How to Score 70 Points for the UK Skilled Worker Visa (Requirements & Breakdown)

The Skilled Worker visa is an effective way for skilled professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom. To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules and achieve at least 70 points under the Home Office's points-based system. Here is what you need to know.

Mandatory 50 Points

You must secure 50 'non-tradeable' points, which cannot be swapped or offset:

1. Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor (20 points)

You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer holding a Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence. The role must be eligible under the current version of the occupation codes.

2. Job at Eligible Skill Level (20 points)

From 1 July 2025, most jobs must be at RQF Level 6 (degree-level roles). Exceptions may apply for certain health and education roles depending on the applicants location.

3. English Language Requirement (10 Points)

You must prove English ability CEFR Level B1 in speaking, reading, writing and listening, the requirements may be higher depending on the role. This can be met via an approved test, a degree taught in English or being from a majority English-speaking country.

Tradeable 20 Points

The remaining 20 points can be earned in different ways depending on your salary, role, and qualifications. These are flexible but must add up to 20:

• Salary at or above £41,700 (20 points) – Standard threshold as of July 2025.

• Salary between £34,830 – £41,699 (10 points) – Partial points, if combined with another tradeable option.

• Salary between £23,040 – £34,829 (0 points) – Too low unless combined with shortage occupation or new entrant concessions.

• Job in a Shortage Occupation or Health/Education role (20 points) – Lower salary thresholds apply.

• New Entrant to the Labour Market (20 points) – For those under 26, switching from student routes, or working towards recognised professional qualifications.

• PhD in a Subject Relevant to the Role (10 points) or STEM PhD (20 points) – Must directly relate to the sponsored role.

Example Pathways to 70 Points

Senior Nurse: Job offer (20) + Eligible role (20) + English (10) + Salary £30,000 in shortage occupation (20) = 70 points.

IT Professional with STEM PhD: Job offer (20) + Eligible role (20) + English (10) + Salary £34,900 (10) + STEM PhD (20) = 80 points.

Graduate New Entrant: Job offer (20) + Eligible role (20) + English (10) + Salary £28,000 as new entrant (20) = 70 points.

Why This Matters

Failing to meet the 70-point threshold means your application will be refused, regardless of sponsor support. With immigration rules tightening from July 2025, applicants and employers need to carefully check eligibility against Appendix Skilled Worker before applying.

At CTC Administration, we specialise in guiding skilled professionals and employers through the Skilled Worker process, ensuring applications are compliant, complete, and successful. Contact us today at info@ctcadministration.co.uk to see how we can make sure your application is successful.