UK Points-Based Immigration System
The UK points-based immigration system allows skilled individuals to work in the UK if they meet the required point threshold, except for Irish citizens. Points are awarded based on criteria such as job offer, skill level, English proficiency, and salary, enabling employers to recruit qualified talent globally.
Employers hiring from abroad must generally hold a sponsor licence and ensure that positions meet Home Office standards for sponsorship eligibility.
1. UK Labour Market Context
The points-based system is part of the UK’s broader labour market strategy, supporting business growth while prioritizing domestic recruitment first. Financial incentives may also be available for hiring, training, or upskilling employees.
2. Points Threshold
Applicants must score at least 70 points to qualify for a UK work visa.
3. Skilled Worker Route
3.1 Overview
The Skilled Worker route covers most jobs eligible for overseas recruitment.
3.2 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
3.3 Points Table (Skilled Worker Visa)
| Characteristic | Mandatory / Tradeable | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from approved sponsor | Mandatory | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | Mandatory | 20 |
| English proficiency | 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 |
| Job in a shortage occupation | Tradeable | 20 |
| PhD in relevant subject | Tradeable | 10 |
| STEM PhD in relevant subject | Tradeable | 20 |
Internal link: Skilled Worker Visa → /uk-skilled-worker-visa
4. Graduate Route
4.1 Overview
The Graduate route allows international students to work or look for work in the UK after completing their degree.
4.2 Key Details
- Duration: 2 years, 3 years for PhD graduates
- Unendorsed/unsponsored route – no sponsor licence required
- Flexibility to switch jobs or visa categories, including Skilled Worker, for settlement purposes
Internal link: Graduate Route → /uk-graduate-visa
5. Global Business Mobility (Replacing ICT)
5.1 Overview
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) route replaces the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visas.
5.2 Key Details
- Designed for multinational corporations transferring key personnel to the UK
- Roles must be at RQF 6 (graduate level) or higher
- Includes a Graduate Trainee stream for structured development
Intra-company routes are being phased out in favor of GBM.
Internal link: Global Business Mobility → /global-business-mobility
6. Start-up and Innovator Routes
6.1 Overview
These routes are designed to bring entrepreneurial and innovative talent to the UK.
6.2 Start-up Visa
- For first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
6.3 Innovator Visa
- For experienced entrepreneurs with £50,000+ funding
- Focus on scalable and innovative businesses
Internal links: UK Start-up Visa · UK Innovator Visa
7. Next Steps and Contact
For professional guidance and support with your UK work visa application, contact:
Phone: +91-9019-400-500 Email: [email protected] Visit: United Kingdom services · Contact page
8. FAQs
Q1. How do I reach the 70-point threshold for Skilled Worker visas? A. Combine mandatory points (job offer, RQF 3+, English) with tradeable points (salary, shortage occupation, PhD) to total 70 points.
Q2. Do I need a sponsor licence to hire Graduate visa holders? A. No. Graduate route holders are unsponsored. Sponsor licences are needed for Skilled Worker or GBM routes.
Q3. Difference between Skilled Worker and GBM? A. Skilled Worker supports settlement and covers RQF 3+ roles. GBM targets temporary transfers, often at RQF 6, with different salary thresholds and no direct settlement.
Q4. Can Graduate visa holders switch to Skilled Worker? A. Yes. With a job offer from a licensed sponsor, they can switch and start accruing time toward settlement.
Q5. What salaries count for Skilled Worker points? A. Points are awarded based on salary bands (e.g., £25,600+ or percentage of going rate) and combined with shortage occupation or PhD points to reach 70 points.
