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UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator 2026 | TMS Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator 2026 – Check Your Eligibility

Last updated: August 2026 — reflects the 22 July 2025 skill-level change and the 8 January 2026 English-language change.

Why Use the TMS The Migration School UK Points Calculator?

  • Check your UK Skilled Worker visa eligibility for FREE.
  • Simple, guided steps that reflect the current 2026 rules.
  • Expert advice on salary, occupation code, and English test options.
  • Professional, end-to-end guidance to help you reach the 70-point threshold.

Use our free calculator above to check your score instantly. You need exactly 70 points to qualify – 50 from mandatory criteria and 20 from tradeable characteristics.

UK Skilled Worker Points Calculator – How the System Works

The Skilled Worker route is the UK's main pathway for employers to recruit international talent, run by the Home Office under a points-based framework. The route has been reformed significantly since mid-2025, with tighter skill, salary, and English requirements than in previous years — so if you've seen older guidance quoting lower figures, treat it as out of date.

Points are awarded across two types of criteria:

Mandatory

Mandatory Characteristics (50 points)

These must all be met together. They include a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor, a role at the required skill level (generally RQF Level 6), and English language proficiency at CEFR B2.

Tradeable

Tradeable Characteristics (20 points)

These normally come from meeting the salary threshold, but can be met in other ways for roles on the Immigration Salary List, new entrants, or some PhD-relevant roles. The exact combination depends on your occupation code.

⚠️ Rules changed substantially between July 2025 and January 2026. The skill level, salary thresholds, and English requirement below reflect the current position as of August 2026, but this route is still being actively reformed — always confirm current figures on GOV.UK or with a licensed adviser before relying on them for an application.

CharacteristicMandatory / TradeablePoints
Job offer from an approved sponsor (Certificate of Sponsorship)Mandatory20
Job at the required skill level (generally RQF Level 6 or above)Mandatory20
English language at CEFR B2 or above (new applicants from 8 Jan 2026)Mandatory10
Salary at or above the general threshold (£41,700) or the going rate, whichever is higherTradeable20
Role on the Immigration Salary List, meeting the reduced threshold (from £33,400)Tradeable[CONFIRM]
New entrant, meeting the reduced threshold (from £30,960, capped at 4 years total)Tradeable[CONFIRM]
PhD relevant to the job, at a reduced salary thresholdTradeable[CONFIRM]
Total Points Required70

You need exactly 70 points to qualify. Mandatory criteria (50 points) must all be met in full — there is no trading against these. The remaining 20 points are usually met through salary, but the precise tradeable combinations depend on your specific occupation code and current Home Office guidance, so we've marked the exact figures above for confirmation before you apply.


What Are the Categories Considered for Points?

Each of the following categories is assessed individually within the points system.

Category 1: Approved Sponsor Job Offer

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – a unique reference number you include in your visa application.

OptionPoints
Yes – I have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor with a valid CoS20 (Mandatory)
No0 – Does not qualify

Category 2: Job Skill Level

Since 22 July 2025, the job you have been offered must generally meet a minimum skill threshold of RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) — a significant rise from the previous RQF Level 3 requirement. Some RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible only if listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), and dependants may not be permitted to accompany applicants on some TSL roles. Every eligible job has a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code confirming its skill level.

OptionPoints
Yes – the job offer is at RQF Level 6 or above (as confirmed by its SOC code)20 (Mandatory)
Job is RQF Level 3–5 and appears on the Temporary Shortage List[CONFIRM current TSL eligibility]
No – below the required skill level and not on the TSL0 – Does not qualify

Category 3: English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate English to the required standard. From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants must reach CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate) — up from the previous B1 requirement. If you held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and are extending, B1 may still apply to you; confirm your specific position.

OptionPoints
Nationality: citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland)10 (Mandatory)
Education: degree-level qualification taught in English (verified where required by ECCTIS)10 (Mandatory)
Approved Secure English Language Test at CEFR B2 or above (new applicants from 8 Jan 2026)10 (Mandatory)
None of the above0 – Does not qualify

Category 4: Salary Level (Tradeable)

Salary is the main tradeable factor. The general threshold is now £41,700 per year, and you must be paid the higher of this figure or the 'going rate' for the specific SOC code of your job. Reduced thresholds are available for roles on the Immigration Salary List, for new entrants, and for some PhD-relevant roles — each with its own floor and conditions.

