Uk Points Based Visa Calculator
Calculate your points for UK Skilled Worker visa from salary, qualification, and sponsorship. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Total Points = Job Offer (20) + Skill Level (20) + English (10) + Salary (0-20) + Shortage (0-20) + PhD (0-20)
The UK Skilled Worker visa requires a minimum of 70 points. Three mandatory categories provide 50 points. The remaining 20+ points come from tradeable categories: salary level, shortage occupation status, and relevant academic qualifications.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Software Developer Application
Problem: A software developer has a job offer from a UK sponsor paying £35,000 with a Bachelor's degree and B2 English.
Solution: Job offer from sponsor: 20 points ✓\nJob at RQF 3+ skill level: 20 points ✓\nEnglish B1+: 10 points ✓\nSalary £35,000 (≥ £25,600): 20 points ✓\nNo shortage occupation: 0 points\nNo PhD: 0 points\nTotal: 70 points
Result: 70 points — ELIGIBLE | Meets all mandatory + salary threshold
Example 2: Nurse in Shortage Occupation
Problem: A nurse has a job offer paying £22,000 (shortage occupation) with a relevant PhD and IELTS 7.0.
Solution: Job offer from sponsor: 20 points ✓\nJob at RQF 3+ skill level: 20 points ✓\nEnglish B1+: 10 points ✓\nSalary £22,000 (£20,480–£23,039): 0 points\nShortage occupation: 20 points ✓\nPhD relevant to job: 20 points ✓\nTotal: 90 points
Result: 90 points — ELIGIBLE | Shortage + PhD compensate for lower salary
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the UK points-based immigration system work?
The UK points-based immigration system, introduced in January 2021 after Brexit, requires applicants to score at least 70 points to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. Points are awarded across mandatory and tradeable categories. Three mandatory requirements must be met: a job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points), a job at the appropriate skill level of RQF 3 or above (20 points), and English language ability at B1 level or above (10 points). These provide 50 mandatory points, meaning applicants need 20 additional tradeable points from salary level, shortage occupation status, or relevant qualifications. The system replaced the previous Tier 2 visa route and applies equally to EU and non-EU citizens, creating a single immigration framework based on skills rather than nationality.
What salary do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
The general salary threshold for a UK Skilled Worker visa is £25,600 per year (or £10.75 per hour), which awards the full 20 tradeable salary points. However, applicants earning between £20,480 and £25,599 can still qualify if they make up the points deficit through other tradeable categories such as working in a shortage occupation or holding a PhD. Specifically, a salary of £23,040 to £25,599 earns 10 points, while £20,480 to £23,039 earns 0 salary points but may still qualify with sufficient tradeable points. Some occupations have different going rates which may set a higher salary requirement. New entrants to the labor market (under 26, recent graduates, or those in professional training) may be eligible for a lower salary threshold of £20,480.
What qualifications earn extra points for a UK visa?
Educational qualifications can earn significant tradeable points in the UK points-based system. A PhD or equivalent qualification in a subject relevant to the job earns 20 additional points, which is the highest academic bonus available. A PhD in any other subject earns 10 additional points. These academic points are particularly valuable for applicants whose salary falls below the standard £25,600 threshold, as they can compensate for the salary shortfall. The qualification must be recognized by UK ENIC (the UK's national information centre for global qualifications). Bachelor's and Master's degrees do not earn additional tradeable points but are generally needed to meet the minimum skill level requirement of RQF 3 or above for the job itself.
How long does the UK Skilled Worker visa process take?
The UK Skilled Worker visa processing time varies depending on where you apply and the service level chosen. Standard processing from outside the UK typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from the date of the biometric appointment. Priority processing (available in some countries for an additional fee) reduces this to approximately 5 working days. Super priority processing, where available, can deliver a decision within 1 to 2 working days. Applications from within the UK to switch or extend a visa generally take 8 weeks for standard processing. Before applying, the employer must complete the sponsorship certificate of sponsorship process, which can take 1 to 3 months including the resident labor market test exemption period. Total timeline from job offer to visa approval is typically 2 to 4 months, including sponsor license and CoS processing time.
How accurate are the results from Uk Points Based Visa Calculator?
All calculations use established mathematical formulas and are performed with high-precision arithmetic. Results are accurate to the precision shown. For critical decisions in finance, medicine, or engineering, always verify results with a qualified professional.
How do I interpret the result?
Results are displayed with a label and unit to help you understand the output. Many calculators include a short explanation or classification below the result (for example, a BMI category or risk level). Refer to the worked examples section on this page for real-world context.