UK Visa Points Calculator Guide — Using the Official Points Matrix
This practical guide explains how the UK visa points matrix works and how to use it when planning for settlement. Combine this guidance with the ILR calculator to map dates, absences and your points score together.
How the points system is structured
For Skilled Worker (and related) routes the points system is split into two parts:
Check your Skilled Worker points & salary thresholds
Ensure your job sponsor duties and pay rates align with Home Office minimums.
- Mandatory 50 points — job offer from an approved sponsor, the appropriate skill level (SOC code), and English language competence.
- Tradeable 20 points — typically earned through meeting salary thresholds, holding a relevant PhD, being on a shortage occupation list, or qualifying as a new entrant.
Salary bands & scoring (practical)
The matrix uses salary bands to award tradeable points. Common examples include a general threshold (e.g. £26,200), a new-entrant lower threshold, and a shortage-occupation uplift. Exact bands are updated by policy; always cross-check the official guidance before applying.
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Step-by-step: use the calculator
- Identify your job’s SOC code and confirm the sponsor’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Enter salary, SOC code and qualifications into the points tool to see your tradeable points outcome.
- Collect documentary evidence for any points claimed (payslips, degree certificates, CoS).
One authoritative reference
For the official rules and any recent changes, see the Home Office guidance on the Skilled Worker route. That GOV.UK page sets out the mandatory criteria and examples of tradeable points. GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa guidance
Common examples and formulas
Examples help illustrate how points add up:
- Example A: Job offer + appropriate skill level + English = 50 mandatory points. If salary meets the general threshold you gain 20 tradeable points → total 70 (eligible).
- Example B: If salary is below the general threshold but the job is on the shortage list, shortage uplift points may bridge the gap — always verify the SOC list and salary rules.
Checklist — documents to prepare
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference from employer.
- Recent payslips and a covering letter from HR confirming salary and working hours.
- Degree certificates, PhD award letters (if claiming qualification points).
- Evidence of English language qualification if required.
Related guides (one link each)
- Absence Calculator Guide — Counting absences & the 180-day test
- Continuous Residence Guide — 5 and 10 year rules explained
- Settlement Route Eligibility Guide — choose the right pathway
FAQs
How up-to-date are the salary bands?
Salary bands are adjusted occasionally — always confirm on the official GOV.UK guidance before relying on a band for an application.
Can the points calculator predict my ILR date?
The calculator helps with points and timelines separately — use this guide to score your points, then use the ILR timeline tool to test qualifying dates and absence windows.
What if I’m close but short on points?
Consider whether you qualify under a different tradeable option (PhD, shortage occupation, new entrant) or whether an employer can adjust the role/salary. Specialist advice is recommended for borderline cases.
Updated: 7 June 2026 — use this guide to prepare your evidence and combine points checks with the ILR calculator for timeline planning.
Standard Points-Based Requirements
The UK Skilled Worker visa operates under a points-based system (PBS). To qualify for a visa extension or initial entry, you must score a total of **70 points**. These points are split between mandatory attributes (50 points) and tradeable attributes (20 points).
The mandatory attributes are:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer (20 points).
- A job at an appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) (20 points).
- English language skills at CEFR Level B1 or higher (10 points).
You must meet all three criteria to secure your baseline 50 points.
Switching Visas Within the UK and Points Conversion
When you switch visa categories from within the UK (such as from a Graduate or Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa), the points calculation must be performed fresh. You cannot carry over points from a previous category.
If you are transitioning from a Graduate visa, you can benefit from the "New Entrant" concession, which grants 20 tradeable points for a salary of at least £30,960 (representing a 20% discount on the standard threshold). However, this concession can only be held for a maximum of 4 years in total (including time spent on the Graduate visa). Keep this limit in mind when planning your timeline to ILR to ensure your points do not lapse before you reach eligibility.
Salary Thresholds and Tradeable Points
The remaining 20 points are tradeable and are scored based on your salary and qualifications:
- If your salary meets the standard minimum threshold (£38,700 or the going rate for your SOC code, whichever is higher), you score the full 20 points.
- If you have a relevant PhD in a STEM subject, you can trade this to qualify at a lower salary threshold (£34,830 or 90% of the going rate).
- If your job is on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), you can trade this to qualify at £30,960 or 80% of the going rate.
- New entrants (under 26, recent UK graduates, or transitioning from Student visas) can qualify at £30,960 or 70% of the going rate.
Per-Pay-Period Payroll Scrutiny
Under the salary compliance rules active from **8 April 2026**, caseworkers will check your points qualification by auditing every payslip. You must exceed the per-pay-period minimum gross pay corresponding to your points tradeable option.
If your base pay falls short in a single pay cycle—even if your total annual earnings exceed the threshold—the caseworker will declare your points calculation invalid. This is a common trap that can lead to visa extension refusals and break continuous residence.
Life in the UK & English Language Points
While points are primarily used for entry and extensions, they form the foundation of your ILR eligibility. When you apply for ILR, the Home Office checks that you have maintained your points-qualifying status throughout your residency.
In addition, you must pass the Life in the UK test to qualify for ILR. This is a separate requirement that is not scored via points but must be completed to prove integration.
Points Calculator Verification Checklist
To verify your points total:
- Confirm SOC Code: Find your job code on your CoS and check the Home Office SOC code tables for the median going rate.
- Verify Salary Tradeable: Confirm your annual salary exceeds the minimum required for your specific tradeable option.
- Collect SELT reference: Verify you have a valid SELT unique reference number for your English exam.
- Audit monthly payslips: Check that your gross pay on every payslip exceeds the monthly equivalent of your threshold.
- Check CoS Details: Ensure your sponsor has assigned your CoS correctly with the correct points options selected.