Most skilled worker wanting to work in the UK needs to apply for a visa through a point-based system. The new skilled worker visa has replaced the old Tier 2 (General) work permit. The new point-based system applies to EU nationals as well. The current point-based system was launched at the end of 2020.

How does the new point-based system work?

A skilled worker must earn at least 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa. Job offer, salary, and English language skills all count towards the total point. For example, a university researcher can earn 70 points in the following way:

The Mandatory 50 Points

20 points – for a job offer – Certificate of sponsorship;
20 points- for an employment appropriate skill level;
10 points- for speaking English

There are some exceptions to the points awarded as well. For example, certain jobs in health or education will still award 20 points even if the salary is less than £25,600.

The general salary threshold is £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the 'going rate.

Applicants can trade points as well. For example, their qualifications, against a lower salary to get the required points. If the job offer is less than the minimum salary requirement but no less than £20,480, an applicant may still be eligible if they have the following:

a job offer in a specific shortage occupation
a PhD relevant to the job
a PhD in a STEM subject pertinent to the job

There are different salary rules for workers in specific health or education jobs and' new entrants at the start of their careers.

UK companies need a sponsor licence to hire foreign workers.

Tradeable points

The applicant must be awarded 50 mandatory points and for the rest you can use the tradeable points -

Option	Tradeable points requirements for each option	Points
A	The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds all of the following: • £25,600 per year; • £10.10 per hour; and • the going rate for the occupation code.	20
B	Educational qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job and the applicant’s salary equals or exceeds all of the following: • £23,040 per year; • £10.10 per hour; and • 90% of the going rate for the occupation code. In this entry, 10 points will be awarded for the educational qualification and 10 points will be awarded for the applicant’s salary.	20
C	Educational qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and the applicant’s salary equals or exceeds all of the following: • £20,480 per year; • £10.10 per hour; and • 80% of the going rate for the occupation code.	20
D	Job in a shortage occupation and the applicant’s salary equals or exceeds all of the following: • £20,480 per year; • £10.10 per hour; and • 80% of the going rate for the occupation code, for occupation codes where a going rate is specified.	20
E	Applicant is a new entrant to the labour market and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: • £20,480 per year; • £10.10 per hour; and • 70% of the going rate for the occupation code.	20
F	Job in a listed health or education occupation and the applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both: • £20,480 per year; and • the going rate for the occupation code. An applicant with a job in a listed health or education occupation can only be awarded tradeable points from option F.	20

Once you have scored 70 points in total you can apply for a Skilled worker visa.

If you need professional advice for your skilled worker application, please contact Visa and Migration Ltd on https://visaandmigration.com/contact.html

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