UK Skilled Worker Visa: Complete Points-Based System Guide

Executive Summary

The UK Skilled Worker Visa operates on a points-based system where you need exactly 70 points to qualify. This isn’t just about meeting minimum requirements—it’s about understanding how the system really works and positioning your application strategically.

What this means for you: Unlike other visa categories with subjective assessments, the Skilled Worker route is refreshingly objective. You either have the points or you don’t. No gray areas, no interpretation—just clear mathematics.

The system divides into two categories: mandatory points (50 points minimum) that you must secure, and tradeable points (20 points minimum) where you have options. Most successful applicants secure their 70 points through the mandatory requirements plus salary-based tradeable points.

Real insight from AVID experts: The beauty of this system is its transparency, but the challenge lies in the details. Government guidance tells you what points you need—it doesn’t tell you how to get them or what strengthens your case beyond the minimum threshold.

Understanding the Points System Fundamentals

The 70-Point Requirement

Every UK Skilled Worker Visa application is evaluated against the same standard: 70 points total. This requirement applies whether you’re a software engineer from India, a nurse from the Philippines, or a financial analyst from Nigeria.

What this means for you: Unlike previous UK visa systems that relied heavily on subjective assessments, this points-based approach removes much of the uncertainty. You can calculate your eligibility before you even begin gathering documents.

Mandatory vs. Tradeable Points Structure

The system splits into two distinct categories:

Mandatory Points (50 points required):

• Job offer from approved sponsor: 20 points
• Job at appropriate skill level: 20 points
• English language proficiency: 10 points

Tradeable Points (20 points required from available options):

• Salary levels: 0-20 points
• Shortage occupation: 20 points
• Relevant PhD: 10 points
• PhD in STEM field: 20 points

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants focusing solely on salary to reach 70 points, missing that a PhD in a relevant field could make a lower-paying role viable. The system rewards strategic thinking, not just high earnings.

How the Assessment Actually Works

When UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) reviews your application, they don’t start with a blank slate and add points. They verify each claimed point against supporting evidence. Missing documentation for even one claimed point can result in immediate refusal.

What this means for you: Perfect documentation is non-negotiable. Claims without proper evidence don’t just reduce your points—they can raise credibility concerns that impact your entire application.

Mandatory Points Breakdown: The Non-Negotiable Foundation

Job Offer Requirement (20 Points)

Official requirement: A confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI doesn’t just verify the job offer exists—they confirm your employer’s sponsor license is active, check the role genuinely exists, and ensure the job description aligns with your qualifications and experience.

Common mistake: Accepting a job offer without verifying the employer’s sponsor license status. Licenses can be suspended or revoked, and if this happens after your job offer but before your visa decision, your application fails automatically.

If you’re applying from Nigeria, India, or Pakistan: Home Office data shows higher scrutiny on job offers from these countries due to historical abuse. Your employer’s sponsor license history and your role’s authenticity will receive additional attention.

AVID expert insight: Request a copy of your employer’s sponsor license certificate and verify its status on the government’s register of licensed sponsors. This takes 30 seconds but prevents devastating surprises.

Skill Level Requirement (20 Points)

Official requirement: The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels).

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code system to determine skill levels. They don’t evaluate your personal qualifications—they evaluate whether the job itself meets the threshold.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Highly qualified candidates accepting roles with SOC codes below RQF Level 3. A PhD in engineering doesn’t help if the job is classified as skilled manual work.

What this means for you: The job title matters less than the SOC code. “Technical Consultant” could be Level 6 (graduate level) or Level 3 (skilled) depending on the specific code your employer uses.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Ask your employer for the exact SOC code they’ll use before accepting the offer. Cross-reference this with the official SOC hierarchy to confirm it meets the requirement.

English Language Proficiency (10 Points)

Official requirement: Demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or qualifying exemptions.

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI maintains a strict list of approved test providers and score requirements. They don’t accept “equivalent” tests or professional experience as evidence, regardless of your career achievements.

Exemptions available:

• Nationals of majority English-speaking countries
• Degree taught in English from approved institutions
• Previous UK visa categories with English requirements

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Don’t assume your English proficiency is obvious. Nigeria, Ghana, and other Commonwealth countries see refusals when applicants claim exemptions without proper evidence.

AVID expert insight: Even if you qualify for an exemption, having an official test score strengthens your application. The test costs £150-200 but eliminates any doubt about this requirement.

Tradeable Points Analysis: Strategic Options for Success

Salary-Based Points (0-20 Points Available)

The salary component offers the most flexible path to your required 20 tradeable points, but it’s more complex than government guidance suggests.

Points breakdown:

• £20,480-£23,039: 0 points
• £23,040-£25,599: 10 points
• £25,600+: 20 points

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI doesn’t just verify your salary—they confirm it’s reasonable for the role and location. A £60,000 salary for a junior developer role in rural Scotland will trigger additional scrutiny.

Regional considerations: The salary thresholds apply nationally, but UKVI considers regional salary norms during assessment. A £26,000 salary in London carries different weight than the same amount in Manchester.

