Check whether you reach the 70 points needed for a UK Skilled Worker visa: 50 mandatory points you must have, plus 20 tradeable points from your salary, a PhD, or a shortage-list role.
You meet all 50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points.
Mandatory50 / 50
Tradeable20 / 20
All three mandatory items are required. Points don't stack beyond 70; you need exactly the 50 mandatory plus 20 tradeable. Salary must also meet the higher of the threshold and your occupation's going rate.
The UK Skilled Worker visa uses a points-based system where you need 70 points to be eligible. Fifty of those are mandatory and non-negotiable: a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a role at the required skill level, and English language ability. The final 20 are "tradeable" — you can earn them in several ways, most commonly by meeting the salary threshold, but also through a relevant PhD or a role on the shortage list. This calculator checks whether your combination adds up to 70.
How the 70 points break down
You must collect all 50 mandatory points and then exactly 20 tradeable points. The tradeable routes are alternatives, not additions — you pick the one that fits and it's worth 20.
Mandatory = Sponsored job (20) + Skill level RQF 6 (20) + English B1 (10) = 50
Tradeable = 20 (salary, PhD, or shortage-list route)
Eligible total = 70 points
Requirement
Points
Type
Job offer from approved sponsor
20
Mandatory
Job at RQF Level 6 skill level
20
Mandatory
English at B1 or above
10
Mandatory
Salary ≥ £41,700 and going rate
20
Tradeable
STEM PhD relevant to the job
20
Tradeable
Immigration Salary List role
20
Tradeable
The salary rules from 22 July 2025
Since 22 July 2025 the general salary threshold is £41,700 a year, or the occupation's going rate if that's higher — you must meet whichever is greater. Discounted floors apply to specific routes: £37,500 for applicants with a relevant non-STEM PhD, and £33,400 for STEM-PhD roles, new entrants, and jobs on the Immigration Salary List, each still subject to a percentage of the going rate. Because going rates were recalculated using 2024 earnings data, always check the current rate for your exact occupation code.
Worked example
A software engineer with a sponsored job, a degree-level role, B1 English and a £45,000 salary:
Sponsored job offer
20
RQF Level 6 role
20
English B1
10
Salary ≥ £41,700 and going rate
20
Total
70 — eligible
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
70 points: 50 mandatory (sponsored job, skill level and English) plus 20 tradeable, usually from meeting the salary threshold.
What is the minimum salary in 2025?
From 22 July 2025 the general threshold is £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Lower floors of £37,500 or £33,400 apply to specific PhD, new-entrant and shortage-list routes.
Can I add tradeable options together?
No. You need exactly 20 tradeable points from one qualifying route, on top of the 50 mandatory points.
Is this official immigration advice?
No. It's a simplified estimate of the points rules. Check the current GOV.UK Skilled Worker guidance and going rates, or consult a qualified immigration adviser.
Unofficial estimate for guidance only. It simplifies the Skilled Worker rules and doesn't check going rates, sponsorship, or every eligibility condition, and isn't immigration advice. Confirm current thresholds and rules on GOV.UK, or consult a qualified immigration adviser.
Written by the CalcPine team · Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated 12 July 2026 · Method: 50 mandatory points plus 20 tradeable points using the rules effective 22 July 2025.
