UNDERSTANDING THE APPENDIX SKILLED WORKER

Understanding the Appendix Skilled Worker

Understanding the Appendix Skilled Worker

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The Appendix Skilled Worker forms one of the most significant components of the UK’s current immigration framework. Introduced in December 2020 as part of the post-Brexit reform of the UK's points-based system, this Appendix outlines the detailed criteria that must be met for individuals applying under the Skilled Worker visa route — a primary route for sponsored employment in the UK.

Whether you are a UK-based employer looking to hire talent from overseas or a non-UK national seeking to work legally in the UK, Appendix Skilled Worker is the section of the Immigration Rules you will rely on. It replaces and consolidates previous guidance and sets out precise legal criteria for eligibility, sponsorship, salary, job codes, English language requirements, and financial maintenance.

However, the complexity of Appendix Skilled Worker lies in its interlinking references with other parts of the Immigration Rules — such as the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations, Appendix English Language, and Appendix Finance. These dependencies mean that even small errors in interpreting the guidance can result in application refusals or compliance breaches for sponsors.

At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in helping employers and skilled workers navigate the UK's immigration law with precision and confidence. This in-depth guide offers a clause-by-clause breakdown of Appendix Skilled Worker to help ensure compliance and improve the likelihood of a successful visa outcome.

What Is an Appendix Skilled Worker?


The Appendix Skilled Worker is part of the UK Immigration Rules, which govern who can legally enter, remain in, or work in the UK. Specifically, this appendix sets out the requirements for the Skilled Worker route, one of the most commonly used immigration categories for overseas nationals seeking employment in the UK.

This visa route replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa as part of the UK’s overhaul of the points-based immigration system in December 2020.

Key Requirements Outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker


Appendix Skilled Worker sets out a comprehensive list of requirements that both the applicant and sponsor must meet for a successful Skilled Worker copyright. These requirements are assessed on a points-based system, where the applicant must score a minimum of 70 points. Some points are mandatory (non-tradeable), while others are tradeable, meaning they can be met in more than one way.

Here is a breakdown of the core requirements as outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker:

1. Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – 20 Points (Mandatory)


A Skilled Worker application must be supported by a valid CoS issued by a licensed UK sponsor (employer).

The CoS must confirm:

  • The job title and SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code


  • That the job is genuine and exists


  • The applicant’s salary


  • The applicant’s work location


  • The sponsor's licence number


  • That the applicant meets the skills and salary requirements



2. Job at an Appropriate Skill Level – 20 Points (Mandatory)


The job must fall under the eligible occupations list, which is defined in a separate document: Appendix Skilled Occupations.

The job must:

  • Be listed under a valid SOC code


  • Meet the minimum RQF Level 3 standard (roughly equivalent to A-level qualifications)


  • Not be a "low-skilled" role



3. Salary Threshold – 20 Points (Tradeable)


There are multiple salary thresholds in Appendix Skilled Worker, and meeting the right one is essential. The general rule is that the applicant must be paid:

  • £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, or


  • The ‘going rate’ for the occupation code (whichever is higher)



However, reduced thresholds apply if the applicant:

  • Is under 26 or a recent graduate ("new entrant")


  • Is working in a job on the Shortage Occupation List


  • Has a PhD relevant to the role



4. English Language Requirement – Mandatory


Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English to at least CEFR Level B1 (intermediate level) in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

This can be proven by:

  • Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a UKVI-approved provider


  • Holding a UK degree (or equivalent) taught in English


  • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country



5. Financial Requirement (Maintenance)


Unless the sponsor certifies maintenance, the applicant must show that they have:

  • At least £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days before applying



This ensures the applicant can support themselves upon arrival and will not require public funds.

6. Tuberculosis (TB) Testing


Applicants from specific countries must provide a valid TB test certificate if they are applying for a visa lasting more than 6 months.

7. Criminal Record Certificate (Certain Occupations Only)


For jobs in:

  • Education


  • Health


  • Social care



The applicant must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

8. Immigration Status (Switching and Extensions)


Appendix Skilled Worker also outlines who can switch to this route from inside the UK. Most routes allow switching visas like switching from student copyright copyright, but there are exceptions:

Can switch:

  • Student visa holders


  • Graduate visa holders


  • Intra-Company Transfer



Cannot switch:

  • Visitors


  • Short-term student visa holders


  • Parents of a child student


  • Domestic workers



How the Points-Based System Works Under Appendix Skilled Worker


Appendix Skilled Worker operates on a points-based system where applicants must earn a total of 70 points to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. These points are divided into mandatory (non-tradeable) points and tradeable points, depending on the combination of job type, salary, qualifications, and sector.

Mandatory Points (50 points total)


These must be satisfied in every application — failure to meet any one of these results in immediate rejection.























Requirement Points Source
Offer of a job from a licensed sponsor (valid CoS) 20 Certificate of Sponsorship
Job at an appropriate skill level 20 Appendix Skilled Occupations
English language proficiency at B1 or above 10 Appendix English Language

Tradeable Points (20 points total)


There are several combinations through which the remaining 20 points can be earned. This gives some flexibility, particularly around salary, job type, and educational qualifications.

