UK Skilled Worker Visa Points System (2026): An Employer's Guide

How the Points System Works for Employers

The UK Skilled Worker visa points system under PBIS (Points-Based Immigration System) determines whether an international candidate qualifies for sponsorship. To secure the visa, an applicant must score a total of 70 points.  

As the employer, your job offer dictates whether they hit this target. The framework splits into two parts:  

• 50 Mandatory Points: These are fixed and non-negotiable. They cover having a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 points), a role at RQF Level 6 or above (20 points), and B2-level English proficiency (10 points).  
• 20 Tradeable Points: These are flexible. Most candidates earn them by meeting the standard salary thresholds, but you can also leverage alternative combinations like a relevant PhD or the new entrant track.  

This guide breaks down every point, highlights which roles qualify, and shares real-world salary examples so you can easily verify eligibility before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

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How many points do you need for the Skilled Worker Visa?

The 70-Point Breakdown

To secure a Skilled Worker visa, candidates must score exactly 70 points. The framework is split into two parts:  

1. Mandatory Points (50 Points Total)

These three criteria are completely fixed and non-negotiable. If you miss even one, the visa will be refused outright regardless of the salary:  

• Job Offer (20 points): A genuine role offered by your company as a licensed sponsor‍
• Skill Level (20 points): The job must be at RQF Level 6 (degree-equivalent) or higher.  
• English Proficiency (10 points): The candidate must meet the mandatory B2 standard (B2 English requirement).

2. Tradeable Points (20 Points Total)

This section is flexible. Candidates usually secure these final points through their salary level, or by combining qualifications (like a relevant PhD) with positions on the government’s shortage lists.

📋 HR Checklist: Always verify the three mandatory pillars first before adjusting salary packages or assessing tradeable points. Missing any mandatory point can lead to application failure.

Mandatory points, 50 required

All three are required. There are no substitutions here.

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Tradeable points, 20 required

Most employers reach the full 20 through salary alone. When they dont add up to 20, you should combine other factors to close the gap:

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How to Reach the 20 Tradeable Points

Instead of trying to check every single box, you only need to clear one of these workable salary pathways to secure your final 20 tradeable points:

• Standard Salary Option: If the offered salary is at or above £41,700 and hits 100% of the role's specific going rate, you automatically earn the full 20 points.  
• The New Entrant Discount: Hiring a recent UK graduate, someone under 26, or a professional trainee allows you to use the new entrant skilled worker visa track. This drops the baseline salary requirement to a much lower £33,400 (and only 70% of the standard going rate).  
• Immigration Salary List (ISL): If the job code sits on the government's official shortage list, the absolute cash floor drops to £33,400, though you must still pay 100% of that specific occupation's going rate.  
• The PhD Bridge: If your candidate holds a relevant doctoral degree, it can help bridge a salary gap. A STEM PhD lowers your baseline cash requirement to £33,400 (80% of the going rate), while a non-STEM PhD sets the floor at £37,500 (90% of the going rate).  

For the full figures, going rates by SOC code, and what changed in 2026, see our UK Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold guide. If your candidate already works in the UK under another sponsor, they still need these points under your licence, our UK change of employer guide covers that move.

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Which roles qualify in 2026

Since 22 July 2025, most roles must sit at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above, a big step up from the old RQF Level 3 floor. Roles below Level 6 can still qualify when they are:

• on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), reviewed periodically, and expected to expire at the end of 2026, so check its status before you rely on it
• on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), where the salary and going rate are met
• already sponsored before 22 July 2025, where transitional rules may apply

To check a specific role:

1. Find the role's SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code
2. Match it against the current eligible occupations list on GOV.UK.
3. Confirm the going rate for that SOC code.
4. If the role is below Level 6, check whether it's on the ISL or TSL.

For the wider set of duties, thresholds, and documents, see our full UK Skilled Worker Visa requirements guide.

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Check Your Sponsor Licence First before anything else

No licence means zero visa points. Before you assign an undefined certificate of sponsorship or file a request, log into the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and run these four critical health checks:

• Active Status: Verify that your company's licence is fully active in your Sponsor Management System (SMS)‍
• Correct Category: Ensure you are using a "Worker" licence track, as a Temporary Worker status cannot support a Skilled Worker visa.
• Sufficient Allocations: Confirm you have enough unused CoS quota left in your balance to cover the hire.  
• Clean Record: Check that your licence is completely clear of any UKVI compliance holds, suspensions, or downgrades.

The Compliance Reality: With the Home Office stepping up business audits, keeping your SMS records perfectly accurate is essential. Any mismatch between your portal data and the employee's actual everyday job duties is a massive compliance risk that could cost you your licence.

Sponsoring an in-country candidate rather than an overseas hire? Follow our UK visa switch guide for the change-of-status process.

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Worked examples

Worked out Example 1: Software Engineer, £45,000 salary

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Worked out Example 2 : Marketing Manager, £36,000 salary

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What Happens After Hitting 70 Points?

Scoring 70 points secures the visa, but you also need to plan for the long term. Right now, most sponsored employees qualify for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years. However, the UK's proposed earned settlement model could soon double that baseline timeline to 10 years for many workers.  

Read our full UK earned settlement and ILR update to see how these shifting rules will affect your future workforce planning and talent retention.

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Not sure if your hire qualifies under the 2026 points system?

Our team checks eligibility, confirms the going rate for the SOC code, and handles the full CoS process, so you don't miss a compliance requirement. Check eligibility with a free pre-hiring assessment, or explore our UK Skilled Worker Visa service.

Disclaimer: Immigration rules change often. Check official sources or talk to us before making any decisions.

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