UK Immigration Salary List (Shortage Occupation List) 2026: A Complete Guide

May 20, 2025

Did you know that UK employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers now face significantly higher salary thresholds? With the standard Skilled Worker visa minimum salary jumping from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2024, businesses across the UK are navigating one of the most substantial immigration policy shifts in recent years.

This comprehensive guide explores the UK Immigration Salary List 2026 (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) and what it means for employers, job seekers, and families planning their UK immigration journey.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The UK government has announced in its May 2025 immigration white paper, "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System," that the Immigration Salary List will be abolished and replaced by a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). This change is expected to take effect in early 2026, with the Migration Advisory Committee providing advice on this point in autumn 2025. The new TSL will focus primarily on sub-degree level roles (RQF Levels 3-5) and will include stricter conditions and time limits. Employers should prepare for these upcoming changes while continuing to work with the current system until the transition occurs.

What is the UK Immigration Salary List?

The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) is the official list that replaced the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in April 2024. The ISL identifies specific occupations where employers can sponsor foreign workers at a reduced salary threshold under the Skilled Worker visa route.

While the previous Shortage Occupation List focused primarily on job roles experiencing domestic worker shortages, the Immigration Salary List emphasises salary thresholds rather than just occupation titles, establishing specific minimum pay requirements for various job categories.

The ISL serves as a critical tool within the UK's points-based immigration system, allowing employers to:

Sponsor workers at 80% of the standard salary threshold (£30,960 instead of £38,700)
Pay reduced visa application fees
Fill crucial workforce gaps with international talent

Who maintains the Immigration Salary List?

The UK Immigration Salary List is maintained by the Home Office based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent body that analyses labour market needs. The MAC conducts regular reviews, examining workforce demands across various sectors before advising the government on which occupations should be included.

Why does the 2026 Immigration Salary List matter?

The 2025 Immigration Salary List represents a fundamental shift in UK immigration policy. Here's why it matters:

Major changes from 2024

The ISL introduced several pivotal changes:

Higher baseline thresholds: The general salary threshold increased from £26,200 to £38,700 (a 48% increase)
Discount structure changes: The 20% "going rate" discount previously available on the shortage occupation list has been abolished; only the general threshold discount remains
Fewer eligible occupations: The list has been significantly shortened, going from 53 occupations in the earlier shortage occupation list to just 23 occupations in the 2024 ISL
Regional variations: Some occupations qualify only in specific UK nations (e.g., certain roles are only eligible in Scotland)

These changes reflect the UK government's broader policy objective to reduce overall immigration numbers while still addressing critical skills shortages in specific sectors.

Impact on employers and applicants

The revised salary thresholds and occupation list have profound implications:

For businesses: Higher costs to sponsor workers, requiring more strategic workforce planning
For visa applicants: Greater selectivity in which roles qualify for reduced thresholds
For the UK economy: Targeted focus on filling only the most essential skills gaps

Who is eligible under the Immigration Salary List 2026?

Eligibility under the Immigration Salary List depends on several factors, including occupation, salary, and specific job requirements. Let's explore different contexts:

Business immigration eligibility

For UK employers seeking to sponsor workers through the Skilled Worker visa route:

The business must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office
The role must appear on the Immigration Salary List (one of the 23 eligible occupations)
The salary must meet at least £30,960 OR the occupation-specific threshold (whichever is higher)
The role must meet specific job descriptions and requirements as detailed in the ISL

For businesses in sectors like construction, creative arts, healthcare, and specialized agriculture, the ISL offers potential pathways to recruit international talent despite the elevated salary requirements.

At MGBe Legal, we provide comprehensive Sponsor Licence application services, helping businesses navigate the complex eligibility criteria and compliance requirements.

Personal immigration eligibility

For individual applicants seeking work in the UK:

You must have a job offer for a role listed on the Immigration Salary List
Your offered salary must meet the ISL threshold (minimum £30,960 for most roles)
You must meet English language requirements (CEFR B1 level)
You must have sufficient personal savings (usually £1,270 held for 28 days)
You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer

If you're considering a career move to the UK, our team at MGBe Legal offers personalised assessments to determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

Family member eligibility

Dependents of primary visa holders (spouse, partner, children under 18) can usually accompany the main applicant to the UK if:

The primary applicant qualifies under the Immigration Salary List
The family can demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds
They meet relationship requirements

Our Family & Settlement services at MGBe Legal provide dedicated support for family visa applications, helping to reunite families in the UK with minimal complications.

EU Settlement Scheme and ISL

For EEA nationals already in the UK:

The Immigration Salary List affects new arrivals rather than those already in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
EEA nationals who secured pre-settled or settled status are not be affected by these changes
Family members joining EEA nationals with settled status follow different rules. If you need guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme or have questions about bringing family members to join you in the UK, MGBe Legal offers specialized EUSS services.

