Introduction
Anyone travelling to the UK for work must meet a set of standards under the UK points-based immigration system, except for Irish citizens. Those earning enough points are granted visas, allowing UK firms to hire skilled individuals from around the world.
To hire most employees from outside the UK, employers need a sponsor licence. Before applying, ensure the jobs you intend to fill meet the Home Office standards.
UK Labour Market Context
The points-based system supports the UK’s broader labour market strategy, helping businesses grow while prioritizing domestic recruitment. Financial incentives may also be available for hiring, training, or upskilling employees.
Applicants must reach 70 points to qualify for a UK work visa.
Skilled Worker Route
The Skilled Worker route covers most jobs eligible for overseas recruitment.
Requirements
- Job offer from a licensed Home Office sponsor
- Job at RQF 3+ skill level (A-Level equivalent or higher)
- English proficiency at the required level
Points Table (Skilled Worker Visa)
| Characteristic | Mandatory / Tradeable | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Offer of job by approved sponsor | Mandatory | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | Mandatory | 20 |
| English at required level | Mandatory | 10 |
| Salary £20,480–£23,039 or ≥80% of going rate | Tradeable | 0 |
| Salary £23,040–£25,599 or ≥90% of going rate | Tradeable | 10 |
| Salary ≥£25,600 or ≥going rate | Tradeable | 20 |
| Shortage occupation (MAC) | Tradeable | 20 |
| PhD relevant to the job | Tradeable | 10 |
| STEM PhD relevant to the job | Tradeable | 20 |
Graduate Route
The Graduate route allows international students to stay and work in the UK:
- Duration: 2 years, 3 years for PhD graduates
- Unendorsed: no sponsor licence required
- Flexible work and job-switching allowed
- Cannot extend, but can switch to a Skilled Worker visa
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
- Enables temporary transfers of key personnel to the UK
- Requires RQF 6 (graduate-level) roles
- Has different minimum salary thresholds than Skilled Worker
Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa
- For employees in a structured graduate training program
- Progression to managerial or specialist roles within the organisation
- Phasing out in favor of Global Business Mobility
Start-up and Innovator Routes
- Start-up Visa: First-time entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
- Innovator Visa: Experienced entrepreneurs with £50,000+ funding
- Both routes focus on scalable, innovative businesses
FAQs
Q1. Do all UK employers need a sponsor licence?
A. Most work routes (Skilled Worker, ICT/GBM) require a licence. The Graduate route does not.
Q2. What is the minimum points total for Skilled Worker?
A. 70 points, combining mandatory (job offer, RQF 3+, English) and tradeable elements (salary, shortage occupation, PhD).
Q3. Can Graduate visa holders switch to Skilled Worker?
A. Yes. With a job offer from a licensed sponsor, they can switch, subject to skill and salary thresholds.
Q4. How does GBM relate to Intra-company routes?
A. GBM consolidates previous ICT pathways into a single sponsored framework, with sub-routes for senior/specialist workers, graduate trainees, and overseas business transfers.
Q5. Which salaries count for Skilled Worker points?
A. The going rate varies by occupation. Points are awarded based on salary bands, combined with shortage occupation or PhD points to reach 70.