Salary RouteApproximate Threshold
General threshold (or the going rate, whichever is higher)£41,700
Immigration Salary List (ISL) rolesfrom £33,400
New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, capped at 4 years total)from £30,960 or 70% of going rate
PhD relevant to the role[CONFIRM current figure]

These figures move frequently and vary by occupation code — treat them as a starting point, not a final answer, and confirm the going rate for your specific SOC code before applying.


Immigration Salary List & Temporary Shortage List – Key Sectors

The old "Shortage Occupation List" was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. A separate Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was introduced in July 2025 to allow some RQF 3–5 roles facing acute, short-term shortages to remain sponsorable, generally without the right to bring dependants. If your role appears on either list, you may qualify at a reduced salary threshold.

Note: Both lists are reviewed periodically and roles move on and off them. Always verify your occupation's current status before relying on a reduced threshold.

SectorTypically Affected RolesNotes
Healthcare & NursingNurses, doctors, paramedics, radiographers, care workersFrequently represented on both lists due to NHS and social care demand
EngineeringCivil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineersRoles must generally still meet RQF Level 6 unless on the TSL
Information TechnologyCyber security specialists, software engineers, data scientistsMost IT support/technician-level roles fell off the route at RQF Level 6
EducationSecondary school teachers, especially STEM and SEN specialistsDegree-level entry generally already meets RQF Level 6
Social WorkQualified social workers, children's and adult social careCheck current list status by SOC code
Science & ResearchLaboratory scientists, research fellows, veterinariansOften benefit from the PhD-relevant salary discount as well

How to Improve Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Score

If you're struggling to reach 70 points under the current rules, here are the most effective strategies to close the gap:

💰 1. Negotiate Toward the Going Rate

Since the general threshold rose to £41,700, even a modest salary increase can be the difference between qualifying and not — especially if your occupation's going rate sits close to that figure.

📜 2. Check the Immigration Salary List and TSL

If your role is on the ISL or TSL, you may qualify at a meaningfully lower salary floor. Confirm your SOC code and current list status with your employer or an adviser before assuming you don't qualify.

🎓 3. Check Your Skill Level Against RQF 6

Since the July 2025 change, many previously eligible roles no longer qualify unless they're on the TSL. Confirm your role's RQF level and SOC code before relying on older guidance.

🗣️ 4. Book Your English Test Early

New applicants now need CEFR B2, not B1. If you don't hold a passport from a majority English-speaking country or an English-taught degree, book an approved B2-level test (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI) well ahead of your application.

🏢 5. Confirm Your Sponsor's Licence Is Current

Your employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Without it, you cannot proceed regardless of your other points.

📂 6. Get Your SOC Code Verified

Ask your employer for the exact SOC code for your role and check it against the current RQF requirement, going rate, and ISL/TSL status — this single step resolves most eligibility questions.


Which English Language Tests Are Accepted?

The Home Office accepts a range of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and other approved qualifications. From 8 January 2026, new applicants must reach CEFR B2 in all four components.

TestMinimum Level RequiredNotes
IELTS for UKVI (Academic / General Training)B2 (approx. 5.5 in each component)Ensure you book the UKVI-recognised version
Pearson PTE Academic UKVIB2 equivalentFast results and widely available
Trinity College London ISE II / SELTB2 equivalentIntegrated skills test accepted by UKVI
LanguageCert ESOL SELTB2 equivalentConfirm current UKVI approval before booking
Degree taught in English (majority English-speaking country)N/AMay be verified by ECCTIS – can satisfy the mandatory 10 points
Nationality from majority English-speaking countryN/AAutomatic mandatory 10 points (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland)

