UK Visa Points Calculator Guide: Using the Official Points Matrix

How the points system is structured

For the Skilled Worker route and related routes, the points system is split into two parts:

• Mandatory 50 points: a job offer from an approved sponsor, the appropriate skill level (SOC code) and English language competence.
• Tradeable 20 points: typically earned by meeting salary thresholds, holding a relevant PhD, being in a shortage occupation or qualifying as a new entrant.

Salary bands and scoring (practical)

The matrix uses salary bands to award tradeable points. Common examples include a general threshold (£41,700 since 22 July 2025), a lower new-entrant threshold and a shortage-occupation uplift. The exact bands are updated by policy, so always cross-check the official guidance before applying.

Step-by-step: use the calculator

1. Identify your job’s SOC code and confirm the sponsor’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
2. Enter your salary, SOC code and qualifications into the points tool to see your tradeable points outcome.
3. Collect documentary evidence for every point 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. The 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 your salary meets the general threshold you gain 20 tradeable points, for a total of 70 (eligible).
• Example B: if your 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 the salary rules.

Checklist: documents to prepare

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference from your employer.
• Recent payslips and a covering letter from HR confirming salary and working hours.
• Degree certificates and PhD award letters (if claiming qualification points).
• Evidence of your 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

Standard points-based requirements

The UK Skilled Worker visa operates under a points-based system (PBS). To qualify for initial entry or a visa extension you must score a total of 70 points. These 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 B2 or higher (10 points; B1 if you had the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it).

You must meet all three criteria to secure your baseline 50 points.

Switching visas within the UK and points conversion

When you switch visa category from inside the UK (from a Graduate or Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, for example), the points calculation must be performed afresh. You cannot carry points over from a previous category.

If you are moving from a Graduate visa you can use the “new entrant” concession, which grants 20 tradeable points for a salary of at least £33,400 (roughly a 20% discount on the standard threshold). The concession can only be held for a maximum of 4 years in total, including time spent on the Graduate visa. Keep that limit in mind when planning your timeline to ILR so that your points do not lapse before you reach eligibility.

Salary thresholds and tradeable points

The remaining 20 points are tradeable and are scored on your salary and qualifications:

• If your salary meets the standard minimum threshold (£41,700 or the going rate for your SOC code, whichever is higher), you score the full 20 points.
• If you hold a relevant PhD in a STEM subject, you can trade it to qualify at a lower salary threshold (80% of the going rate, and at least £33,400). A relevant PhD in a non-STEM subject allows 90% of the going rate, and at least £37,500.
• If your job is on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), you can trade that to qualify at £33,400, as long as you are paid at least the standard going rate.
• New entrants (under 26, recent UK graduates, or those switching from a Student visa) can qualify at 70% of the going rate, and at least £33,400.

Per-pay-period payroll scrutiny

Under the salary compliance rules in force from 8 April 2026, caseworkers check your points qualification by auditing every payslip. You must exceed the per-pay-period minimum gross pay that corresponds to your tradeable option.

If your base pay falls short in a single pay cycle, even where your total annual earnings exceed the threshold, the caseworker will treat your points calculation as invalid. This is a common trap that can lead to extension refusals and break continuous residence.

Life in the UK and 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 residence.

You must also pass the Life in the UK test to qualify for ILR. This is a separate requirement, not scored through points, but it must be completed to demonstrate integration. You can practise with the free Life in the UK mock test and the free B2 English mock test.

Points calculator verification checklist

To verify your points total:

• Confirm your SOC code: find the job code on your CoS and check the Home Office SOC code tables for the median going rate.
• Verify your salary option: confirm that your annual salary exceeds the minimum required for your specific tradeable option.
• Collect your SELT reference: make sure you have a valid SELT unique reference number for your English exam.
• Audit monthly payslips: check that the gross pay on every payslip exceeds the monthly equivalent of your threshold.
• Check CoS details: make sure your sponsor has assigned your CoS correctly, with the correct points options selected.