Understand the points requirements, salary thresholds and qualifications you need before you apply. Updated to reflect the January 2026 changes.
The minimum skill level is now RQF 6 (graduate level) and English proficiency must be B2. These requirements apply to all new applications made on or after 8 January 2026.
The Skilled Worker visa is a points-based system. You must score at least 70 points to qualify. Three core criteria are mandatory and together score 50 points; the remaining 20 must come from a qualifying salary or a tradeable characteristic.
| Criterion | Points | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer | 20 | Mandatory |
| Job at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above | 20 | Mandatory |
| English language at B2 (upper-intermediate) level | 10 | Mandatory |
| Salary meets the standard going rate AND ≥ £41,700/yr | 20 | Mandatory (Option A) |
| OR — tradeable salary options (if you qualify for a discount) | ||
| Salary ≥ 90% of going rate AND ≥ £37,530/yr — job in shortage (TSL) | 20 | Option B |
| Salary ≥ 80% of going rate AND ≥ £33,360/yr — PhD relevant to role | 20 | Option C |
| Salary ≥ 70% of going rate AND ≥ £33,360/yr — STEM PhD relevant to role | 20 | Option D |
| Additional tradeable points | ||
| Job is in a shortage occupation (Temporary Shortage List) | 20 | Tradeable |
| PhD in a subject relevant to the role | 10 | Tradeable |
| PhD in STEM relevant to the role | 10 | Tradeable |
| New entrant rate applies (under 26, recent grad, postdoctoral) | 20 | Tradeable |
Sponsors must now meet the salary threshold in every individual pay period. Annual averaging is no longer permitted. Make sure your contract and payslips will always meet the minimum.
| Route | Minimum Annual Salary | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Option A) | £41,700 or going rate (whichever is higher) | Most applicants |
| Shortage occupation (Option B) | £33,400 minimum | Job must be on the Temporary Shortage List |
| PhD relevant to role (Option C) | £33,400 minimum | Relevant PhD qualification required |
| STEM PhD relevant to role (Option D) | £33,400 minimum | STEM PhD qualification required |
| New entrant rate | £33,400 minimum | Under 26, recent graduate, or postdoctoral position |
| Absolute salary floor | £25,000 | No applicant can be sponsored below this — even with discounts |
Note: The "going rate" is specific to each SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code. Always check the official going rates table on GOV.UK for your occupation.
Since 8 January 2026, new applications must be for a job at RQF Level 6 or above — that is, graduate level (bachelor's degree equivalent or higher). This is a significant tightening from the previous RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) threshold.
| RQF Level | Qualification Equivalent | Skilled Worker eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| RQF 8 | Doctorate (PhD) | ✓ Yes |
| RQF 7 | Master's degree, PGCE | ✓ Yes |
| RQF 6 | Bachelor's degree, Graduate Diploma | ✓ Yes (new minimum) |
| RQF 4–5 | HND, Foundation Degree, Higher Apprenticeship | ⚡ TSL only (time-limited) |
| RQF 3 | A-levels, Advanced Apprenticeship | ✗ No longer eligible |
| RQF 1–2 | GCSEs, Foundation Apprenticeships | ✗ Not eligible |
RQF 4–5 roles remain temporarily available under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) under strict conditions. The MAC is reviewing the TSL with full implementation expected mid-2026.
From 8 January 2026, all Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual visa applicants must demonstrate English at B2 (upper-intermediate) level on the CEFR scale — up from the previous B1 requirement.
You can satisfy this by:
From 22 July 2025, the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has been extended to 10 continuous years for most points-based system routes, including Skilled Worker visas. Previously this was 5 years.
Some workers who held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 may be able to apply under transitional arrangements. Check your individual circumstances carefully or seek regulated immigration advice.
From 22 July 2025, employers can no longer recruit new overseas workers for social care roles via the Skilled Worker route. This affects care assistants and home care workers (SOC 6145). Existing visa holders are not immediately affected.