If you held a Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or switching, the previous B1 requirement may still apply to you — check your specific case.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You need 70 points in total. 50 come automatically from meeting three mandatory criteria: a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer, a job at RQF Level 6 or above, and English at CEFR B2. The remaining 20 tradeable points normally come from meeting the salary threshold, though roles on the Immigration Salary List or held by new entrants and PhD holders can qualify at a reduced salary.
The general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the specific going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. Reduced thresholds apply to some roles on the Immigration Salary List (from £33,400), to new entrants (from £30,960), and to some PhD-relevant roles. Exact figures depend on your occupation code, so confirm the current going rate before applying.
Yes. Since 22 July 2025, sponsored roles must generally sit at RQF Level 6 or above, equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. This raised the bar from the previous RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) requirement. Some RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible only if they appear on the Temporary Shortage List, and dependants may not be permitted on those roles.
From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR level B2, up from the previous B1 requirement. You can meet this through an approved Secure English Language Test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
The Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was also introduced in July 2025 for certain lower-skilled roles facing short-term shortages. Both operate differently from the old system, so check which list, if any, applies to your occupation code.
Settlement rules are being reformed. Historically the qualifying period was 5 years, but the government has been moving toward a longer standard qualifying period for most applicants, with a potentially faster route for higher earners. Because this is actively changing, confirm the current qualifying period with an adviser or GOV.UK before relying on any timeline.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020. Since then it has been reformed further — most significantly with the salary threshold rising to £41,700, the skill level rising to RQF Level 6, and the English requirement rising to B2. If you're comparing against old Tier 2 guidance, treat the figures as outdated.

Reviewed by [Name], [OISC-regulated adviser / relevant credential], Ref: [registration number] — content checked against current Home Office guidance as of the "Last updated" date above. This is general information, not immigration advice for your specific circumstances.

How Can TMS The Migration School Help You?

TMS The Migration School is your partner for UK immigration under the current, reformed Skilled Worker rules. We help you with:

  • Free eligibility check through our UK Skilled Worker Points Calculator
  • Guidance on the RQF Level 6 skill requirement and current SOC code eligibility
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and sponsor licence checks
  • Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List eligibility review
  • CEFR B2 English test coaching and test-centre booking support
  • Document preparation and visa application assistance
  • Salary and going-rate negotiation strategy
  • Free career counselling – book your slot today
  • Full guidance on sponsor licences and the route to settlement

* Disclaimer:

The Quick eligibility check provided by TMS The Migration School is intended only to help applicants understand an estimated score based on their own answers. UK Skilled Worker visa rules — including salary thresholds, skill-level requirements, English standards, and settlement timelines — have changed repeatedly since 2024 and continue to be reformed. The points and thresholds shown on this page reflect our understanding as of the "Last updated" date above and are not a guarantee of eligibility. A full technical evaluation against current Home Office guidance, and where appropriate advice from a regulated immigration adviser, is required before you rely on any figure here for an actual application.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator 2026 | TMS Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator 2026 – Check Your Eligibility

Last updated: August 2026 — reflects the 22 July 2025 skill-level change and the 8 January 2026 English-language change.

Why Use the TMS The Migration School UK Points Calculator?

  • Check your UK Skilled Worker visa eligibility for FREE.
  • Simple, guided steps that reflect the current 2026 rules.
  • Expert advice on salary, occupation code, and English test options.
  • Professional, end-to-end guidance to help you reach the 70-point threshold.

Use our free calculator above to check your score instantly. You need exactly 70 points to qualify – 50 from mandatory criteria and 20 from tradeable characteristics.

UK Skilled Worker Points Calculator – How the System Works

The Skilled Worker route is the UK's main pathway for employers to recruit international talent, run by the Home Office under a points-based framework. The route has been reformed significantly since mid-2025, with tighter skill, salary, and English requirements than in previous years — so if you've seen older guidance quoting lower figures, treat it as out of date.

Points are awarded across two types of criteria:

Mandatory

Mandatory Characteristics (50 points)

These must all be met together. They include a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor, a role at the required skill level (generally RQF Level 6), and English language proficiency at CEFR B2.

Tradeable

Tradeable Characteristics (20 points)

These normally come from meeting the salary threshold, but can be met in other ways for roles on the Immigration Salary List, new entrants, or some PhD-relevant roles. The exact combination depends on your occupation code.

⚠️ Rules changed substantially between July 2025 and January 2026. The skill level, salary thresholds, and English requirement below reflect the current position as of August 2026, but this route is still being actively reformed — always confirm current figures on GOV.UK or with a licensed adviser before relying on them for an application.

CharacteristicMandatory / TradeablePoints
Job offer from an approved sponsor (Certificate of Sponsorship)Mandatory20
Job at the required skill level (generally RQF Level 6 or above)Mandatory20
English language at CEFR B2 or above (new applicants from 8 Jan 2026)Mandatory10
Salary at or above the general threshold (£41,700) or the going rate, whichever is higherTradeable20
Role on the Immigration Salary List, meeting the reduced threshold (from £33,400)Tradeable[CONFIRM]
New entrant, meeting the reduced threshold (from £30,960, capped at 4 years total)Tradeable[CONFIRM]
PhD relevant to the job, at a reduced salary thresholdTradeable[CONFIRM]
Total Points Required70

You need exactly 70 points to qualify. Mandatory criteria (50 points) must all be met in full — there is no trading against these. The remaining 20 points are usually met through salary, but the precise tradeable combinations depend on your specific occupation code and current Home Office guidance, so we've marked the exact figures above for confirmation before you apply.