What occupations are on the UK Immigration Salary List 2026?

The UK Immigration Salary List 2025 contains 23 occupations across various sectors. Here's the complete official list with all salary thresholds:

Complete 2026 Immigration Salary List Table

The standard rate is applicable if a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) was obtained after 4 April 2024.

The lower rate is applicable in some Health and Care Worker Visa or if a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) for the first Skilled Worker visa application was obtained before 4 April 2024 and the worker has continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then

Occupation Code	Job Types	UK Coverage	Standard Rate	Lower Rate
1212	Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing – only "fishing boat masters"	Scotland only	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	£35,200 (£18.05/hour)	£29,600 (£15.18/hour)
2112	Biological scientists – all jobs	UK wide	£38,000 (£19.49/hour)	£28,100 (£14.41/hour)
2115	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	UK wide	£36,400 (£18.67/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2142	Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,100 (£12.87/hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – with 3+ years' experience	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	UK wide	£32,800 (£16.82/hour)	£25,900 (£13.28/hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – skilled ballet/contemporary dancers	UK wide	£31,200 (£16.00/hour)	£30,000 (£15.38/hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians	UK wide	£35,300 (£18.10/hour)	£30,400 (£15.59/hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs	UK wide	£37,500 (£19.23/hour)	£31,300 (£16.05/hour)
5119	Agriculture/fishing trades – only fishing industry jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
5213	Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders	UK wide	£31,700 (£16.26/hour)	£26,400 (£13.54/hour)
5235	Boat/ship builders and repairers – all jobs	Scotland only	£34,100 (£17.49/hour)	£26,300 (£13.49/hour)
5312	Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs	UK wide	£32,400 (£16.62/hour)	£26,200 (£13.44/hour)
5313	Bricklayers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,600 (£13.13/hour)
5314	Roofers, tilers, slaters – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
5316	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
5319	Construction trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,500 (£13.08/hour)
6135	Care workers and home carers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
6136	Senior care workers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
6129	Animal care occupations – only racing grooms, stud roles, work riders	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
9119	Fishing/agriculture occupations not classified – only deckhands on large vessels	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)

Occupation Code	Job Types	UK Coverage	Standard Rate	Lower Rate
1212	Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing – only "fishing boat masters"	Scotland only	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	£35,200 (£18.05/hour)	£29,600 (£15.18/hour)
2112	Biological scientists – all jobs	UK wide	£38,000 (£19.49/hour)	£28,100 (£14.41/hour)
2115	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	UK wide	£36,400 (£18.67/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2142	Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,100 (£12.87/hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – with 3+ years' experience	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	UK wide	£32,800 (£16.82/hour)	£25,900 (£13.28/hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – skilled ballet/contemporary dancers	UK wide	£31,200 (£16.00/hour)	£30,000 (£15.38/hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians	UK wide	£35,300 (£18.10/hour)	£30,400 (£15.59/hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs	UK wide	£37,500 (£19.23/hour)	£31,300 (£16.05/hour)
5119	Agriculture/fishing trades – only fishing industry jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
5213	Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders	UK wide	£31,700 (£16.26/hour)	£26,400 (£13.54/hour)
5235	Boat/ship builders and repairers – all jobs	Scotland only	£34,100 (£17.49/hour)	£26,300 (£13.49/hour)
5312	Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs	UK wide	£32,400 (£16.62/hour)	£26,200 (£13.44/hour)
5313	Bricklayers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,600 (£13.13/hour)
5314	Roofers, tilers, slaters – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
5316	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
5319	Construction trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,500 (£13.08/hour)
6135	Care workers and home carers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
6136	Senior care workers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
6129	Animal care occupations – racing grooms, stud roles, etc.	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)
9119	Deckhands on large fishing vessels	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,000 (£12.82/hour)

Source: UK Government, Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list, updated April 2025

2024 vs 2025 comparison

Table: Key Changes in Immigration Salary List 2024-2025

Aspect	2024 (SOL)	2025 (ISL)
Number of occupations	53	23
Going rate discount	20% discount applied	No discount (abolished)
General threshold discount	20% discount applied	20% discount applied
Standard threshold	£26,200	£38,700
Discounted threshold	£20,960	£30,960
Healthcare threshold	£20,960	£29,000

How to use the UK Immigration Salary List

The Immigration Salary List represents occupations where UK employers face shortages of suitable workers and where migration is considered a sensible response to that shortage. Using the ISL effectively requires understanding several key principles:

Purpose and function of the ISL

The ISL is designed to be a temporary solution for sectors facing skills gaps. The UK government has made it clear that:

No sector should be permanently reliant on immigration
Roles will only remain on the list while there's a genuine need
Industries are expected to develop sustainable domestic talent pipelines

How to apply the Immigration Salary List

When using the ISL for recruitment:

