2025 Guide to the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System for the Skilled Worker Visa

The UK’s Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) is built to make hiring and working in the UK straightforward and transparent. It’s designed to attract high-skilled workers from all over the world, treating EU and non-EU workers equally. Whether you’re an employer looking to hire internationally or a skilled worker aiming to start a career in the UK, the PBS gives clear rules and a flexible way to meet them.

For those applying through the Skilled Worker Visa route, the goal is to score 70 points. This is achieved through a mix of essential (mandatory) and flexible (tradeable) points.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the PBS, including mandatory and tradeable points, employer responsibilities, and key requirements for Skilled Worker Visa applicants.

Understanding the Points-Based System

Core Features

The PBS streamlines immigration by:

• Treating EU and non-EU citizens equally
   
• Removing redundant processes like the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), saving employers weeks of processing time
   
• Focusing on a combination of mandatory and tradeable points, enabling applicants to meet criteria flexibly
   

Points Allocation

• Mandatory Points (50 Points): Awarded for sponsorship, skill level, and English language proficiency.
   
• Tradeable Points (20 Points): Earned by meeting salary thresholds, holding relevant qualifications, or working in specific roles.

Mandatory Points: 50 Points

1. Sponsorship by a Licensed Employer (20 Points)

A valid job offer from a Home Office-licensed employer is essential. Employers must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that meets these requirements:

• Details the applicant’s name, role, salary, and PAYE arrangements
   
• Has not been used in a previous visa application or withdrawn
   
• Specifies a job start date no more than three months after the visa application
   
• Indicates whether the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies

The role must also:

• Be genuine and not created solely to facilitate immigration
   
• Meet National Minimum Wage regulations and avoid third-party hiring arrangements

2. Skilled Job Offer (20 Points)

Jobs must align with eligible codes from Appendix Skilled Occupations, requiring skill levels at RQF Level 3 or higher. While applicants do not need formal qualifications, the job itself must demand this skill level.
 

Employers must:

• Use the most appropriate SOC code for the role
   
• Justify the job’s necessity and the applicant’s qualifications
   

The Home Office will scrutinize SOC codes and ensure they match the job’s responsibilities and salary.

3. English Language Proficiency (10 Points)

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This can be proven by:

• Holding a degree taught in English
   
• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country
   
• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
   
• Profession-specific exemptions apply (e.g., doctors and nurses registered with UK professional bodies).

Tradeable Points: 20 Points

Meeting the Salary Threshold

The minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year, or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher. Applicants with a salary below the required threshold may still qualify by using "tradeable points," which enable them to earn the required points through alternative criteria. 

Tradeable Points Options

The table below outlines the tradeable options that applicants can choose from and combine to earn 20 points:

Additional Tradeable Options

In addition to options A–E, specific scenarios allow for transitional or specialised criteria.
 

Options F–J

Available to applicants whose:

• Applications were submitted before 4 April 2030
   
• Certificate of Sponsorship for the first Skilled Worker visa was assigned before 4 April 2024
   
• Continuous permission as a Skilled Worker (one or more) has been maintained since then

Option K

Specifically for health and education roles listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Worker, regardless of previous permission.
 

NB: All tradeable points require salary thresholds to be assessed against job-specific criteria. Failing to score 20 points in this category will result in refusal.

Additional Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

In addition to meeting the points-based system criteria, applicants must fulfill several non-points-based requirements to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa. These include proving their identity, demonstrating financial capability, and providing evidence of English proficiency.

Some key requirements are:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer
   
• Proof of English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1
   
• A valid passport or travel document
   
• Evidence of financial support, such as having at least £1,270 in savings unless the sponsor certifies maintenance

For a more comprehensive breakdown of these requirements and the documentation needed, check out our dedicated guide.

Conclusion

The UK’s Points-Based Immigration System ensures a streamlined, fair process for skilled workers worldwide. By meeting mandatory and tradeable points criteria, applicants can navigate the system effectively. Employers, too, benefit from simplified processes and clear guidelines. For salary thresholds and further tradeable options, read our Skilled Worker Salary Guide.