UK Temporary Shortage List 2026: Which Roles Still Qualify Below RQF Level 6
Gabriella Bettiga
on
If you are planning to work in the UK or hire overseas workers, you have probably noticed that UK immigration rules are changing rapidly.
One of the biggest developments is the introduction of the Temporary Shortage List, often referred to as the TSL.
This list plays an important role in determining which jobs can still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, especially roles that fall below RQF Level 6. In simple terms, these are jobs that are below degree level but still require valuable technical skills, training, or experience.
For many years, UK immigration policy focused heavily on graduate-level jobs.
However, labour shortages across industries like construction, engineering, IT support, and skilled trades have forced the government to rethink its approach.
As a result, some non-degree roles are now temporarily eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. This creates new opportunities for both employers and migrant workers, but it also comes with restrictions and uncertainty.
At MGBe Legal, we work closely with both UK employers and overseas workers to help them navigate these evolving sponsorship rules, so this guide draws on the practical issues we see every day.
In this guide, you will learn what the UK Temporary Shortage List is, which roles still qualify below RQF Level 6 in 2026, the salary rules involved, and what these changes could mean for your future plans.
Key Takeaways:
- The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) allows some jobs below RQF Level 6, such as skilled trades and technical roles, to qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
- The TSL is temporary and reviewed regularly, which means occupations can be removed as labour market conditions change.
- Qualifying sectors include construction, engineering, IT support, automotive, and selected creative and business support roles.
- Salary thresholds still apply, although some TSL roles may benefit from reduced rates and adjusted going-rate calculations.
- Restrictions can apply to dependants, and employers face stricter compliance obligations under the current system.
- Choosing the correct SOC code and maintaining sponsorship compliance are critical for both visa approval and long-term security.
- Acting early matters, since waiting could mean missing eligibility if your occupation is later removed from the list.
What Is the UK Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?
The Temporary Shortage List was created to help industries facing serious worker shortages across the UK.
Sectors such as construction, engineering, healthcare support, manufacturing, and technical services have experienced ongoing recruitment difficulties. In many cases, employers have not been able to find enough suitable workers within the domestic labour market.
To reduce pressure on businesses and essential services, the government decided to temporarily allow some occupations below RQF Level 6 to qualify for sponsorship.
This gives employers access to overseas talent while helping the UK economy continue functioning in sectors where demand remains high.
Difference Between the TSL and the Old Shortage Occupation List
If you have followed UK immigration policy for a while, you may remember the Shortage Occupation List, also known as the SOL.
The old SOL gave certain occupations reduced salary thresholds and easier visa conditions because those jobs were considered difficult to fill in the UK.
Over time, the system evolved into the Immigration Salary List, which still exists, and the Temporary Shortage List. The TSL is more targeted and temporary in nature.
Unlike the older system, the current approach places stronger emphasis on controlling migration levels while still allowing limited access to overseas workers where shortages are severe.
This means the government is trying to balance economic needs with stricter immigration control.
Why the TSL Is Temporary
One important thing you need to understand is that the Temporary Shortage List is not designed to be permanent.
The government intends to review the list regularly based on labour market conditions and migration targets. If shortages improve or political priorities change, occupations can be removed from the list.
This creates uncertainty for both employers and migrant workers because eligibility rules may change in the future.
For you, this means it is important to act early if your occupation currently qualifies. Waiting too long could mean missing an opportunity if the rules become stricter later on.
What Does “Below RQF Level 6” Mean?
RQF stands for Regulated Qualifications Framework. It is a system used in the UK to measure the skill and education level required for different jobs and qualifications.
RQF Level 6 is roughly equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Traditionally, the majority of Skilled Worker visa roles needed to meet this level or higher.
Jobs below RQF Level 6 are usually technical, practical, or trade-based roles that may not require a university degree but still involve specialised skills and training.
Which Roles Fall Below RQF Level 6?
Many occupations between RQF Levels 3 and 5 fall below degree level but are still highly skilled.
These can include:
- Electricians
- Welders
- Engineering technicians
- IT support technicians
- Construction supervisors
- Vehicle mechanics
- Laboratory technicians
In many cases, these roles require vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, technical certifications, or years of practical experience rather than university education.
For you, this means that even if you do not hold a degree, you may still qualify for sponsorship if your occupation appears on the Temporary Shortage List.
Why These Roles Were Previously Restricted
For several years, UK immigration policy focused mainly on attracting graduate-level workers.
The government reduced opportunities for lower-skilled migration because it wanted employers to prioritise recruiting and training domestic workers instead.
