Points-Based Immigration System

The UK's points-based immigration system (PBS) came into full effect on 1 January 2021, applying equally to EEA and non-EEA nationals. Most work routes (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Business Mobility) require applicants to accumulate 70 points: mandatory points for a sponsor, an eligible job offer, and English language proficiency; tradeable points for salary or shortage occupation status. Study routes (Student visa) also operate on a points basis. The Seasonal Worker and Graduate routes have simplified criteria. The PBS replaced the old Tier system. A key feature is that it is employer-led — individuals cannot come to the UK to look for work; they need a specific job offer from a licensed sponsor. Employers wishing to hire from abroad must first apply for a sponsor licence (cost: £611 for small/charitable sponsors, £1,682 for medium/large). The Home Office publishes lists of eligible occupations and going rates which are periodically updated.

What it means in practice. "Points-based" is slightly misleading. Outside a handful of routes there is very little genuine trading of one attribute against another — most of the points are mandatory and must all be scored, so in practice you either meet every requirement or you fail. What the framework really does is standardise the requirements across routes so that sponsorship, salary, and English language are assessed the same way whether you are applying as a care worker, an engineer, or a chef.

A worked example. Tomas has a job offer in Birmingham. He scores the mandatory points for having a sponsor, for the job being an eligible occupation, and for English language, which he evidences with an approved secure English language test. His salary sits above both the general threshold and the going rate for his occupation code, giving him the tradeable points he needs. Had his salary fallen short, no amount of qualifications or experience would have rescued the application — the shortfall would simply have made him ineligible unless he qualified as a new entrant.

Common pitfalls. The commonest is assuming that a degree or long experience substitutes for sponsorship. It does not: with narrow exceptions such as the Global Talent route, you cannot self-sponsor or apply speculatively. People also underestimate the English language evidence, which must come from an approved provider at an approved test centre, or from a degree taught in English confirmed by Ecctis. And the occupation lists and going rates change, so an offer that qualified last year may not qualify today.

How it relates to other terms. The main work route within the system is the Skilled Worker visa, which depends on an employer holding a sponsor licence and issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. Once here you will pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, hold digital status or a biometric residence permit, and satisfy right to work checks. Settlement is covered under indefinite leave to remain.

What to do next. Read our points-based system guide to identify which route actually fits your circumstances, then the Skilled Worker visa guide for the detailed requirements. If an application has already been refused, read options after a visa refusal before reapplying, because a fresh application repeating the same defect will fail again.