Guide · 4 min read

UK Points Based Immigration System 2026: How to Score 70 Points for a Work Visa

The UK uses a points based system for work visas. Here is exactly how it works, what scores you need, and the fastest way to reach 70 points.

UK Points Based Immigration System 2026: How to Score 70 Points for a Work Visa

How the Points System Works

The UK replaced its old immigration system with a points-based model in January 2021. To get a Skilled Worker visa, you need a minimum of 70 points. Some points are mandatory and some are tradeable, which means there is a bit of flexibility in how you reach the total.

Mandatory Points (50 Points)

These are non-negotiable. You must have all three:

| Requirement | Points | |---|---| | Job offer from a licensed sponsor | 20 | | Job at the appropriate skill level (RQF 6+) | 20 | | English language ability (B2 level) | 10 |

If you are missing any of these, your application will be refused regardless of your salary or qualifications.

Tradeable Points (20 Points Needed)

You need at least 20 more points from the following options:

| Criteria | Points | |---|---| | Salary of £41,700 or above | 20 | | Salary of £39,100 to £41,699 (with relevant PhD) | 20 | | Job on the Temporary Shortage List | 20 | | PhD relevant to the job | 10 | | PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | 20 | | New entrant (under 26, recent graduate, etc.) | 20 points at reduced salary threshold |

The simplest route is a salary of £41,700 or more. But if your salary is slightly below that, having a PhD or qualifying as a new entrant can fill the gap.

What Counts as a Licensed Sponsor?

Your employer must hold an active UK sponsor licence. Not every company has one. In fact, out of millions of UK businesses, only about 140,000 hold active licences.

This is where WiseRoute helps. Our directory lists every company with a verified sponsor licence, so you can target your job search at companies that can actually hire you.

The Skill Level Requirement

Since July 2025, the job must be at RQF Level 6, which means it needs to be a degree-level role. Previously, RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) was enough. This change eliminated a lot of mid-skilled roles from eligibility.

Examples of qualifying roles:

Examples of roles that no longer qualify:

The English Requirement

From January 2026, you need B2 level English, up from the previous B1. For IELTS, that means at least 5.5 in each of the four components.

You are exempt if:

New Entrant Rules

If you are under 26, switching from a Student visa, or in a graduate training programme, you qualify as a "new entrant." This lets you earn your 20 tradeable points at a lower salary threshold. The going rate discount for new entrants is typically 30% off the standard figure.

New entrant status lasts for up to 4 years. After that, you must meet the full salary requirements.

How Points Are Checked

The Home Office checks your points at two stages:

  1. When your employer assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship
  2. When you submit your visa application

If anything changes between those two stages (your salary drops, the job changes, the sponsor licence is revoked), your application can be refused.

Common Mistakes

Assuming any job offer is enough. The job must be from a licensed sponsor, at degree level, and pay at least the going rate. A random job offer will not work.

Forgetting the going rate. Even if your salary is above £41,700, it must also meet the going rate for your specific occupation code. Some roles have going rates well above the minimum.

Not checking sponsor licence status. Sponsor licences can be revoked or downgraded. Always verify your employer's licence is active and rated A before accepting an offer.

Quick Checklist

Before applying, make sure you can tick all of these:

If all boxes are ticked, you have your 70 points and a strong application.

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