As a result, many technical and trade roles became ineligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, even when businesses faced severe labour shortages.
However, industries across the UK continued reporting recruitment problems, especially after Brexit and post-pandemic labour market changes. This pressure forced the government to reconsider its approach and temporarily reopen sponsorship pathways for some non-degree occupations.
For you, this shift could create valuable new opportunities that did not exist under previous immigration rules.
Which Roles Still Qualify Under the Temporary Shortage List in 2026?
Now that you understand how the Temporary Shortage List works, the next step is knowing which occupations currently qualify below RQF Level 6.
The list mainly focuses on sectors experiencing ongoing labour shortages where UK employers are struggling to recruit enough workers locally. If your role falls into one of these categories, you may still be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Engineering and Technical Roles
Engineering and technical occupations continue to face serious recruitment shortages across the UK.
Some qualifying roles include:
- Laboratory technicians
- Engineering technicians
- Civil engineering technicians
- CAD technicians
These jobs are essential in industries such as infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Even though many of these roles do not require a university degree, they often demand strong technical skills and practical experience.
IT and Digital Support Roles
The digital sector also continues to rely on skilled technical support staff.
Eligible occupations may include:
- IT operations technicians
- IT user support technicians
- Database technicians
- Web technicians
As businesses become more dependent on technology, the demand for technical support professionals has increased significantly across the UK.
Construction and Skilled Trade Roles
Construction remains one of the sectors most affected by labour shortages.
Qualifying roles may include:
- Electricians
- Pipe fitters
- Welders
- Steel erectors
- Construction supervisors
Large infrastructure projects and housing demand have increased the need for skilled tradespeople throughout the country.
For you, this can create strong opportunities if you have vocational training or trade experience.
Creative and Media Occupations
Some creative roles also continue to qualify under the Temporary Shortage List.
These may include:
- Authors and translators
- Dancers and choreographers
- Advertising and marketing associate professionals
Although this sector is smaller compared to construction or engineering, certain specialist creative skills remain in demand.
Administrative and Business Support Roles
Some business support positions are also included due to recruitment difficulties in administrative and financial services.
Examples include:
- HR officers
- Financial technicians
- Business support officers
- Insurance clerks and assistants
These occupations often require industry knowledge, communication skills, and administrative expertise rather than degree-level education.
Automotive and Mechanical Roles
Technical shortages also continue in automotive and mechanical industries.
Qualifying roles may include:
- Vehicle technicians and mechanics
- Refrigeration installers and repairers
As vehicle technology becomes more advanced, employers are increasingly looking for skilled workers with hands-on technical abilities.
Salary Thresholds for Temporary Shortage List Roles
Qualifying for a role on the Temporary Shortage List is only part of the process.
You also need to meet the salary requirements attached to the Skilled Worker visa route.
Understanding these salary rules is extremely important because even if your occupation is eligible, your application could still be refused if your pay does not meet the required threshold.
General Skilled Worker Salary Rules
Under the Skilled Worker visa system, employers must normally pay whichever is higher:
- The general salary threshold
- The “going rate” for the specific occupation
The government regularly updates these thresholds, so it is important for you to check the latest figures before applying.
Reduced Salary Thresholds for TSL Roles
One of the key benefits of the Temporary Shortage List is that some qualifying occupations may receive reduced salary thresholds.
This means employers can sponsor workers at a lower salary than would normally apply under the standard Skilled Worker rules.
However, there are still limits. Employers must continue paying an appropriate percentage of the official going rate for that occupation. They cannot simply offer any salary they choose.
For you, this creates more opportunities if your role typically falls below the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold.
Hourly Pay Requirements
In addition to annual salary thresholds, employers must also meet minimum hourly pay requirements.
This prevents employers from lowering salaries unfairly by increasing working hours excessively.
The Home Office carefully checks salary calculations during sponsorship and visa applications. If the hourly rate falls below the required level, the application may be refused.
For you, this means it is important to review both your annual salary and your hourly pay before accepting a sponsored role.
Key Restrictions for Roles Below RQF Level 6
While the Temporary Shortage List creates new opportunities for non-degree workers, it also comes with important restrictions that you need to understand before making any long-term plans.
These rules can affect both employers and migrant workers, especially when it comes to family members, sponsorship conditions, and long-term stability.
Dependants Restrictions
One of the biggest concerns for many workers is whether they can bring family members to the UK.
In some shortage occupations below RQF Level 6, restrictions may apply to dependants. This means your spouse or children may not qualify to join you under the same visa arrangement.
The government introduced some of these restrictions as part of its wider effort to reduce net migration levels.