What Are the Categories Considered for Points?

Each of the following categories is assessed individually within the points system.

Category 1: Approved Sponsor Job Offer

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – a unique reference number you include in your visa application.

OptionPoints
Yes – I have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor with a valid CoS20 (Mandatory)
No0 – Does not qualify

Category 2: Job Skill Level

Since 22 July 2025, the job you have been offered must generally meet a minimum skill threshold of RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) — a significant rise from the previous RQF Level 3 requirement. Some RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible only if listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), and dependants may not be permitted to accompany applicants on some TSL roles. Every eligible job has a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code confirming its skill level.

OptionPoints
Yes – the job offer is at RQF Level 6 or above (as confirmed by its SOC code)20 (Mandatory)
Job is RQF Level 3–5 and appears on the Temporary Shortage List[CONFIRM current TSL eligibility]
No – below the required skill level and not on the TSL0 – Does not qualify

Category 3: English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate English to the required standard. From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants must reach CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate) — up from the previous B1 requirement. If you held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and are extending, B1 may still apply to you; confirm your specific position.

OptionPoints
Nationality: citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland)10 (Mandatory)
Education: degree-level qualification taught in English (verified where required by ECCTIS)10 (Mandatory)
Approved Secure English Language Test at CEFR B2 or above (new applicants from 8 Jan 2026)10 (Mandatory)
None of the above0 – Does not qualify

Category 4: Salary Level (Tradeable)

Salary is the main tradeable factor. The general threshold is now £41,700 per year, and you must be paid the higher of this figure or the 'going rate' for the specific SOC code of your job. Reduced thresholds are available for roles on the Immigration Salary List, for new entrants, and for some PhD-relevant roles — each with its own floor and conditions.

Salary RouteApproximate Threshold
General threshold (or the going rate, whichever is higher)£41,700
Immigration Salary List (ISL) rolesfrom £33,400
New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, capped at 4 years total)from £30,960 or 70% of going rate
PhD relevant to the role[CONFIRM current figure]

These figures move frequently and vary by occupation code — treat them as a starting point, not a final answer, and confirm the going rate for your specific SOC code before applying.


Immigration Salary List & Temporary Shortage List – Key Sectors

The old "Shortage Occupation List" was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. A separate Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was introduced in July 2025 to allow some RQF 3–5 roles facing acute, short-term shortages to remain sponsorable, generally without the right to bring dependants. If your role appears on either list, you may qualify at a reduced salary threshold.

Note: Both lists are reviewed periodically and roles move on and off them. Always verify your occupation's current status before relying on a reduced threshold.

SectorTypically Affected RolesNotes
Healthcare & NursingNurses, doctors, paramedics, radiographers, care workersFrequently represented on both lists due to NHS and social care demand
EngineeringCivil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineersRoles must generally still meet RQF Level 6 unless on the TSL
Information TechnologyCyber security specialists, software engineers, data scientistsMost IT support/technician-level roles fell off the route at RQF Level 6
EducationSecondary school teachers, especially STEM and SEN specialistsDegree-level entry generally already meets RQF Level 6
Social WorkQualified social workers, children's and adult social careCheck current list status by SOC code
Science & ResearchLaboratory scientists, research fellows, veterinariansOften benefit from the PhD-relevant salary discount as well

How to Improve Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Score

If you're struggling to reach 70 points under the current rules, here are the most effective strategies to close the gap:

💰 1. Negotiate Toward the Going Rate

Since the general threshold rose to £41,700, even a modest salary increase can be the difference between qualifying and not — especially if your occupation's going rate sits close to that figure.

📜 2. Check the Immigration Salary List and TSL

If your role is on the ISL or TSL, you may qualify at a meaningfully lower salary floor. Confirm your SOC code and current list status with your employer or an adviser before assuming you don't qualify.

🎓 3. Check Your Skill Level Against RQF 6

Since the July 2025 change, many previously eligible roles no longer qualify unless they're on the TSL. Confirm your role's RQF level and SOC code before relying on older guidance.

