How do employment points work for ILR?

Under the proposed points-based ILR system, applicants earn points for various factors including employment history, salary level, tax contributions, and duration of UK employment. The exact point allocations are being phased in as part of the 2026 reforms.

Do I need to earn a minimum salary for ILR employment points?

The points system is expected to award more points for higher salaries. Meeting the going rate for your occupation and earning above the general threshold will maximise your employment points.

What evidence do I need for employment points?

Evidence includes payslips, P60s, employer letters, HMRC tax records, and National Insurance contribution records. Keep all employment documentation throughout your time in the UK.

ILR Points for Employment UK 2026

Employment is expected to be a major scoring factor in the new points-based ILR system. Points are awarded for employment history, salary level, and tax contributions. This guide explains how to prepare and maximise your employment score.

The Points-Based ILR System

The 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed introducing a points-based element to ILR applications. Under this system, applicants earn points across several categories including employment, English language, and community integration. For the overall system, see our ILR points system guide.

How Employment Is Scored

Employment points are expected to be awarded based on:

Continuous employment. Being employed throughout your qualifying period demonstrates economic contribution and integration.
Salary level. Higher salaries are expected to attract more points. Meeting or exceeding the going rate for your occupation is important.
Tax contributions. PAYE income tax and National Insurance contributions demonstrate your economic contribution to the UK.
Duration. The longer you have been employed in the UK, the more points you may earn.

Evidence to Keep

Start keeping records from the beginning of your time in the UK:

Payslips. Monthly payslips from every employer
P60. Annual summary of pay and tax from each employer
Employment contracts. For each role you have held
HMRC records. Your personal tax account shows your income and tax history. See tax guide.
National Insurance record. Shows your NI contributions
Employer letters. Confirming your role, salary, and dates of employment

See the ILR documents checklist for the full list.

Impact on Skilled Worker Applicants

Skilled Worker visa holders should see our ILR points impact on Skilled Worker guide for route-specific guidance. Key considerations include maintaining the salary threshold and avoiding gaps in employment (see redundancy guide).

Impact on Spouse Visa Applicants

Spouse visa holders should see our ILR points impact on spouse visas guide. Employment is not the primary requirement on the spouse route, but earning points through employment may help strengthen your application.

Self-Employment

If you are self-employed, evidence includes:

Self-assessment tax returns
Accounts showing income
Business bank statements
HMRC correspondence

See our self-employment evidence guide.

Gaps in Employment

Periods of unemployment may reduce your employment points. If you have gaps, prepare explanations and evidence (for example, maternity leave — see maternity leave guide, or redundancy — see redundancy guide).

Maximising Your Points

Maintain continuous employment throughout your qualifying period
Aim for a salary at or above the going rate for your occupation
Keep all payslips and tax documents
File tax returns accurately and on time
Check your NI record regularly for gaps

Next Steps

Monitor GOV.UK for the latest on how the points-based ILR system will work. Keep detailed employment records from the start. See the 2026 immigration changes for updates.

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