The points based system is a UK immigration system established to regulate immigration of individuals who wish to study, relocate, work in the UK. In 2008 the UK phased in the points system for regulating immigration outside the European Economic Area(EEA).
Before the end of this article, we will break it down for you to completely understand the UK Points based Immigration system.
Lets get into it!
What is the UK Points Based Immigration System?
The UK points based system sets standards as a way to check eligibility of immigrants wishing to work, study, relocate to the UK.
The system provides a flexible and easy way for UK recruiters to employ skilled workers around the world through various immigration routes.
It is a way to support the wider positive movement of skilled labour into the UK market as a strategy to rebuild the economy.
At its core, the points based system assigns applicants points for various attributes and qualifications, such as professional skills, educational background, earnings, proficiency in the English language. The total point an applicant acquires determines their eligibility for different types of visa. The system allows the to regulate immigration flows in a structured manner, prioritising individuals whose skills are deemed beneficial to the country.
You should read: UK Skilled Worker Visa | 2025 Application Guide
What is the Criteria Used To Assess Applicants in the UK Points Based Immigration System?
1. Skill level
Applicants need to be offered a job from an approved sponsor and must meet a minimum skill level, usually RQF levels (A-level or equivalent). Though Higher skilled jobs get awarded more points.
2. Salary level
The salary level is usually between €20,960 and €25,599 (reduced points depending on the role). Lower salary level may be acceptable in specific occupations or if the applicant has certain qualifications such as a PHD in a STEM subject.
3. Proficiency in the English language
Applicants are required to take part in an advanced English language test. And be able to speak the English language.
You should read: Best UK Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
What are the Categories in the UK Points Based Immigration System?
Some of the commonly used are the skilled worker visa, Health and care worker visa, and students visa.
A range of immigration routes are included under the point based system.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
This visa is designed for individuals who were offered a job in the UK by a sponsor license holder. This category is essential for employers looking to hire skilled foreign nationals.
Successful applicants are granted the permission to live in the UK for up to 5 years before their visa is due or need to be extended. Though after 5 years they are eligible to apply for indefinite leave or remain, granting them permanent residency in the UK.
You should read: UK Skilled Worker Visa | 2025 Application Guide
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and care visa is a specific category under the points based immigration system designed to attract medical professionals (doctors, nurses, healthcare workers) to work in the national health service NHS, the social care sector or the NHS suppliers.
The Health and care visa is aimed at providing a fast track entry and reduced visa fees for eligible healthcare professionals.
You should read: How To Get Best USA Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
3. Student visa
The student visa category is designed for international students who wish to undertake any post 16 education at a UK institution.
Successful applicants can arrive in the UK before their course starts. They can arrive up to one week before, if the course lasts for 6 months or less, or up to one month before, if the course lasts more than 6 months.
The length of stay depends on the duration of the course and any additional study years granted.
You should read: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships In UK 2026 (Fully Funded)
Application Under The Point Based System
Step 1- Determine your visa type
Having the correct visa category that suits your circumstances.
Step 2- Satisfy the visa requirements
You will need to understand and meet both the general criteria and eligibility requirements as well as the specific requirements demanded by the route you are applying under.
Step 3- Gather the visa requirements
Prepare the necessary documents required to apply.
Step 4- Complete the online application
Complete the visa application form on the UK government official website.
Step 5- Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge
You are required to pay the necessary visa fee and immigration healthcare surcharge fee unless exempted.
Step 6- Schedule and attend a biometric appointment
Book an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometric information (fingerprint, photography etc).
Step 7- Submit your application and supporting documents.
For some applicants their visa documents can be submitted online, while some have to submit them at their biometric appointment.
Read also: How to Write a Visa Invitation Letter For a UK Visa (With Sample)
Required Documents for the Points Based Immigration System.
The documents you need to apply for the points based immigration system are-
- Passport.. Your passport must be valid with at least one blank page.
- Proof of financial means. This may include bank statements or sponsor letters proving you can support yourself (and people dependent on you if any) during your stay.
- Certificate of sponsorship (COS) or confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS).
- Evidence of the English language.
- Criminal Record certificate
- Tuberculosis test results.
Read: How to Know If Your Interview Went Well: Signs You Might Get the Job
Frequently Asked questions (FAQS) under UK points based immigration system.
The points based system is an immigration frame work employed by the UK to manage and assess the eligibility of individuals wishing to work, study or settle in the UK.
The point based system is a systematic and structural way of attracting skilled individuals to the UK. Hence any Non UK resident who is qualified or eligible can apply.
Most point based system allows you to bring your family members including spouse, children under 18 provided certain conditions are met.
Applicants are expected to take a SELT(secured English Language Test). To prove their proficiency in English language.
Conclusion
The points based immigration system has been instrumental in filling specific gaps in the UK workforce. By enabling more talented immigration. The UK points based immigration system offers a structured and strategic approach to immigration. Aiming to attract skilled individuals who will positively contribute to the economy.
