Key Takeaways
- Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
- 50 of those points are mandatory and non-tradeable: 20 for a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, 20 for a role at the appropriate skill level, and 10 for English language ability.
- The remaining 20 points are tradeable. Most applicants satisfy them through salary.
- From 22 July 2025, sponsored roles must generally be at RQF Level 6 or above (except for roles on the Temporary Shortage List).
- From 8 January 2026, the English language requirement increased to B2 CEFR level. That’s higher than the previous B1 standard.
- Having a PhD in a subject relevant to the role can contribute additional points towards the tradeable 20.
The Skilled Worker visa operates on a points-based system. To be granted a visa, an applicant must score a minimum of 70 points. These points are split between mandatory criteria (which every applicant must meet) and tradeable criteria, where there is some flexibility in how the required score is reached.
Understanding how the system works is important for both employers and applicants. This guide explains each element of the points table as it stands in 2026, following the changes that took effect in July 2025 and January 2026.
The 70-Point Requirement
To qualify, an applicant must accumulate 70 points in total. These are drawn from two categories: 50 mandatory (non-tradeable) points and 20 tradeable points.
The distinction matters. Mandatory points must all be scored, so there is no way around them. On the other hand, tradeable points offer more options, and in practice most applicants satisfy the tradeable 20 through salary alone, though other routes exist.
Mandatory Points: The Non-Tradeable 50
Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: 20 Points
The applicant must have a valid job offer from an employer that holds a current Skilled Worker sponsor licence and must have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the specific role. Without these, no application can proceed.
The CoS must include accurate information about the role, salary, start date and occupation code. Errors or inconsistencies between the CoS and supporting documents are a common reason for refusal.
Role at the Appropriate Skill Level: 20 Points
The sponsored role must be at the appropriate skill level for the route. From 22 July 2025, this means RQF Level 6 or above for most roles (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or professional qualification of equivalent standing). This raised the bar from the lower RQF Level 3 threshold that had applied since 2022.
Roles between RQF Level 3 and Level 5 may still be eligible if they appear on the Temporary Shortage List, which is in place until at least 31 December 2026. The occupation must be listed, and the specific SOC 2020 occupation code must be used correctly.
English Language Ability: 10 Points
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 CEFR level. That’s equivalent to upper intermediate. This is a higher standard than the previous B1 requirement, and applies to all new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026.
The requirement can be met by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 level, holding a degree that was taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. It’s worth noting that nationals of the UK itself don’t need to demonstrate English separately.
Tradeable Points: The Flexible 20
Once the mandatory 50 points are secured, the applicant must score a further 20 tradeable points. The immigration rules set out a range of options (labelled Options A to K) from which the 20 points can be assembled.
In practice, the vast majority of applicants satisfy the tradeable 20 through salary. The salary thresholds for each option are different. So, the correct option depends on the role, the occupation code and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
Salary-Based Tradeable Points
The most straightforward route to 20 tradeable points is to pay a salary at or above the standard going rate for the occupation. The general threshold is £41,700 per year or the occupation-specific going rate, whichever is higher. A role that meets this standard scores 20 tradeable points on salary alone.
That said, lower salary thresholds apply in certain situations, including:
- Roles on the Temporary Shortage List (with a salary minimum of £25,000)
- Roles filled by new entrants (at 70% of the going rate, subject to a floor)
- Health and Care Worker roles (under sector-specific salary bands)
In those cases, the tradeable points are scored at the relevant reduced threshold.
PhD Points
A PhD in a subject relevant to the role scores an additional 10 points, or 5 points for a PhD in a non-STEM subject relevant to the role. These can contribute to the tradeable 20 where they are not already covered by salary alone. For example, where the salary is slightly below the standard going rate but the applicant holds a relevant doctorate.
What Isn’t Tradeable?
It’s worth being clear about what the tradeable system doesn’t allow. The mandatory elements (job offer, skill level and English language) can’t be traded against each other or against any of the tradeable criteria. An applicant who doesn’t meet the RQF Level 6 threshold for their role, for example, can’t compensate for that by scoring extra salary points.
Similarly, being in a shortage occupation no longer provides a salary discount as a standalone tradeable option in the way it once did. The Temporary Shortage List operates differently. It expands which roles are eligible for sponsorship at all, but the salary still has to meet the applicable threshold for that listed role.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- The occupation code on the Certificate of Sponsorship does not match the actual role being offered.
- The salary offered does not meet the going rate for the specific occupation code, even if it exceeds the general £41,700 threshold.
- The English language test is not at B2 CEFR level, or an expired or non-approved test has been submitted.
- The role has been classified under an occupation code that is no longer eligible following the July 2025 changes.
- The Certificate of Sponsorship contains inaccurate information about the role, salary or start date.
Speak to an Immigration Solicitor Today
Osbourne Pinner’s immigration solicitors advise both employers and applicants on the Skilled Worker visa points system. That ranges from confirming that a role qualifies and the correct occupation code is being used, through to reviewing applications before submission and advising on refusals. We regularly assist with complex cases involving new entrant rates, Temporary Shortage List roles and PhD scoring.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We always recommend speaking to a qualified solicitor for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
If you have questions about the Skilled Worker visa points requirements or need help with an application, our immigration team is ready to assist.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation. You can speak with us via video call or visit our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. To arrange your consultation, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or complete the form below.
