£1,000/year), and the Immigration Health Surcharge (~£1,035/year).
4. Book biometrics at a visa application centre and submit documents.
5. Wait for the decision — typically 3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside (priority services available).

Common Mistakes That Cost Points

• Assuming any job offer counts. The sponsor must be licensed at the time of application — licences lapse. Verify on the official register.
• Checking only the general salary threshold. The occupation going rate is often higher — clear the higher of the two.
• Missing the new-entrant window. Graduates who delay switching can age out of new-entrant status and face the full threshold.
• Wrong occupation code. A code below RQF 3 kills the 20 skill points instantly, whatever your actual duties.
• Expired English test. SELT results are valid for 2 years — check the date before relying on an old certificate.
• Forgetting dependants’ costs. Partners and children need separate applications, fees and surcharges — budget the whole family, not just yourself.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator mirrors the Home Office points tables exactly:

1. Mandatory block: 20 + 20 + 10 for sponsor offer, skill level and English. Miss any one and the result is an automatic fail — the tool says so plainly.
2. Salary route: £26,200+ scores 20; £23,040–£26,199 scores 10; below scores 0.
3. Other tradeable routes: shortage (20), STEM PhD (20), other PhD (10), new entrant (20).
4. Best route wins: the calculator takes the maximum of your tradeable options — you only need one 20-point route.
5. Verdict: 70+ is a pass; below 70, the tool shows exactly how many points you are short and which route closes the gap.

Thresholds reflect the published 2026 framework. Immigration rules change — always confirm against the official UKVI guidance before applying, and consider a document review via the Document Checklist Generator before submission.