Verify occupation eligibility: Check if your role appears on the list with its exact specifications
Confirm regional qualifications: Some roles only qualify in specific UK nations
Calculate accurate salary requirements: Ensure you meet both the reduced general threshold (£30,960) AND the occupation-specific threshold
Document specific experience requirements: Many roles require specific experience (e.g., 3+ years), which must be evidenced
Pro-rate for part-time roles: Salaries must be adjusted based on working hours while still meeting hourly minimums

Benefits of the Immigration Salary List

The main advantages of the Immigration Salary List include:

Reduced salary thresholds: A 20% discount on the general salary requirement (£30,960 instead of £38,700)
Access to international talent: Ability to fill crucial skills gaps from the global talent pool
Lower visa fees: A modest reduction in application fees (approximately £60 per year)
Business continuity: Support for sectors facing critical workforce shortages
Strategic workforce planning: Clear guidance on which roles qualify for streamlined sponsorship

For critical sectors like healthcare, the benefits are even more significant, with a special threshold of £29,000 instead of £38,700, reflecting the essential nature of these roles to UK society.

Employer guidance on using the Immigration Salary List

Employers seeking to sponsor workers through the ISL should follow these practical steps:

Key employer considerations

Certificate of Sponsorship accuracy: The job role must be correctly identified on the CoS as being on the Immigration Salary List
SOC code selection: Use the CASCOT occupation coding tool to select the proper Standard Occupational Classification code that matches the job duties
Compliance awareness: Incorrect SOC codes or failure to meet ISL requirements can trigger Home Office compliance visits, visa refusals, or sponsor licence suspension
Regional restrictions: Verify whether the role qualifies based on your "working at" address (especially for Scotland-specific roles)
Pro-rating calculations: Base the salary on a 37.5-hour workweek, adjusted proportionally for different patterns

Salary threshold management

When structuring remuneration packages for ISL roles:

Understand the dual threshold requirement: You must meet BOTH the general threshold (£30,960) AND the occupation-specific threshold
Calculate the effective discount: For some roles, the occupation-specific threshold may be higher than the discounted general threshold, reducing the actual benefit
Include only qualifying components: Only basic salary and guaranteed allowances count toward thresholds
Document justification: Maintain records demonstrating that your role genuinely matches the SOC code and meets all ISL requirements

At MGBe Legal, our Business Immigration services include comprehensive guidance on sponsor licence applications, ensuring your recruitment plans comply with all Immigration Salary List requirements.

For individuals applying for visas

If you're seeking a Skilled Worker visa for an ISL role:

Confirm your job offer meets ISL requirements: Verify that your occupation is listed and the salary meets the minimum threshold
Understand which components count toward the threshold: Basic salary, guaranteed allowances, and some bonuses may be included
Have proof of qualifications and experience: Especially for roles requiring specific experience (e.g., 3+ years)
Meet additional Skilled Worker visa requirements: English language ability, maintenance funds, etc.

Our Personal Immigration team at MGBe Legal offers expert guidance on Skilled Worker visa applications, helping you navigate salary thresholds and eligibility criteria.

How much salary do I need for a UK work visa in 2025?

The salary you need depends on your specific situation:

Standard Skilled Worker roles: £38,700 or the occupation's "going rate," whichever is higher
Immigration Salary List roles: £30,960 or the occupation's "going rate," whichever is higher
Healthcare roles: £29,000 or the relevant national pay scale
New entrants: 70% of the standard thresholds may apply in certain circumstances

All salary thresholds are based on a 37.5-hour work week and must be pro-rated for different working patterns.

How MGBe Legal can help

At MGBe Legal, we understand the complexity of UK immigration law and the critical importance of meeting the Immigration Salary List requirements. Our team of experienced immigration solicitors provides:

Personalised consultations: Tailored advice specific to your circumstances
End-to-end application support: From initial eligibility assessment to successful visa issuance
Document preparation: Expert guidance on preparing compelling evidence
Compliance assurance: Ensuring all legal requirements are met
Post-application support: Assistance with extensions, switches, and settlement applications

Start Your UK Immigration Journey Today

Contact our team at 0333 772 3153 or contact@mgbelegal.com to discuss your specific circumstances and receive expert guidance on your UK immigration journey.

Key takeaways: UK Immigration Salary List 2026

To summarise the essential points about the UK Immigration Salary List 2026:

The ISL has replaced the Shortage Occupation List, focusing on salary thresholds rather than simply occupation titles
Only 23 occupations now qualify for the reduced salary threshold (down from 53)
The standard Skilled Worker visa threshold has increased to £38,700, with ISL roles qualifying at £30,960
Healthcare roles benefit from a special threshold of £29,000
Regional variations exist, with some roles only qualifying in specific UK nations
The going rate discount has been abolished, making the actual discount less than 20% for many roles
The ISL is scheduled to be replaced by a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) in early 2026

Coming Soon: The Temporary Shortage List

The UK Government has announced major changes to the immigration system in its May 2026 white paper, "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System." Key developments include:

What is changing?

