The points-based immigration system in the UK determines the eligibility of a candidate who wants to migrate and work in the UK on a skilled worker visa. To achieve the required 70 points, the candidate must meet criteria such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and possess a job offer listed on the UK government's shortage occupation list.
The 70-point threshold is divided into two categories: mandatory and tradeable. The mandatory criteria, totaling 50 points, are based on the job offer, English language proficiency, and the skill level required for the job. The tradeable criteria, totaling 20 points, are based on the range of income.
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Factors influencing the score for UK Skilled Worker Visa
The key factors that influence your score for a UK Skilled Worker Visa include age, skill level, a job offer from a relevant UK employer, English language proficiency, the salary offered for the specific job role, and total work experience.
The table below outlines these factors along with the maximum points allotted for each.
|
Factors Influencing the score |
Points |
|
Age |
20 |
|
Academic Qualification |
20 |
|
Employment offer in the UK |
40 |
|
Language proficiency in English |
10 |
|
Annual income of £25,600 or above |
20 |
|
Combined Work experience |
10 |
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Breakdown of points for UK Skilled Worker Visa
The 70 points are divided into two categories: Mandatory and Tradeable criteria. The point distribution for each category is outlined below.
Mandatory criteria for UK Skilled Worker Visa
The table below lists the breakdown of points for 'mandatory' criteria:
|
Criteria |
Points |
|
Job offer from an approved UK sponsor |
20 |
|
Skillset level |
20 |
|
English language proficiency |
10 |
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Tradeable criteria for UK Skilled Worker visa
The table below lists the breakdown of points for 'tradeable' criteria:
|
Criteria |
Points |
|
An income between £23,040 and £25,599 |
10 |
|
An income of £25,600 or above |
20 |
|
Employment listed in shortage occupation list of the UK government |
20 |
|
Job related PhD in a subject |
10 |
|
Job related PhD in a STEM subject |
20 |
Note: A candidate with a minimum income than required can still earn tradeable points by meeting the following requirements:
- Job offer listed on the Immigration Salary List
- PhD in a subject related to job
- PhD in a STEM subject related to job
- Job offer in the healthcare or education sector
- If the candidate is a new entrant

Steps to apply for a UK skilled Worker Visa
Step 1: Secure an employment offer
Step 2: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
Step 3: Calculate your points based on UK Immigration points calculator
Step 4: Gather all the necessary documents
Step 5: Apply online through skilled worker route
Step 6: Pay the visa fee
Step 7: Migrate to the UK on a skilled worker visa upon approval

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