UK Points-Based Visa Explained for Indian Applicants
Last updated: January 2026
Since Brexit, the UK uses a points-based immigration system similar to Australia and Canada. Here's everything Indian professionals need to know about the Skilled Worker visa.
The 70-Point System Explained
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you need exactly 70 points. The system has mandatory and tradeable characteristics.
Mandatory Requirements (50 Points)
| Requirement | Points | Details | |-------------|--------|---------| | Job offer from licensed sponsor | 20 | Non-negotiable | | Job at appropriate skill level | 20 | RQF 3+ (A-level equivalent) | | English language proficiency | 10 | IELTS UKVI 4.0+ each | | Subtotal | 50 | Must have all three |
Tradeable Characteristics (Need 20 More)
| Characteristic | Points | |----------------|--------| | Salary £25,600+ | 20 | | Salary £23,040-£25,599 | 10 | | Job on Shortage Occupation List | 20 | | PhD relevant to job | 10 | | PhD in STEM relevant to job | 20 | | New entrant (under 26, student) | 20* |
*New entrants can qualify with lower salary (£20,480)
👉 Check Your UK Points
Use our UK Points Calculator to see if you meet the 70-point threshold and identify the best pathway.
Salary Requirements in 2026
General Threshold
| Category | Minimum Salary | |----------|---------------| | Standard | £38,700/year | | Shortage Occupation | £30,960/year | | New Entrant | £30,960/year | | PhD | £34,830/year | | Health & Education | Varies by role |
Important Note
From April 2024, salary thresholds increased significantly. Always verify current requirements on GOV.UK.
The Shortage Occupation List
Jobs on this list have lower salary requirements and get 20 tradeable points. Key occupations for Indians:
IT & Technology
- Software developers
- IT business analysts
- Data analysts
- Cybersecurity specialists
Healthcare
- Nurses (all specialties)
- Medical practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Medical radiographers
Engineering
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Design engineers
Other
- Secondary school teachers
- Social workers
- Veterinarians
- Architects
How Indians Typically Qualify
Profile 1: IT Professional
| Characteristic | Points | |----------------|--------| | Job offer (Tech company) | 20 | | Skill level (RQF 6) | 20 | | English (IELTS 6.5+) | 10 | | Salary £45,000 | 20 | | Total | 70 ✓ |
Profile 2: Healthcare Worker
| Characteristic | Points | |----------------|--------| | Job offer (NHS) | 20 | | Skill level (RQF 6) | 20 | | English (OET B) | 10 | | Shortage Occupation | 20 | | Total | 70 ✓ |
Profile 3: New Graduate
| Characteristic | Points | |----------------|--------| | Job offer | 20 | | Skill level (RQF 3+) | 20 | | English | 10 | | New entrant | 20 | | Total | 70 ✓ |
The Sponsor Requirement
Unlike Canada/Australia, you cannot apply without a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
Finding a Sponsor
- Search the sponsor list
- Apply directly to sponsor companies
- Use recruitment agencies
- Job sites: Indeed UK, LinkedIn, Totaljobs
Companies That Sponsor Indians
- TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL (IT)
- NHS Trusts (Healthcare)
- Big 4 accounting firms
- Major banks and financial institutions
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score (B1) | |------|-------------------| | IELTS UKVI | 4.0 each band | | IELTS Academic/General | Not accepted* | | OET | Grade C+ (Healthcare) | | PTE Academic | 43 each | | Trinity ISE | ISE I |
*Must be UKVI-approved test center
Cost of UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Fee | Amount | |-----|--------| | Application (3 years) | £719-£1,420 | | Application (5 years) | £1,420-£1,500 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | | Biometrics | Included | | Total (5 years) | ~£6,500-7,000 |
Pathway to Settlement (ILR)
After 5 years on Skilled Worker visa:
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Requirements: salary threshold, Life in UK test, English B1
- After ILR: Eligible for British citizenship
Tips for Indian Applicants
- Start job search early: Sponsor requirement is the biggest hurdle
- Target shortage occupations: Lower salary thresholds
- Get IELTS UKVI: Not regular IELTS
- Consider intra-company transfer: If working for UK company in India
- Graduate route: If studying in UK, get 2-year post-study work visa first
Alternative UK Visa Options
| Visa | Requirements | |------|--------------| | Global Talent | Exceptional talent in specific fields | | Innovator Founder | Business/startup plans | | Graduate | UK degree holders | | Youth Mobility | Age 18-30, specific countries | | Scale-up | Fast-growing company sponsor |
Next Steps
- Check your points: UK Points Calculator
- Search for sponsor employers
- Book IELTS UKVI test
- Prepare CV for UK market
- Apply to roles
Need Assistance?
Our UK immigration specialists help Indians navigate the sponsor search and visa application process.
Free Assessment | Talk to Expert
Information based on UK Home Office Skilled Worker visa guidance, January 2026.
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