Below are the permitted tradeable routes:

Option A: General Salary Threshold



  • Salary meets the general threshold of £26,200 or £10.75 per hour, or the going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher).


  • Suitable for most applicants who are not new entrants or in shortage occupations.



Points awarded: 20

Option B: Shortage Occupation Role



  • Applicants are offered a job listed on the Shortage Occupation List.


  • Reduced salary threshold applies: £20,960 or 80% of the going rate, whichever is higher.



Points awarded: 20
Option C: New Entrant to the Labour Market

  • Applicant is under 26 or within 2 years of last qualifying UK education.


  • Minimum salary threshold: £23,039 per annum or 70% of the going rate.



Points awarded: 20
Option D: PhD in a Subject Relevant to the Job

  • PhD in a relevant subject.


  • Salary must be £23,039 or at least 90% of the going rate.



Points awarded: 20
Evidence: Degree must be verified by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC).

Option E: PhD in a STEM Subject



  • Higher weighting due to shortage in science, tech, engineering, and maths.


  • Salary must be £20,960 or at least 80% of the going rate.



Points awarded: 20
Option F: Job in Education or Health and Care Occupations

  • Certain occupations (e.g. teachers, nurses, paramedics) are exempt from the standard salary threshold.


  • These jobs follow national pay scales or different salary frameworks.



Points awarded: 20



Job Eligibility and SOC Codes under Appendix Skilled Worker

A critical component of the Appendix Skilled Worker route is the correct selection and use of Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. Every job offered under this route must correspond to a recognised eligible occupation listed in the UK’s immigration rules. These occupations are detailed in Appendix Skilled Occupations, and each comes with a specific SOC code and going rate salary.

Choosing the wrong SOC code or misrepresenting the role can result in a visa refusal or even sponsorship licence suspension for the employer.

What Are SOC Codes?


Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes are used by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) to classify job roles across industries. Each SOC code outlines:

  • The job title


  • The duties and responsibilities associated with the role


  • The minimum skill level required


  • The associated salary “going rate”



In the immigration context, SOC codes are essential to determine:

  • Whether the job is eligible for sponsorship


  • The minimum salary threshold that must be met


  • The appropriate skill level


  • Whether any sector-specific exemptions apply (e.g. health or education)



How Appendix Skilled Worker Uses SOC Codes


The Home Office relies heavily on SOC codes to evaluate Skilled Worker visa applications. The SOC code listed on the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must:

  • Match the job description


  • Be eligible under Appendix Skilled Occupations


  • Align with the sponsor’s business model


  • Meet the required salary band


Understanding these SOCs can be really confusing, but you don’t have to do it yourself. We at Axis Solicitors can do it for you. With the help of our legal advisors we can provide a smooth and easy process for you. Contact for consultation today


Salary Thresholds and Tradeable Points: How Flexibility Works in Practice


Under Appendix Skilled Worker, salary thresholds are not fixed across all roles and applicants. Instead, the Home Office has introduced a flexible points-based structure, allowing some applicants to meet reduced salary levels if they fall into specific categories — such as new entrants, shortage occupation roles, or PhD-qualified candidates.

General Salary Requirement


The baseline salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is:

  • £26,200 per year, or


  • £10.75 per hour, or


  • The ‘going rate’ for the specific occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations,
     Whichever is higher.



This ensures that migrants entering the workforce are not underpaid and that UK-based workers are not undercut by foreign labour.

Categories with Lower Salary Thresholds


1. New Entrants to the Labour Market


Applies to applicants who:

  • Are under the age of 26 at the date of application


  • Are switching from a Student or Graduate visa


  • Are applying within two years of graduating



Reduced salary threshold:

  • £23,039 per year, or


  • 70% of the going rate for the occupation



How long does new entrant status last?
Maximum of 4 years (including any time spent on Tier 2 visas). After that, they must meet the full salary threshold for extensions or settlement.

2. Shortage Occupation Roles


The UK Government publishes a Shortage Occupation List, containing roles in high demand.

Examples include:

  • Nurses


  • Civil engineers


  • Certain IT professionals




Reduced salary threshold:

  • £20,960 per year, or


  • 80% of the going rate



Additional benefit:

  • Reduced copyright fees


  • Lower Immigration Health Surcharge (for health and care workers)



3. PhD Holders


Applicants with a PhD relevant to the job can claim tradeable points, allowing for salary flexibility:

  • PhD in a subject relevant to the job: Salary must be at least £23,039 or 90% of the going rate


  • PhD in a STEM subject: Salary must be at least £20,960 or 80% of the going rate



Key condition:

  • The employer must confirm the relevance of the PhD on the CoS


  • UKVI may request verification via Ecctis



4. Jobs in Education and Healthcare


Many roles in the public sector — especially those tied to national pay scales — are exempt from the standard salary thresholds.

Examples include:

  • Teachers (certain subjects and regions)


  • NHS doctors, nurses, paramedics


  • Social workers



Salaries in these roles are assessed based on:

  • NHS Band levels


  • Regional education pay scales


  • Collective bargaining agreements



Applicants must still meet the minimum of £20,960 per year unless otherwise stated in the relevant sector guidance.

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