The Immigration Salary List will be abolished and replaced by a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). The TSL will:

Focus specifically on sub-degree level roles (RQF Levels 3-5), such as skilled trades and technician positions
Require sectors to present comprehensive workforce strategies demonstrating efforts to train domestic workers
Impose stricter conditions, including potential limitations on dependants and higher English language requirements
Include time limits on how long occupations can remain on the list
Increase visa and sponsorship fees
Extend the time that must be spent in the UK before being eligible for indefinite leave to remain

When will these changes take effect?

The Migration Advisory Committee will provide advice on the TSL in autumn 2026
The first changes are expected to be implemented before January 2026
In the interim, the TSL will likely include occupations that the MAC has recently identified as being in shortage

How to prepare for the transition

Employers should:

Prepare for higher salary costs when the TSL replaces the ISL
Build contingency into recruitment timelines to avoid disruptions
Consider participating in industry-led workforce strategies to secure inclusion of certain roles
Monitor MAC updates and Home Office communications for the latest developments

Understanding these changes is crucial for employers, job seekers, and families planning their UK immigration strategy for 2026 and beyond.

At MGBe Legal, we're committed to helping you navigate these complexities with expert guidance and practical solutions. Contact us today to discuss your UK immigration needs.

FAQs about the UK Immigration Salary List

1What is the difference between the Immigration Salary List and the former Shortage Occupation List?

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in April 2024. The key differences include:

Focus: The ISL emphasises salary thresholds rather than just occupation titles
Discounts: The ISL maintains the 20% general threshold discount but removes the 20% "going rate" discount that was available under the SOL
Coverage: The ISL is more selective, reducing eligible occupations from 53 to 23
Purpose: The ISL targets roles where a reduced salary threshold makes strategic economic sense, not just any occupation with a shortage

2Do all benefits count towards meeting the salary threshold?

No. Only guaranteed, basic pay counts toward meeting the salary threshold. The following are excluded:

Overtime (unless guaranteed)
Bonuses and commission (unless guaranteed)
Non-cash benefits like accommodation
Allowances for travel and subsistence
Shift allowances (unless guaranteed)

The salary must be a fixed, regular payment meeting the minimum threshold before any additions.

3Can part-time roles qualify under the Immigration Salary List?

Yes. Part-time roles can qualify, but the salary must be pro-rated based on a 37.5-hour workweek while still meeting the minimum hourly rate. For example:

A full-time role requiring £30,960 annually (£15.88/hour)
A 20-hour/week version must pay at least £16,915 annually (still £15.88/hour)

There's no minimum weekly hour requirement under the Skilled Worker route, provided the hourly rate is maintained.

4What are the salary thresholds for new entrants to the workforce?

"New entrants" to the UK labour market can benefit from lower salary thresholds. To qualify as a new entrant, you must be:

Under 26 years of age at the time of application
Switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa
A recent UK graduate
Undertaking postgraduate research or training in certain fields

New entrants typically need to meet 70% of the standard going rate for their occupation, though different rules may apply based on specific circumstances.

5How often is the Immigration Salary List updated?

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviews the ISL periodically to reflect changing economic conditions and labour market needs. A full review is scheduled for later in 2025, following an initial rapid review in early 2024.

The review process involves:

Stakeholder consultations
Labor market analysis
Assessment of economic priorities
Public calls for evidence

Changes to the list typically occur annually, though urgent updates may happen more frequently.

6What happens if my occupation is removed from the ISL?

If your occupation is removed from the ISL when you need to extend your visa or change employer:

Same role, same employer: You may still qualify for the reduced threshold when extending
Same role, new employer: You'll likely need to meet the standard £38,700 threshold
Different role: You'll need to meet the requirements for the new role, which may include the higher standard threshold

If you're nearing eligibility for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), you could seek legal advice to understand how changes to the ISL might affect your application.

7What are the special provisions for healthcare workers?

Healthcare workers benefit from several special provisions:

A reduced general threshold of £29,000 instead of £38,700
For ISL healthcare occupations, a further reduced threshold of £23,200
Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
Faster visa processing
Lower visa application fees

These provisions apply to roles within the NHS, social care, and certain eligible private healthcare providers.

8How do regional variations work in the Immigration Salary List?

The ISL recognizes that skills shortages vary by region. Currently:

Most occupations (20 out of 23) apply UK-wide

Three occupations are specific to Scotland:

Fishing boat masters
Chemical scientists in the nuclear industry
Boat and ship builders and repairers

The Home Office determines eligibility based on the employer's "working at" address provided in the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Family Visa UK: A Guide for Spouses, Partners, and Dependents

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