UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Calculator
Assess your potential for a UK Skilled Worker visa using our instant points-based calculation tool, updated for January 2026 rules including new graduate-level requirements.
Recent and Upcoming Changes (2025-2027)
The UK government has introduced significant reforms affecting visa applicants and sponsors:
- English language requirement (8 Jan 2026): Now requires B2 level for first-time applicants (extension applicants continue with B1)
- Graduate-level requirement (22 Jul 2025): Jobs must now be at RQF Level 6+ (bachelor's degree equivalent) instead of RQF Level 3+
- Higher salary thresholds (22 Jul 2025): General minimum increased from £38,700 to £41,700
- CoS fee increase (9 Apr 2025): Certificate of Sponsorship fees rose from £239 to £525
- Immigration Skills Charge (Dec 2025): Employer costs increased to £1,320/year (large sponsors) or £480/year (small/charitable sponsors)
- Care worker route (22 Jul 2025): Health and Care Worker visas closed for overseas care worker applications
- Temporary changes expire (31 Dec 2026): Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List provisions for RQF 3-5 roles end
Existing visa holders have transitional protection. Settlement pathway now requires 10 years (baseline) with faster routes for higher earners and shortage occupations.
Understanding UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility
The UK employs a points-based immigration system for work visas. To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, international candidates need sponsorship from a UK employer holding a sponsor license. Major reforms in 2025-2026 introduced graduate-level requirements, higher salary thresholds, and increased English language standards. The pathway to settlement now requires 10 years (baseline), with faster routes available for higher earners, significant tax contributors, and workers in shortage occupations.
Key Requirements for Job Seekers (You)
- 1Job Offer & CoS: You must have a job offer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor license.
- 2Graduate Skill Level: The job must be at RQF Level 6+ (bachelor's degree equivalent) and listed in the eligible occupations. Check your job's SOC code.
- 3Salary: Your salary must meet the minimum threshold (generally £41,700 or the job's 'going rate', whichever is higher). Discounted rates: £37,500 (PhD non-STEM), £33,400 (new entrants, PhD STEM, Immigration Salary List), with absolute floor of £25,000.
- 4English Language: Proficiency at CEFR level B1 is required (increasing to B2 for first-time applicants from 8 January 2026), proven via an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality.
- 5Financial Requirement: Proof of £1,270 in savings held for 28 days, unless your A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS.
Skilled Worker Points Breakdown (Need 70 Total)
Points are awarded across mandatory and tradeable characteristics.
Mandatory (50 points required):
- +20 points: Job offer from licensed sponsor
- +20 points: Job at graduate skill level (RQF 6+)
- +10 points: English language skills (B1 level, B2 from 8 Jan 2026 for new applicants)
Tradeable (20 points required from ONE of these options):
- +20 points: Salary ≥ £41,700 (or going rate, whichever is higher)
- +20 points: Job on Immigration Salary List (ISL) (min salary £33,400, discount applies to threshold only, not going rate - expires 31 Dec 2026)
- +20 points: PhD in relevant STEM subject (min salary £33,400, 20% discount)
- +20 points: 'New entrant' to labour market (min salary £33,400, 20% threshold + 30% going rate discount)
- +10 points: PhD in relevant non-STEM subject (min salary £37,500, 10% discount) - *Note: This alone is not enough unless combined with other points.*
Absolute minimum salary floor: £25,000 per year regardless of discounts.
What Employers Need to Do
- Hold a valid Sponsor License from the Home Office.
- Ensure the job is genuine, meets the graduate skill level (RQF 6+), and salary requirements.
- Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker (cost: £525 per CoS).
- Pay the Immigration Skills Charge: £1,320/year (large sponsors) or £480/year (small/charitable sponsors). Exemptions apply for scientific researchers and higher education teaching roles.
- Comply with reporting and monitoring duties for sponsored workers.
- For care workers: Must be CQC-registered in England. Overseas care worker applications closed from 22 July 2025.
Application Process Snapshot
- Secure job offer and CoS from a licensed sponsor.
- Apply online via the GOV.UK website.
- Pay the visa fee (£769 - £1,751) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year).
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints/photo).
- Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK).
- If approved, receive visa/permission to travel and work.
Note: Processing times may extend due to document verification, interviews, or increased demand. Standard service times are 3 weeks (outside UK) and 8 weeks (inside UK). Priority services may be temporarily suspended in some regions.
This information is for guidance only and reflects rules as of January 2026. Immigration regulations change frequently. Important upcoming changes: Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List provisions expire 31 December 2026; Graduate visa duration reduces to 18 months from January 2027 (PhDs retain 3 years). Always refer to the official GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page or consult a qualified immigration advisor for definitive advice.
Ready to Calculate Your Skilled Worker Points?
Use our interactive calculator for an instant assessment based on the latest January 2026 requirements: B2 English language proficiency, graduate-level skill requirements (RQF 6+), and updated salary thresholds starting at £41,700.
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