If you’re applying from India or Philippines: Salary inflation in job offers from these countries receives extra attention. Ensure your offered salary aligns with UK market rates for your experience level.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants accepting inflated salary offers that don’t match their experience level. This can trigger “genuineness” concerns that extend beyond the points system.

Shortage Occupation Route (20 Points)

Official requirement: Job must be on the official Shortage Occupation List.

What this means for you: This is the most straightforward path to your 20 tradeable points, but availability is limited and changes frequently.

Current high-demand occupations:

• Health professionals (nurses, doctors, therapists)
• Engineering professionals
• IT specialists in specific areas
• Education professionals

AVID expert insight: The Shortage Occupation List updates quarterly. A role that qualifies today might not qualify when you apply six months from now. Lock in your application timing if pursuing this route.

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI verifies not just that your job title appears on the list, but that your specific role duties match the listed requirements. Generic job descriptions fail this test.

PhD Qualification Benefits (10-20 Points)

PhD in any subject: 10 points PhD in STEM field: 20 points

What really happens behind the scenes: UKVI requires evidence that your PhD is equivalent to a UK doctoral degree. This means official recognition from UK NARIC or equivalent assessment.

If you’re applying from countries with different degree structures: A “PhD equivalent” from your home country might not qualify. Get your qualification assessed before building your points strategy around it.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants claiming PhD points without proper UK equivalency documentation. This doesn’t just lose you the points—it can impact your credibility throughout the application.

AVID expert insight: The PhD route is particularly valuable for academic and research roles where salaries might not reach the 20-point threshold. Combined with shortage occupation status, it can make lower-paying specialized roles viable.

Points Calculator Guide: Your Strategic Assessment

Step-by-Step Calculation Process

Step 1: Secure Your Mandatory Points (50 required)

Start with the non-negotiables:

• Job offer from licensed sponsor: 20 points ✓
• Appropriate skill level: 20 points ✓
• English language: 10 points ✓

What this means for you: If you can’t secure all 50 mandatory points, stop here. No combination of tradeable points can compensate for missing mandatory requirements.

Step 2: Calculate Your Tradeable Points (20 required)

Map your situation against available options:

Salary route:

• Check your exact salary against the thresholds
• Consider regional variations and role appropriateness
• Factor in guaranteed bonuses and benefits

Shortage occupation route:

• Verify your role’s current status on the official list
• Confirm your job duties match the listed requirements
• Check update schedule for any pending changes

PhD route:

• Assess your qualification’s UK equivalency
• Determine if your field qualifies as STEM
• Gather required documentation for verification

Step 3: Identify Your Optimal Strategy

Scenario A: High salary (£25,600+)

• Mandatory points: 50
• Salary points: 20
• Total: 70 points ✓

Scenario B: Shortage occupation

• Mandatory points: 50
• Shortage occupation: 20
• Total: 70 points ✓

Scenario C: PhD + moderate salary

• Mandatory points: 50
• Salary (£23,040-£25,599): 10
• PhD relevant field: 10
• Total: 70 points ✓

AVID expert insight: The strongest applications don’t just meet the 70-point threshold—they exceed it. Having 80+ points provides buffer against documentation challenges and demonstrates commitment to the UK role.

Common Scenarios: Real Applicant Examples

Software Developer from India

Background: 5 years experience, Computer Science degree, job offer for £28,000 in Manchester

Points calculation:

• Job offer: 20 points
• Skill level: 20 points
• English (IELTS): 10 points
• Salary: 20 points
• Total: 70 points

What this means for you: This represents the most common successful pathway—strong salary meeting the threshold requirement.

Nurse from Philippines

Background: 3 years experience, nursing degree, job offer for £24,000 in Birmingham

Points calculation:

• Job offer: 20 points
• Skill level: 20 points
• English (exemption): 10 points
• Salary: 10 points
• Shortage occupation: 20 points
• Total: 80 points

AVID expert insight: Healthcare professionals often achieve the highest point totals due to shortage occupation status combined with competitive salaries.

Research Scientist from Nigeria

Background: PhD in Chemistry, 2 years experience, job offer for £23,500 in Edinburgh

Points calculation:

• Job offer: 20 points
• Skill level: 20 points
• English (degree): 10 points
• Salary: 10 points
• PhD in STEM: 20 points
• Total: 80 points

What this means for you: Academic and research roles often leverage PhD points to overcome lower initial salaries.

Recent Changes and Policy Updates

2024 Policy Modifications

Salary threshold adjustments: The government increased minimum salary requirements in April 2024, affecting the points available at each level.

Shortage Occupation List updates: Quarterly reviews have added healthcare support roles while removing some IT positions due to improved domestic supply.

English language requirements: New approved test providers have been added, offering more flexibility for applicants in remote locations.

What this means for you: Policy changes can impact applications in progress. Monitor updates through official government channels and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Impact on Applications

For current applicants: Applications submitted before policy changes are assessed under the rules in place at submission time.

For future applicants: New rules apply immediately to applications submitted after the effective date.

AVID expert insight: Policy changes often include transition periods, but don’t assume you’ll have warning. The safest approach is to submit your application as soon as you meet the requirements rather than waiting for potentially better conditions.