Skip to main content
findmyvisa

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 qualify
70 / 70 points

Your combination meets the Skilled Worker points threshold. Submit a complete application with documentary evidence of every claim.

Mandatory
50 / 50
Best tradeable
20 / 20
Total
70
How tradeable points work
  • Salary at general threshold (£38,700+ 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?

    £30,960 as the floor (vs £38,700 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 (£38,700) 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