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 idea: applicants accumulate points by meeting various criteria, and if they hit the required total, they qualify. Simple enough in theory.
In practice, the system is less flexible than the "points-based" branding suggests. The tradeable criteria are quite constrained, but there is some room to substitute between salary and qualifications.
Why Was It Introduced?
Two things drove the change. First, Brexit ended EU free movement, so the government needed a single system that applied equally to EU and non-EU nationals. The old Tier 2 system only covered non-EEA workers. Second, the government wanted to prioritise higher-skilled, higher-paid migration while reducing reliance on low-skilled overseas labour.
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.
Skilled Worker Points Checker
Tick the criteria that apply to you. You need 70 points to qualify.
Mandatory points (50 pts required)
Tradeable points (20 pts — pick whichever applies)
Select the criteria above to see your eligibility.
This is a simplified checker. Your immigration adviser or sponsor can confirm your exact points for your SOC code and salary.
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 | A jump from RQF 3 to RQF 6; sub-degree roles no longer eligible |
| English language raised from B1 to B2 | January 2026 | Higher language bar |
Common Misconceptions
If you've looked at Australia's system, reset your expectations. Australia awards points for age, in-country work experience, and partner qualifications. The UK system is far narrower: it only trades off salary against qualifications, and even that flexibility is limited.
Another common mistake: thinking more points means a better outcome. 70 is the threshold. You either hit it or you don't. There's no premium tier, no fast track for scoring 90.
Finally, the points system does not apply to all UK visas. 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. ILR has its own requirements: 5 years of continuous residence, the Life in the UK test, and English language proficiency. Points don't carry over or accumulate toward settlement.
Can I trade a high salary to offset a lower skill level?
No. Skill level (RQF 6+) is a mandatory criterion. No amount of salary makes a sub-RQF-6 role eligible.
Does the points system advantage certain nationalities?
It does not. Every non-British, non-Irish national faces the same criteria. There are no nationality-based points bonuses.
How is the English language requirement verified?
Three ways: a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved provider, a qualifying degree taught in English, or citizenship of a majority English-speaking country. See Skilled Worker Visa for the full list of exempt countries.