Points-Based Immigration System (UK)
The UK's points-based immigration system — launched on 1 January 2021 — scores work visa applicants against a set of mandatory and tradeable criteria. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must reach a total of 70 points.
In This Article
- What is the points-based immigration system?
- Why was it introduced?
- How the 70-point system works
- Mandatory points (50 points)
- Tradeable points (20 points)
- Which visa routes use the points system?
- Key changes since 2021
- Common misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
- Related terms
What is the Points-Based Immigration System?
The UK's points-based immigration system (PBS) is the framework that replaced the previous tiered immigration system (Tier 1 through Tier 5) for most economic migration routes. It was introduced on 1 January 2021 following the end of EU free movement after Brexit.
The key principle: rather than having workers apply through specific categories with rigid rules, the system uses a scoring mechanism where applicants accumulate points by meeting various criteria. If they reach the required total, they qualify.
In practice, the system is less flexible than the "points-based" branding suggests — the tradeable criteria are quite constrained — but it does allow for some substitution between salary and qualifications.
Why Was It Introduced?
The PBS was introduced for two main reasons:
-
End of EU free movement. After Brexit, the government needed a unified system applying equally to EU and non-EU nationals. The old Tier 2 system only applied to non-EEA workers.
-
Policy goals. The government stated aims of: prioritising highly skilled, highly paid workers; reducing dependency on low-skilled overseas labour; and creating a single, simpler framework.
How the 70-Point System Works
For the Skilled Worker route, applicants must score 70 points. Points come from two pools:
- Mandatory points (50): All must be met — no points, no visa
- Tradeable points (20): Flexibility exists; different criteria can be combined to reach 20
Mandatory Points
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor | 20 |
| Role at appropriate skill level (RQF 6+) | 20 |
| English language proficiency (CEFR B2 from Jan 2026; B1 previously) | 10 |
| Total mandatory | 50 |
All three of these must be met. Missing any one of them disqualifies the applicant entirely — the tradeable points are irrelevant.
Tradeable Points
The remaining 20 points must be met from this pool. In practice, most applicants score them entirely through salary, but there are four pathways:
| Pathway | Salary requirement | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Option A — standard salary | At least £41,700 AND at least the going rate | 20 |
| Option B — ISL role | At least 80% of the going rate (min £41,700) | 20 |
| Option C — PhD in relevant subject | At least 90% of the going rate | 20 |
| Option D — PhD in STEM | At least 90% of the going rate | 20 |
Options C and D allow workers with relevant PhDs to be sponsored at 90% of the going rate — useful when a salary offer is slightly below the full going rate.
Which Visa Routes Use the Points System?
The Skilled Worker route is the main PBS route for work visas. Other routes within or adjacent to the framework:
| Route | Points total needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 70 | Most common work visa |
| Health and Care Worker | 70 (Skilled Worker sub-route) | — |
| Global Talent | No points scoring — endorsement-based | For exceptional talent |
| Student | 50 points | Different criteria |
| Graduate Route | No points — eligibility-based | Post-study work |
| Start-up / Innovator Founder | No points — endorsement-based | Entrepreneurship |
The family and humanitarian routes do not use the points framework.
Key Changes Since 2021
The points system has been modified several times since launch:
| Change | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Salary threshold raised from £25,600 to £38,700 | April 2024 | Large increase in required salary |
| General threshold further raised to £41,700 | April 2024 | Part of the same package |
| Shortage Occupation List replaced by ISL | April 2024 | SOL salary discounts removed |
| RQF skill floor raised from Level 3 to Level 6 | July 2025 | Sub-degree roles no longer eligible |
| English language raised from B1 to B2 | January 2026 | Higher language bar |
Common Misconceptions
- "The UK points system is like Australia's." The UK system is far less flexible. Australia allows points for factors like age, work experience in-country, and partner qualifications. The UK system only trades off salary vs qualifications — and even that flexibility is limited.
- "Scoring more points gets you a better visa." There is no benefit to scoring above 70 — you either qualify or you don't. There's no premium tier.
- "The points system applies to all UK visas." No — family visas, humanitarian protection, and several other routes have entirely different rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UK points system have a points test for settlement (ILR)?
No. Indefinite Leave to Remain is not based on a points test. It requires 5 years of continuous lawful residence plus the Life in the UK test and English language proficiency — but no accumulated "immigration points."
Can I trade a high salary to offset a lower skill level?
No. The skill level requirement (RQF 6+) is mandatory — it cannot be offset by a higher salary. If the role is below RQF 6, it is not eligible regardless of the salary offered.
Does the points system advantage certain nationalities?
No. The UK's points-based system is explicitly nationality-neutral — all non-British, non-Irish nationals are assessed against the same criteria. There are no nationality-based points bonuses.
How is the English language requirement verified?
Through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved test provider, a qualifying degree taught in English, or by being a national of an exempt majority English-speaking country. See Skilled Worker Visa for the full list.
Related Terms
Meet the 70-point threshold? Find employers ready to sponsor you. Search visa-sponsored jobs →