The Golden Rule of 70 Points
The UK Home Office uses a points-based immigration system. To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must score at least 70 points.
Think of it like a video game where you need to reach a certain score to unlock the next level. These 70 points are split into two categories:
- Mandatory Points (50 points): These are non-negotiable. You must get all 50 of these points just to be considered.
- Tradeable Points (20 points): This is where you have options. You can mix and match different criteria (like your salary or qualifications) to make up the remaining 20 points.
Step 1: Secure Your 50 Mandatory Points
Before you worry about your salary or degrees, you need to check off these three boxes. If you miss even one, your application will be refused, no matter how high your salary is.
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor (20 points): You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Job at an Appropriate Skill Level (20 points): Your job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly equivalent to A-levels). Most professional, managerial, and technical roles qualify.
- English Language Proficiency (10 points): You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least a B1 level (e.g., through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority-English-speaking country).
Total Mandatory Points: 50/70
Step 2: Choose Your Path to the Remaining 20 Points
This is where people get stuck, but it’s actually quite flexible. You need 20 more points, and the Home Office gives you a few different ways to get them. You only need to meet one of the following combinations:
Option A: The Standard Salary Route (Most Common)
- Your salary meets the general threshold (currently £38,700 or the “going rate” for your specific job, whichever is higher).
- Points awarded: 20
Option B: The “New Entrant” or PhD Route
If your salary is lower than the general threshold, you can still get your 20 points if you meet one of these conditions:
- You are a “New Entrant” (e.g., under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training), and your salary is at least £30,960 (or 70% of the job’s going rate). (20 points)
- You have a PhD in a subject relevant to your job, and your salary is at least £30,960 (or 80% of the going rate). (20 points)
- You have a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to your job, and your salary is at least £27,090 (or 70% of the going rate). (20 points)
Option C: The Immigration Salary List (ISL) Route
- Your job is on the UK’s Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), AND your salary is at least £30,960 (or 80% of the going rate for that specific job).
- Points awarded: 20
Pro Tip: Doing this math in your head can be tricky, especially with the “going rate” rules. Instead of guessing, use our free UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator to instantly see if you qualify based on your specific job and salary.
Common Mistakes That Cost Immigrants Points
Even highly qualified professionals get tripped up by these simple errors:
- Using the Wrong SOC Code: Your job’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code determines your “going rate” salary. If your employer uses the wrong code, your salary might appear too low, costing you 20 points. Разви
- Confusing Gross vs. Net Salary: The Home Office only looks at your gross (pre-tax) base salary. Bonuses, overtime, and allowances usually do not count toward the points threshold.
- Assuming “Shortage” Means Low Salary: Even if your job is on the Immigration Salary List, you still must meet the minimum £30,960 threshold (or 80% of the going rate). You can’t bypass the floor entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 70 points for a Skilled Worker visa?
The 70 points are the minimum score required by the UK Home Office to grant a Skilled Worker visa. You get 50 points for mandatory criteria (sponsorship, skill level, English) and 20 points from tradeable criteria (usually salary or specific qualifications).
How are visa points calculated?
Points are calculated by adding up your score for mandatory requirements (50 points) and selecting one qualifying tradeable route (20 points). You can verify your exact score using our UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator.
Is 70 points enough for a 190 or 189 visa?
Important clarification: The 189 (Skilled Independent) and 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas are Australian immigration pathways, which use a completely different points test. For the UK Skilled Worker visa, 70 points is the exact, mandatory threshold you need to be eligible.
How many points do I need for a skilled visa in the UK?
You strictly need 70 points. There is no “competitive” points system where a higher score guarantees a faster visa (unlike Australia or Canada). As long as you meet the 70-point threshold and all other eligibility rules, your application can be approved.
Is 75 points enough for PR (Permanent Residency) in the UK?
The UK does not use a points system for Permanent Residency (called “Indefinite Leave to Remain” or ILR). Instead, ILR is based on time spent in the UK (usually 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa), passing the “Life in the UK” test, and meeting English language requirements.
Ready to Check Your Score?
Moving to a new country is a massive, exciting step, and the paperwork shouldn’t hold you back. Now that you understand the 50 mandatory points and the 20 tradeable points, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Don’t leave your immigration journey to guesswork. Take two minutes to plug your job title, salary, and qualifications into our UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator. It’s free, instant, and designed to give you absolute clarity on your next steps.
Have more questions about your UK immigration journey? Drop a comment below or explore our other guides on The Immigrant Stories!