Understanding the UK Visa Points-Based System

Table Of Contents

1. What is a UK Visa Point-Based System
2. Visas under the point-based system
3. Components of Point-based System for Skilled Worker Visa
4. Total Points Required
5. Mandatory Points
6. Tradable Points
7. Conclusion

There are specific UK work and study visa routes that have a point-based system. A point-based system is a framework wherein the applicants need to score a minimum number of points to be eligible to apply for the visa. Points are awarded based on attributes such as skill level, job offer, salary, educational qualification, and language proficiency. The UK visa point-based system was first introduced in 2008 to simplify the existing complex visa system.

What is a UK Visa Point-Based System?

The point-based system has been designed to attract skilled and talented individuals from overseas who would contribute to the UK economy and society. The UK Visa Point-Based System is a framework that has been designed to assess applications based on different attributes.
If applicants can score a certain number of points, 70 points in most cases, and they meet other eligibility criteria, they can apply to live, work, study, and settle in the UK.
The new PBS was introduced on 1 January 2021, the day when the UK exited the EU, replacing freedom of movement between the UK and EU with the Points-Based System.

Visas under the point-based system

You need to know the visa routes that are assessed using a point-based system. If you are applying for any one of the following visa routes, your application will be assessed using a point- based system.

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Start-up and Innovator Founder Visa
• Student Visa
• Global Business Mobility Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• International Sportsperson Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Scale up Visa
• Global Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• International Agreement Visa

Depending on which visa route suits you and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for one of the visas under the point-based system.
You also need to note that the above-mentioned list of visa routes under the point-based system is subject to change.

Components of Point-based System for Skilled Worker Visa

There are 4 components of the point-based system.
A skilled worker visa is a visa route for overseas skilled workers to come and work in the UK. If you are looking to apply for a UK skilled worker visa, you need to meet the following criteria.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from an approved sponsor in the UK. The sponsorship system forms an integral part of the Points-Based System. A sponsorship requirement applies to the Skilled Worker route, the Health and Care Visa route, the student route, and some specialized worker routes.

Job at an appropriate skill level

The applicant must have an offer of a job from a licensed sponsor at or above the minimum skill level: RQF3 level or equivalent. The UK government maintains a list of eligible occupations, categorized by skill levels that align with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Minimum Salary

You must get a salary that meets the minimum salary threshold of that visa route. You can meet the requirement by meeting the general salary threshold of £38,700 or the specific salary requirement for your job occupation, known as the ‘going rate,’ whichever is higher.

Proficiency in English

You must speak the English language to the required standard. The level of English language ability required is different for each visa route. For example, students at degree level must demonstrate their ability at level B2 (A-Level or equivalent) and skilled workers at B1 (AS-Level or equivalent). You can prove your proficiency in English by passing a secure English language test (SELT). You don’t need to pass the test if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or you have an academic degree taught in English.

Total Points Required

You can be assigned a certificate of sponsorship only when you are awarded a minimum of 70 points. Out of these 70 points, the first 50 points are mandatory, and the remaining 20 points are tradable in nature. To earn points, you must meet the criteria mentioned below.

Mandatory Points

Under the UK Visa Point-Based System, there are mandatory points and tradable points. The first 50 points are mandatory and you can not trade them. Mandatory points can be awarded only if you meet certain fixed criteria against which these points are awarded. Mandatory points can be earned by meeting the following criteria:

• Offer of a job by an approved sponsor – 20 points
•  Job at an appropriate skill level – 20 points
•  English language skills at level B1 (intermediate) – 10 points

So, you can see that 50 points out of 70 points have to be earned by meeting these 3 criteria only.

Tradable Points

Tradable points mean that you can earn the remaining 20 points through salary alone or a combination of points for your salary, a job in a shortage occupation, or a relevant PhD. Under the UK visa point-based system, the minimum salary threshold changed for those applying on or after 4 April 2024.

So, if you applied on or after 4 April 2024, you must meet a general salary threshold of £38,700 or the “going rate,” whichever is higher, to get an extra 20 points that complete your 70-point requirements.

If your salary is below this level, you can earn the required extra 20 tradable points by having a job offer in a specific shortage occupation (as recommended by the MAC) or a PhD qualification relevant to the job. 
However, your salary cannot be less than £30,960.
Let us see the combinations whereby trading points you can earn the remaining 20 points:

1. 20 points if

Your salary equals or exceeds the higher of £38,700 and the going rate for the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) 2020 code.

2. 20 points (10 points for salary and 10 points for PhD) if

Your salary equals or exceeds the higher of £34,830 and 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 code, and you have a PhD in a subject relevant to the job.

3. 20 points (0 points for salary and 20 points for the PhD in STEM subjects) if

Your salary equals or exceeds the higher of £30,960 and 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 code, and you have a PhD in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) subject relevant to the job.

4. 20 Points (0 points for salary and 20 points for listed occupation) if

Your salary equals or exceeds the higher of £30,960 and the going rate for the SOC 2020 code and your job is included in the Immigration Salary List.

5. 20 Points (0 points for salary and 20 points for new entrants) if

Your salary equals or exceeds the higher of £30,960 and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 code, and you are a new entrant at the start of your career.

Conclusion

Similar to the UK skilled worker visa, the other visas under the UK Visa Points-Based System also require you to earn 7 points (in most cases). Depending on the visa route, you are awarded points for meeting specific criteria.
For example, if you apply for a UK student visa, you will be awarded 50 points for receiving a confirmation of acceptance for studies. The remaining 20 points can be earned by meeting the financial requirement and the English language proficiency.
So, before you apply for a UK visa that comes under the point-based system, you should be aware of how you can earn the required points to be eligible to apply for the visa.

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