What are tradeable points in the Skilled Worker visa system?

Tradeable points allow certain applicants to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa at a lower salary than the standard threshold. If you have specific characteristics — such as a job on the shortage occupation list, a relevant PhD, or being a new entrant to the labour market — you can trade these for a reduced salary requirement.

What is the minimum salary with tradeable points?

The minimum salary with tradeable points depends on the specific characteristic. For shortage occupation roles, the salary must be at least 80% of the going rate for the occupation. For new entrants, the threshold is 70% of the going rate, subject to an overall minimum floor. Check GOV.UK for the latest figures as these change.

Who counts as a new entrant?

New entrants include those under 26, recent graduates switching from a Student or Graduate visa, those on a postdoctoral position, and professional or medical trainees. New entrant status can only be used for a maximum of four years, after which you must meet the full salary threshold.

Can I combine multiple tradeable points?

The system does not stack tradeable points in a way that further reduces the salary. Having multiple qualifying characteristics (such as a PhD and a shortage occupation) does not give you an additional discount beyond the single most beneficial one. However, having a PhD in a STEM subject does provide a distinct salary reduction.

Tradeable Points and Salary for Skilled Worker Visa

Tradeable points in the Skilled Worker visa system allow applicants with specific characteristics to qualify at a lower salary. These characteristics include shortage occupations, relevant PhDs, new entrant status, and STEM qualifications. This guide explains each category, the salary reductions available, and how employers and applicants can use them.

How the Points System Works

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants need 70 points. Some points are mandatory (job offer, skill level, English language), while others are tradeable. Tradeable points allow flexibility on salary:

Mandatory points (50): Job offer from a licensed sponsor (20), job at appropriate skill level (20), English language at B1 (10)
Salary points (20): Meeting the salary threshold earns 20 points, but tradeable characteristics can substitute for a lower salary

The standard salary threshold and the going rate for the specific occupation are the benchmarks. Tradeable points reduce these benchmarks. See the GOV.UK Skilled Worker job requirements page for current thresholds.

Shortage Occupation Roles

If the job is on the shortage occupation list, the applicant can qualify at a lower salary. The going rate discount is typically 80% of the standard going rate for the occupation.

This benefits both employers (who can offer competitive but lower salaries to international recruits) and workers (who can qualify for roles that would otherwise fall below the threshold).

The shortage occupation list is reviewed periodically by the Migration Advisory Committee. Roles can be added or removed, so always check the current list before relying on this discount.

New Entrant Discount

New entrants to the UK labour market benefit from the most generous salary discount. You qualify as a new entrant if you are:

Under 26 years old at the date of application
Switching from a Student visa or Graduate route
In a recognised postdoctoral position
On a recognised professional training programme
Working toward a recognised professional qualification

The new entrant discount reduces the salary requirement to 70% of the going rate, subject to an overall minimum floor. This discount can only be used for a maximum of four years. After that, you must meet the full salary at your next visa application.

This is particularly relevant for graduates moving from the Graduate route to Skilled Worker visa.

PhD Discount

Holding a PhD relevant to the job provides a tradeable point that reduces the salary requirement. There are two levels:

PhD in a relevant subject: Reduces the going rate requirement
PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: Provides a larger reduction

The PhD must be relevant to the specific role, not just any doctorate. The employer must confirm on the certificate of sponsorship that the PhD is relevant.

Health and Care Worker Discount

Workers in eligible health and social care roles benefit from specific salary discounts under the Health and Care Worker visa route. These roles have a lower general salary threshold and reduced application fees and IHS charges.

For Employers

Understanding tradeable points can expand your talent pool. Practical considerations:

Check whether the role qualifies for any tradeable characteristics before setting the salary
Remember that the new entrant discount is time-limited — the worker will need a higher salary at the next visa renewal
Ensure the certificate of sponsorship correctly reflects any tradeable points being claimed
Factor in future salary increases when planning the role's long-term viability as a sponsored position

For a broader view, see our employer visa type overview. Check the GOV.UK going rates table for current figures.

Next Steps

If you are an applicant, check whether you qualify for any tradeable points that could reduce your salary requirement. If you are an employer, review your sponsored roles to see if tradeable points could make more candidates eligible.

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