Since the UK left the EU, the country’s immigration system has been governed by a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. As of 2025, this system remains the foundation for all work, study, and business visa categories.
The PBS aims to attract skilled talent, support economic growth, and ensure that only qualified individuals meeting specific eligibility criteria can live and work in the UK.
What Is the Points-Based System?
The UK’s Points-Based Immigration System assesses applicants based on a series of objective criteria — such as skills, qualifications, job offer, English proficiency, and salary.
Applicants must score enough points (typically 70 points) to qualify for their visa.
Under the system, every route has its own requirements, but the principle remains the same: you earn points by meeting essential criteria.
Main Visa Routes Under the Points-Based System (2025)
The PBS covers several visa categories that allow foreign nationals to work, invest, or study in the UK:
1. Skilled Worker Visa
For professionals with a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
You must:
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Have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor
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Receive a salary that meets the minimum threshold (£38,700 or the “going rate”)
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Meet the English language requirement
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Score at least 70 points
This visa leads to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
A sub-route of the Skilled Worker Visa designed for qualified health and care professionals working in eligible NHS, social care, or related roles.
Benefits include fast-track processing, lower fees, and no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
3. Global Talent Visa
For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology.
Applicants can qualify through either a prestigious award or endorsement by an approved UK body.
It offers flexibility — no job offer or sponsorship required — and can lead to settlement after 3 years.
4. Scale-up Worker Visa
For highly skilled workers joining fast-growing UK companies (Scale-ups).
Requires a sponsored job offer for at least 6 months with a minimum salary of £36,300.
5. Graduate Visa
For international students who have completed a UK degree.
It allows them to stay and work for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) without sponsorship.
6. Innovator Founder Visa
For entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
You must have an approved business plan and receive endorsement from a Home Office-recognised body.
This route allows settlement after 3 years.
7. Global Business Mobility (GBM) Routes
Covers five sub-routes for overseas businesses transferring staff or expanding operations into the UK:
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Senior or Specialist Worker
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Graduate Trainee
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UK Expansion Worker
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Service Supplier
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Secondment Worker
These routes do not lead directly to settlement but are vital for international companies.
How the Points Are Calculated
While requirements vary by visa type, most work routes (like Skilled Worker) follow this structure:
| Requirement | Points | Mandatory/Tradeable |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from approved sponsor | 20 | Mandatory |
| Job at appropriate skill level | 20 | Mandatory |
| English language skills (B1 or higher) | 10 | Mandatory |
| Salary at or above required level | 20 | Tradeable |
| PhD in relevant subject | 10 | Tradeable |
| Job in shortage occupation | 20 | Tradeable |
To qualify, you must score at least 70 points.
Financial and Maintenance Requirements (2025)
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You must show at least £1,270 in your bank account (unless exempt).
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Employers can certify maintenance for sponsored workers.
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Dependants must also show separate maintenance funds.
Home Office Fees and Costs (2025)
| Application Type | Visa Fee (Outside UK) | Visa Fee (Inside UK) | IHS (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | £719 – £1,500 | £827 – £1,636 | £1,248 |
| Health and Care Worker | £284 – £551 | £311 – £551 | Exempt |
| Global Talent | £716 | £716 | £1,248 |
| Scale-up Worker | £822 | £1,082 | £1,248 |
| Graduate | £822 | £822 | £1,248 |
| Innovator Founder | £1,191 | £1,486 | £1,248 |
(Updated to October 2025 Home Office fees.)
Future Plans and 2025 Updates
The UK Government continues to adjust salary thresholds and eligibility rules to align immigration with labour market needs.
In 2024, the minimum income threshold for family visas rose to £29,000, with further planned increases expected by 2026 to approximately £34,500.
Similar incremental updates to Skilled Worker salary thresholds may follow in 2025.
Settlement and Citizenship
Many PBS routes (such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator Founder) lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 or 5 years, depending on the category.
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
How LawSentis Can Help
Applying under the Points-Based System can be complex, especially with frequent Home Office rule changes.
Our UK-based immigration specialists at LawSentis provide expert guidance on visa selection, sponsorship, and compliance, ensuring your application is accurate and stress-free.
Contact us today for a consultation and let LawSentis help you navigate your UK immigration journey with confidence.
FAQs – Points-Based Immigration System UK 2025
1. What is the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025?
The Points Based Immigration System UK 2025 is the UK’s framework for managing skilled migration. It allows foreign nationals to work, study, or invest in the UK if they meet a set of criteria based on skills, salary, English ability, and job offers. Applicants usually need at least 70 points to qualify for most work visas.
2. How many points are required for a UK work visa in 2025?
You must score 70 points to qualify under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025. These points are earned through mandatory and tradeable criteria such as having a licensed sponsor, a suitable job offer, English language proficiency, and meeting the minimum salary threshold.
3. What are the main visa routes under the Points Based System?
The Points Based Immigration System UK 2025 includes key routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Innovator Founder Visa, Scale-up Visa, and Graduate Visa. Each has unique requirements and benefits.
4. What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
The general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025 is £38,700 or the “going rate” for the job — whichever is higher. Some healthcare and education roles have lower thresholds based on sector-specific rules.
5. Does the Points Based System apply to EU citizens?
Yes. Since Brexit, the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025 applies equally to EU and non-EU nationals. Everyone must meet the same requirements and earn the necessary points to qualify for a UK visa.
6. Can I bring my family under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025?
Yes, most PBS visas allow dependants — including your spouse or partner and children — to join you in the UK. You must show proof of adequate financial resources to support them, such as £285 for a partner and £315 for a child, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
7. How much money do I need in savings to apply?
Under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025, you typically need £1,270 in personal savings to prove you can support yourself upon arrival. This must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
8. Which routes under the Points Based System lead to settlement?
The Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator Founder visas under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025 all lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3–5 years of lawful residence, depending on the route.
9. Are there any updates to the system in 2025?
Yes. The UK Government continues to raise salary thresholds and tighten eligibility rules. In 2025, the family visa minimum income requirement rose to £29,000, with a planned increase to £34,500 by 2026. Similar adjustments for skilled work routes are expected later in 2025.
10. How can LawSentis help with my UK visa application?
LawSentis provides expert, UK-based immigration guidance for individuals and businesses applying under the Points Based Immigration System UK 2025. From selecting the right visa route to preparing supporting documents, our team ensures accuracy and compliance at every stage.