We cut through the jargon to give you the latest Home Office rules in plain English. Whether you're an applicant or an employer, get everything you need in one place.
The rules changed significantly. Skill threshold raised to graduate level (22 July 2025), overseas social care recruitment ended (22 July 2025), and English bumped to B2 (8 January 2026). A separate proposal to extend settlement (ILR) from 5 to 10 years is under consultation but is not yet in force. See all recent updates →
From eligibility to settlement — we cover every step of the Skilled Worker Visa journey.
Points criteria, salary thresholds, skill level requirements, English language rules and more — all explained clearly.
Step-by-step application guide from securing a job offer to receiving your eVisa.
Plain-English summaries of every UKVI policy change — so you never miss a rule update that could affect your application.
Downloadable checklist covering every document, step and fee you need to prepare before you apply.
Sponsor licence application, Certificates of Sponsorship, compliance duties and costs — all in one guide.
Comprehensive compliance checklist for HR teams — from pre-hire right-to-work checks to ongoing sponsor duties.
You need 70 points to qualify. Here is how they are typically earned.
| Requirement | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from approved sponsor | 20 | Mandatory |
| Job at RQF Level 6 or above | 20 | Mandatory |
| Salary ≥ standard going rate & ≥ £41,700 | 20 | Mandatory |
| English language B2 or above | 10 | Mandatory |
| PhD in a STEM subject relevant to role | 10 | Optional — can enable salary discount |
| PhD in any other subject relevant to role | 10 | Optional — can enable salary discount |
| New entrant / under-26 / recent graduate (salary discount route) | 20 | Alternative to standard salary |
* The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and Immigration Salary List (ISL) are separate mechanisms that affect skill-level and salary requirements for specific occupations — they are not extra points rows. Full eligibility details →
We translate every UKVI announcement into plain English, fast.
Sponsors can no longer rely on annual averages to meet the salary threshold. The £41,700 standard must now be met in every individual pay period.
Read moreNew applicants must now demonstrate English at B2 (upper-intermediate) level, up from the previous B1 requirement.
Read moreThe minimum skill level for new Skilled Worker applications rose to RQF 6 (graduate level), and overseas recruitment for social care roles via the Skilled Worker route was closed.
Read moreOur detailed, up-to-date PDF checklists walk you through every document, fee and step — designed for both applicants and HR teams.
Secure payment via Payhip. Instant PDF download. Updated whenever rules change.
This website provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify current requirements on GOV.UK or consult a regulated immigration adviser (OISC/SRA authorised).