🗣️ 4. Book Your English Test Early

New applicants now need CEFR B2, not B1. If you don't hold a passport from a majority English-speaking country or an English-taught degree, book an approved B2-level test (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI) well ahead of your application.

🏢 5. Confirm Your Sponsor's Licence Is Current

Your employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Without it, you cannot proceed regardless of your other points.

📂 6. Get Your SOC Code Verified

Ask your employer for the exact SOC code for your role and check it against the current RQF requirement, going rate, and ISL/TSL status — this single step resolves most eligibility questions.


Which English Language Tests Are Accepted?

The Home Office accepts a range of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and other approved qualifications. From 8 January 2026, new applicants must reach CEFR B2 in all four components.

TestMinimum Level RequiredNotes
IELTS for UKVI (Academic / General Training)B2 (approx. 5.5 in each component)Ensure you book the UKVI-recognised version
Pearson PTE Academic UKVIB2 equivalentFast results and widely available
Trinity College London ISE II / SELTB2 equivalentIntegrated skills test accepted by UKVI
LanguageCert ESOL SELTB2 equivalentConfirm current UKVI approval before booking
Degree taught in English (majority English-speaking country)N/AMay be verified by ECCTIS – can satisfy the mandatory 10 points
Nationality from majority English-speaking countryN/AAutomatic mandatory 10 points (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland)

If you held a Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or switching, the previous B1 requirement may still apply to you — check your specific case.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You need 70 points in total. 50 come automatically from meeting three mandatory criteria: a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer, a job at RQF Level 6 or above, and English at CEFR B2. The remaining 20 tradeable points normally come from meeting the salary threshold, though roles on the Immigration Salary List or held by new entrants and PhD holders can qualify at a reduced salary.
The general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the specific going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. Reduced thresholds apply to some roles on the Immigration Salary List (from £33,400), to new entrants (from £30,960), and to some PhD-relevant roles. Exact figures depend on your occupation code, so confirm the current going rate before applying.
Yes. Since 22 July 2025, sponsored roles must generally sit at RQF Level 6 or above, equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. This raised the bar from the previous RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) requirement. Some RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible only if they appear on the Temporary Shortage List, and dependants may not be permitted on those roles.
From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR level B2, up from the previous B1 requirement. You can meet this through an approved Secure English Language Test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
The Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was also introduced in July 2025 for certain lower-skilled roles facing short-term shortages. Both operate differently from the old system, so check which list, if any, applies to your occupation code.
Settlement rules are being reformed. Historically the qualifying period was 5 years, but the government has been moving toward a longer standard qualifying period for most applicants, with a potentially faster route for higher earners. Because this is actively changing, confirm the current qualifying period with an adviser or GOV.UK before relying on any timeline.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020. Since then it has been reformed further — most significantly with the salary threshold rising to £41,700, the skill level rising to RQF Level 6, and the English requirement rising to B2. If you're comparing against old Tier 2 guidance, treat the figures as outdated.

Reviewed by [Name], [OISC-regulated adviser / relevant credential], Ref: [registration number] — content checked against current Home Office guidance as of the "Last updated" date above. This is general information, not immigration advice for your specific circumstances.

How Can TMS The Migration School Help You?

TMS The Migration School is your partner for UK immigration under the current, reformed Skilled Worker rules. We help you with:

  • Free eligibility check through our UK Skilled Worker Points Calculator
  • Guidance on the RQF Level 6 skill requirement and current SOC code eligibility
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and sponsor licence checks
  • Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List eligibility review
  • CEFR B2 English test coaching and test-centre booking support
  • Document preparation and visa application assistance
  • Salary and going-rate negotiation strategy
  • Free career counselling – book your slot today
  • Full guidance on sponsor licences and the route to settlement

* Disclaimer:

The Quick eligibility check provided by TMS The Migration School is intended only to help applicants understand an estimated score based on their own answers. UK Skilled Worker visa rules — including salary thresholds, skill-level requirements, English standards, and settlement timelines — have changed repeatedly since 2024 and continue to be reformed. The points and thresholds shown on this page reflect our understanding as of the "Last updated" date above and are not a guarantee of eligibility. A full technical evaluation against current Home Office guidance, and where appropriate advice from a regulated immigration adviser, is required before you rely on any figure here for an actual application.

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