UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator

The UK Skilled Worker visa uses a points-based system. You need 70 points to qualify. Mandatory requirements (50 points) are: a job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 points), a job at the appropriate skill level — RQF 3 or above (20 points), and English language ability at B1 level (10 points).

The remaining 20 tradeable points come from salary. If your salary meets the going rate for the occupation, you get 20 points. If it is below the going rate but above the minimum threshold (£26,200 or the occupation-specific rate, whichever is higher), you may still qualify with tradeable points from a PhD, a shortage occupation, or being a new entrant.

This calculator checks each requirement and tallies your points. It cross-references your occupation against the SOC code list and going rates, and tells you the minimum salary you need to qualify in your specific role.

UK Skilled Worker visa — the points system. Total 70 points required. Mandatory: 50 points for job at appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 / A-level equivalent + sponsorship from licensed employer). Plus 20 'tradeable' points from salary OR shortage occupation OR PhD relevant to job OR new entrant (new graduate). Salary thresholds 2026: £41,500 general (up from £38,700 April 2024); Shortage Occupation list: £30,960. Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 in December 2020.

Salary points breakdown. 0 points: salary below £30,960 (entry-level Shortage Occupation). 10 points: salary £30,960-£41,499 (Shortage Occupation only) OR new entrant salary. 20 points: salary £41,500+. Salary calculated as higher of: actual salary, going rate for the occupation (CESA codes), or £41,500. Multiple boost options: PhD in subject relevant to job = 10 points; PhD in STEM = 20 points (counts as Shortage Occupation equivalent). Education attribute uses RQF levels (Level 8 = PhD = highest).

English language requirement. B1 level minimum (CEFR — 'intermediate'). Acceptable proofs: passed approved English test (IELTS Life Skills B1, Trinity GESE Grade 5, etc.); degree taught in English (verified by UK NARIC/ENIC); citizen of majority-English-speaking country (USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland, English-speaking Commonwealth). Test must be from approved provider — check gov.uk approved test centre list. Cost £150-£200. Some applicants miss this — make sure tests are valid for 2 years.

Financial requirement. Maintenance funds: £1,270 held in personal bank account for 28 consecutive days (not just current balance). Some employers act as 'A-rated sponsor' — covers maintenance funds for applicant. Dependants: additional £285 per partner, £315 per child, then further amounts per additional dependant. Cooling-off rule: bank statement must show £1,270 held for 28 days within 31 days of application. Documentation: original bank statements or stamped copies — HMRC-style standards.

Visa duration and pathway to ILR. Skilled Worker visa typically issued for 3 or 5 years (matches employment contract length). Extensions possible if continuing eligibility. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / settlement) available after 5 continuous years on Skilled Worker visa, subject to: passing Life in the UK test, English at B1+, continuous employment, no absence over 180 days in any 12 months. Settlement application £3,029 + £200 IHS for any remaining time. British citizenship application available 12 months after ILR.