Does this mean that I can change my HPI visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. The majority of individuals would come in on a non-sponsored pathway (such as HPI or Graduate), and switch, when an employer is willing to pay the £41,700 threshold.

Is there a points calculator to the UK visa?

UK has a fixed points system. The average requirement is 70 points: 50 based on the job offer/skill level and 20 based on either the salary or shortage requirement.

UK Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) 2026: How to Apply

Are you looking to find the UK Opportunity Card to start up your career in London or Manchester? And here therein lies an important fact, which you must know: the Opportunity Card is a German visa, not a British. However, don’t lose hope! Although the UK has no equivalent to the name of the Chancenkarte, 2026 has launched a bold set of job seeker alternatives (the name of which is not Chancenkarte) in which skilled professionals can come to Britain without an existing job offer. Be it an Indian or Australian graduate of the highest calibre, or a mere young worker, the 2026 points-based system of the UK has the most open doors that can sometimes be even more accommodating than the German one.

UK Alternatives to Job Seeker (No Sponsor Required)

These are the most sought-after entry routes to the British labor market in 2026 without a sponsor since the UK does not have a Chancenkarte:

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: This is still the best avenue to graduates of the top 50 universities in the world. It provides a 2 year working permit ( 3 years to PhD holders) to freely work and seek employment.
Graduate Visa: In case you have just completed a degree in the UK, you can remain and work through 2 years. Note: Starting January 1, 2027, this period is likely to be shortened to 18 months, and therefore 2026 is the golden year to use.
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) 2026: A 2-year “working holiday” visa. In 2026, the age limit for many countries (like Australia and Canada) remains 18–35, while others stay at 18–30.
India Young Professionals Scheme: A ballot-based system for 3,000 Indian graduates annually. If selected, you can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without a job offer.

2026 Salary & Skill Thresholds (Skilled Worker)

If your goal is a long-term Skilled Worker Visa, the financial requirements in 2026 have significantly increased to align with the UK’s focus on high-skill migration.

General Salary Threshold (£41,700): This is the baseline. Unless you qualify for a “shortage” discount, your job offer must meet this gross annual amount.
New Entrant Rate (£33,400): Are you under 26 or a recent graduate? You may qualify for this lower threshold for your first four years in the UK.
RQF Level 6 Requirement: To qualify for sponsorship, most roles must now be at “degree level.” Standard administrative or retail roles generally no longer qualify for a work permit.
Going Rate Requirement: Your pay must be the higher of the general threshold or the specific “going rate” for your SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification).

Language & Financial Requirements

In order to uphold the E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness) requirements, the applicants have to satisfy strict requirements that are checked by the Home Office.

English B2 Proficiency: Changing a lot in 2026! The English requirement of Skilled Worker and HPI visa raised to B1 to B2 level (Upper Intermediate) as of January 8, 2026.
Maintenance Requirement (£1,270): You have to demonstrate that you have deposited this sum in your bank account over 28 days straight before applying.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): BUDget this! It will cost you about 1035 pounds a year to be paid in advance to enjoy the complete privileges of the NHS.

2026 applications military science and tools

To use the digital-first UK immigration system, one will need the appropriate tools:

eVisa and UKVI Account: Physical BRP cards are no longer in existence. Every 2026 applicant has to open a digital UKVI account to check his or her status using a share code.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The digital permission slip that is issued by your employer. Important to note, in late 2025, Home Office charges of CoS doubled to £525.
List of Salaries Immigration (ISL): Check it first! Jobs on this list (such as some engineering or healthcare jobs) can be sponsored at a reduced salary.

FAQs

Does this mean that I can change my HPI visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. The majority of individuals would come in on a non-sponsored pathway (such as HPI or Graduate), and switch, when an employer is willing to pay the £41,700 threshold.
Is there a points calculator to the UK visa?

UK has a fixed points system. The average requirement is 70 points: 50 based on the job offer/skill level and 20 based on either the salary or shortage requirement.

Final Thoughts

Although there is no UK Opportunity Card, HPI Visa and Young Professionals Scheme will offer virtually identical benefits in 2026. As the shift to a completely digital eVisa system and increased standards of B2 English becomes a reality, the secret to success this year is to prepare early and make sure that your pay is at the new level, which is now at 41,700.

Disclaimer

This paper is informational and educational only. It is recommended that the readers should always check the information of reliable sources, including the official UK Government (GOV.UK) site, before making the decision.