UK Skilled Worker Visa from Nepal — £38,700, 70 Points & ILR Guide
After your UK degree and Graduate Route Visa, the Skilled Worker Visa is your route to long-term UK residence. Complete guide to the salary threshold, point system, top sectors, and ILR pathway for Nepali graduates.
Last Updated: 08 Jun 2026 | Salary threshold and points system verified for 2026
Key Threshold
The £38,700 Salary Threshold — In NPR
The general salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year. This applies to most job roles. Exceptions apply for shortage occupations, PhD holders, and NHS healthcare workers.
UK Skilled Worker Visa — Minimum Annual Salary 2026
£38,700 ≈ NPR 75.5 lakhs per year | NPR 195 = £1Shortage Occupation discount: £30,960/year | PhD relevant role: £34,830/year | NHS healthcare: separate pay band scale
Graduate Route → Skilled Worker Switch: You do not need to leave the UK to switch from Graduate Route Visa to Skilled Worker Visa. Switch in-country once you have a qualifying job offer at the salary threshold. Your qualifying residence clock for ILR continues unbroken.
Monthly NPR equivalent: £38,700/year ÷ 12 = £3,225/month ≈ NPR 628,875/month — compared to average Nepali salary of approximately NPR 40,000–80,000/month, this represents a 8–15× income increase.
Points System
UK Skilled Worker Visa — 70-Point System Explained
You need a minimum of 70 points. The four mandatory criteria alone give 80 points — meaning most qualified applicants automatically exceed the threshold. Bonus points reduce the salary requirement.
Job offer from a UK-approved sponsor Mandatory
Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office. HOA advises which sectors and employers are most accessible to Nepali graduates.
Job at an eligible skill level (RQF 3+) Mandatory
Role must be at least A-level equivalent skill. Most professional, technical, and healthcare roles qualify. Construction, IT, healthcare, education, and business are common sectors for Nepali workers.
English language CEFR B1 (IELTS 4.0+) Mandatory
English spoken at intermediate level. Nepali graduates with UK degrees automatically meet this — no additional English test required.
Salary threshold met (£38,700 or going rate) Mandatory
£38,700 per year minimum for most roles. Healthcare roles on the NHS salary scale have a separate threshold. Shortage Occupation roles (nursing, some IT) may have a 20% discount on the salary requirement.
Job in a shortage occupation Bonus
UK Shortage Occupation List jobs earn a bonus 10 points and a salary discount. Nursing, some healthcare roles, and certain IT specialisations are on the shortage list in 2026.
PhD relevant to the role Bonus
A PhD directly relevant to your job earns bonus points and can reduce the salary threshold to £34,830 (a 10% reduction).
Mandatory criteria total
80 points
Points required
70 points
All standard applicants meet the threshold automatically
Top Sectors for Nepal Graduates
Best UK Sectors for Nepali Workers — Skilled Worker Visa 2026
These sectors have the highest demand for Nepali graduates and the most accessible route from Graduate Route Visa to Skilled Worker sponsorship.
NHS & Healthcare
Nursing on Shortage Occupation List. Faster visa, salary discount. NMC registration required for clinical nursing roles. High HOA placement rate.
Information Technology
Software engineering, data science, cybersecurity. High demand — many roles at or above £38,700. UK degree + skills = strong candidate profile.
Education
Teachers, lecturers, support roles. Schools and further education colleges are licensed sponsors. Starting salary varies by school type and subject.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical engineering — all in demand. Graduate schemes often lead directly to Skilled Worker sponsorship. Infrastructure investment driving demand in 2026.
Accounting & Finance
Accountants, financial analysts, auditors. Major UK firms (Big 4 and mid-tier) sponsor internationally. ACCA/CIMA qualifications valued alongside UK degree.
Social Work & Care
Social workers, care managers, probation officers. Shortage in many regions. Local authorities are approved sponsors — direct route to Skilled Worker Visa.
Nepal → UK → ILR Timeline
Complete Pathway — Nepal to UK Permanent Residence (ILR)
The standard HOA-advised pathway from Nepal to UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) typically takes 5–7 years depending on degree length and Graduate Route Visa duration.
UK Study — Student Route Visa
Arrive in the UK on Student Visa. Study, earn £1,017/month part-time. Graduate Route eligibility begins at degree completion.
Graduate Route Visa
2 years (3 for PhD) post-graduation. Work in any role, any sector. Build UK work experience. No sponsorship or salary minimum required.
Skilled Worker Visa
Once earning £38,700+/year with a sponsored employer — apply to switch from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker. Qualifying residence clock continues.
ILR — Indefinite Leave to Remain
After 5 years continuous qualifying UK residence — apply for ILR (permanent residency). HOA provides free ILR pathway guidance.
British Citizenship (Optional)
After 1 year of ILR — eligible to apply for British citizenship. Full dual nationality option available for Nepali citizens.
Questions & Answers
FAQ — UK Skilled Worker Visa for Nepal Graduates 2026
Plan Your Nepal → UK → ILR Journey with HOA
HOA maps the complete pathway from your Nepal qualification to UK permanent residency — free of charge. Student Visa, Graduate Route, Skilled Worker, and ILR strategy in one consultation.