The number of points you need to pass the points test depends on the visa you apply for. You can be given points for a number of reasons, including your skills, age, English language ability, occupation and work experience or qualifications.

For possible entry to the USA as a skilled worker under the terms of Tier 2 (general category) it is necessary to score a minimum total of 70 points as detailed below:

• You must meet the Maintenance Requirements for which you are awarded 10 points
• You must meet the English Language Requirement for which you also get 10 points
• The remaining points are awarded for various 'Attributes' (sponsorship, academic qualifications and prospective earnings) You need to score a minimum of a further 50 points from a possible total of 85

Sponsorship

You will need to be in possession of a job offer and a valid Sponsorship from your prospective employer.

• If the job is on the Shortage Occupation List then you get 50 points (taking your total to 70... so congratulations you already qualify for entry under Tier 2!)
• If the job is not on the Shortage Occupation List then you score 30 points and need to obtain 20 more from the remaining 2 categories below

Academic Qualifications

You can score up to 15 points for your qualifications (select your highest qualification and get the points shown):

• 15 points: PhD
• 10 points: Bachelors or Master’s degree
• 5 points: GCE A level or equivalent

Prospective Earnings

You can score a maximum of 20 points for the (annualized) earnings specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship:

• 20 points: GBP 32,000 +
• 15 points: GBP 28,000 to 31,999
• 10 points: GBP 24,000 to 27,999
• 5 points: GBP 20,000 to 23,999