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Calculator · Skilled Worker points

Skilled Worker eligibility in 60 seconds.

Skilled Worker is a points-based route. You need 70 points: 50 mandatory plus 20 from tradeable options. This calculator walks you through both, with current 2026 thresholds.

Mandatory criteria (50 points)
Approved sponsor offering you a job?20
Job at RQF level 3 or higher?20
English at B1 (CEFR) or exempt?10
Salary and tradeable points
£
£

From the published Skilled Worker eligible occupations list

Highest qualification
Job on Immigration Salary List?
New entrant to labour market?

Switching from Graduate / Student, under 26, post-doc, or recent professional qualification

You don't qualify yet
50 / 70 points

You're 20 points short. Review the tradeable options below, adjusting salary or claiming a relevant qualification can close the gap.

Mandatory
50 / 50
Best tradeable
0 / 20
Total
50
How tradeable points work
  • Salary at general threshold (£41,700+ and going rate)20
  • PhD STEM subject relevant to job20
  • Job on Immigration Salary List + reduced salary met20
  • New entrant to labour market + reduced salary met20
  • PhD relevant to job10
This calculator is a points eligibility check. It does not assess every aspect of Skilled Worker eligibility, including specific SOC code restrictions, sponsor compliance, financial requirement details, or your individual immigration history. Always confirm your specific eligibility with your employer's immigration team or an IAA-registered immigration adviser.

No. 01 · Common questions

What people ask before applying

  1. 01

    How does the Skilled Worker points system work?

    You need 70 points to qualify. 50 are mandatory: 20 for an approved sponsor, 20 for a skilled (RQF level 3+) job, 10 for English at B1. The remaining 20 come from tradeable options, salary at the general threshold, PhD relevant to the job, Immigration Salary List occupation, or new-entrant status.

  2. 02

    What's the new-entrant reduced salary?

    £33,400 as the floor (vs £41,700 standard), valid for up to 4 years. Eligible if you're switching from Graduate / Student visa, under 26, hold a postdoctoral research position, or have a relevant professional qualification. Reduced rates also apply at the going rate × 0.7 for new entrants.

  3. 03

    Do I need to claim multiple tradeable options?

    No, only the single highest-scoring tradeable option counts. You can't combine 'salary' + 'PhD' to make 30 points; you take whichever is worth most. The maximum from tradeables is always 20.

  4. 04

    What's RQF level 3?

    Roughly equivalent to A-Levels in England, Highers in Scotland. Most professional roles meet RQF 3+, the bar is comparatively low. Roles that don't (e.g. some hospitality and care assistant positions) don't qualify regardless of salary.

  5. 05

    Where do I find the going rate for my SOC code?

    On the gov.uk Skilled Worker eligible occupations list. Each SOC code has a published going rate. Your salary must be at or above both the going rate AND the general minimum (£41,700) to claim the salary tradeable points (or the lower thresholds if claiming reduced rates).

If you qualify

Free tools for the rest of your application