Skilled Workers and the points proposal
The new points-based ILR system will significantly affect Skilled Worker visa holders applying for settlement. This guide explains how the changes affect your ILR application and what you can do to prepare.
- Section
- Costs, English & General
- Reading time
- 9 min
- Last checked
- 26 March 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Employment and salary are major scoring categories.
- B2 English applies to settlement on this route from 26 March 2027. Before that date the standard is B1.
- Maintain continuous employment to maximise points.
- Start preparing well before your 5-year qualifying date.
Skilled Worker visa holders should understand how the new ILR points system affects their settlement plans. Points are earned through employment, salary, English language, and community integration. This guide helps you prepare.
How the Points System Works
The proposed points-based ILR system requires applicants to earn points across several categories. For Skilled Worker visa holders, the key categories are:
- Employment. See our employment points guide.
- English language. See the B2 impact guide.
- Community integration. Including volunteering, community involvement, and knowledge of life in the UK.
Employment Points for Skilled Workers
As a Skilled Worker, you should be in continuous employment, which puts you in a strong position for employment points. Focus on:
- Maintaining employment throughout your qualifying period
- Meeting the salary threshold and going rate
- Keeping all payslips, P60s, and employment records
- Ensuring your NI contributions are up to date — see NI contributions guide
If you change jobs during your qualifying period, ensure there are no gaps in employment. If you are made redundant, act quickly to find new sponsored employment.
English Language Points
The B2 English requirement applies to settlement on the Skilled Worker route from 26 March 2027. For Skilled Workers:
- Before 26 March 2027 the settlement standard is B1
- From 26 March 2027 it is B2 (upper intermediate). How this affects an application already in progress is set out in the transitional rules
- Check if you are exempt
- If you need B2, see our study tips and IELTS score guide
Other ILR Requirements
You still need to meet the standard ILR requirements:
- Continuous residence (180-day absence rule)
- Life in the UK test
- Good character
See the Skilled Worker to ILR guide and documents checklist.
Costs
ILR costs £3,226 per person. See the ILR cost guide.
Salary Threshold Changes
The 2026 Skilled Worker changes include updates to salary thresholds. Higher salaries are expected to earn more ILR points. Check the ILR salary threshold guide.
Preparation Timeline
- Year 1-3: Keep all employment records. Start studying for the Life in the UK test.
- Year 4: Check your English level. Book the Life in the UK test. Review your absence record.
- Year 4.5: Gather documents. Book any required English tests.
- 28 days before year 5: Submit your ILR application through GOV.UK.
Next Steps
Start preparing early. Keep records, monitor policy changes, and check whether transitional rules protect you from B2. For the latest, see GOV.UK.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How does the points system affect Skilled Worker ILR?
Under the new system, Skilled Worker visa holders will need to score enough points across employment, English language, and community integration categories. Maintaining continuous employment and meeting the salary threshold will be key.
Will I need B2 English for ILR on the Skilled Worker route?
From 26 March 2027, yes. The settlement English standard rises from B1 to B2 on the Skilled Worker, Scale-up, Global Talent and Long Residence routes from that date. This is set out in the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules published on 5 March 2026, so it is a dated change rather than a proposal. Before that date the standard is B1. Check GOV.UK for how it applies to an application already in progress.
Do I need to earn above the salary threshold for ILR points?
Meeting or exceeding the going rate for your occupation is expected to earn maximum employment points. Falling below could reduce your score.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.