For you, this is a crucial factor to consider before accepting a sponsored role. If relocating with family is important, you should carefully check the specific rules attached to your occupation and visa category.
Temporary Nature of Sponsorship
Another important issue is the temporary nature of the Temporary Shortage List itself.
Just because your occupation qualifies today does not mean it will remain eligible in the future. The government plans to review the list regularly based on labour market conditions and migration policy objectives.
This creates uncertainty for workers who are hoping to build a long-term future in the UK.
For you, this means timing matters. Delaying an application could become risky if occupations are removed or sponsorship rules tighten later on.
Increased Scrutiny for Employers
The Home Office is also placing greater responsibility on employers who sponsor overseas workers.
Businesses must ensure:
- Correct salary compliance
- Accurate SOC code selection
- Genuine vacancies
- Proper record keeping
- Ongoing sponsorship compliance
If employers fail to meet these obligations, they could lose their sponsor licence or face penalties.
For you as a worker, your immigration status is directly linked to your employer’s compliance. This makes it important to work with reputable sponsors who fully understand UK immigration requirements.
How These Changes Affect Employers
The Temporary Shortage List does not just affect migrant workers. It also has a major impact on UK employers trying to fill vacancies in sectors facing ongoing labour shortages. For many businesses, these changes create both new opportunities and additional compliance responsibilities.
Hiring Challenges and Opportunities
Many UK employers have struggled to recruit enough skilled workers locally, especially in industries such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, and technical services.
The Temporary Shortage List gives businesses access to a wider pool of overseas talent for roles that were previously harder to sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.
For employers, this can help:
- Fill urgent vacancies faster
- Reduce operational delays
- Maintain productivity levels
- Support business growth in short-term sectors
At the same time, competition for skilled overseas workers is increasing, meaning employers need to act quickly and plan recruitment carefully.
Importance of Correct SOC Codes
One of the most important parts of sponsorship is selecting the correct SOC code for the role.
SOC codes are occupation classification codes used by the Home Office to determine whether a job qualifies for sponsorship and which salary rules apply.
Even if a job title sounds eligible, using the wrong SOC code could lead to:
- Visa refusals
- Compliance investigations
- Delays in sponsorship approval
- Sponsor licence issues
For employers, accuracy is essential. Job descriptions, salaries, and duties must clearly match the official occupation code requirements.
Compliance and Sponsorship Risks
The Home Office has increased enforcement and monitoring of sponsor licence holders in recent years.
Employers sponsoring overseas workers must follow strict compliance rules, including:
- Maintaining accurate employee records
- Reporting changes in employment circumstances
- Ensuring salary compliance
- Monitoring visa expiry dates
- Cooperating with Home Office audits
Failure to meet these obligations can result in serious consequences, including licence suspension or revocation.
For employers, sponsorship is no longer just an administrative process. It requires ongoing compliance management and careful immigration planning.
Temporary Shortage List vs Immigration Salary List
As UK immigration rules continue evolving, many people confuse the Temporary Shortage List with the Immigration Salary List. While both are connected to Skilled Worker visas, they serve different purposes and affect workers and employers in different ways.
Understanding the differences can help you make better decisions about sponsorship, recruitment, and long-term settlement planning.
Main Differences:
| Factor | Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | Immigration Salary List (ISL) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Addresses temporary labour shortages in key sectors | Provides salary discounts for selected occupations |
| Focus | Allows some roles below RQF Level 6 to qualify | Focuses mainly on salary threshold flexibility |
| Skill Level | Includes selected non-degree roles | Mostly applies to eligible Skilled Worker occupations |
| Duration | Temporary and subject to review | More established within immigration policy |
| Government Objective | Fill urgent labour shortages | Support recruitment where salary flexibility is needed |
| Policy Stability | Higher risk of future removal | Generally more stable than the TSL |
| Target Industries | Construction, technical trades, engineering support, IT support | Wider range of skilled occupations |
Which List Benefits Employers More?
| Employer Consideration | TSL Advantage | ISL Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Overseas Workers | Opens sponsorship for previously ineligible roles | Helps reduce salary pressure |
| Recruitment Flexibility | Helps fill urgent shortage occupations | Useful for controlling recruitment costs |
| Hiring Technical and Trade Workers | Strong advantage for labour shortage sectors | Less focused on trade-based shortages |
| Long-Term Workforce Planning | Less predictable due to temporary status | More stable for ongoing recruitment planning |
| Compliance Complexity | Higher scrutiny on temporary shortage roles | Standard Skilled Worker compliance rules |
Which List Is Better for Workers?
| Worker Consideration | Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | Immigration Salary List (ISL) |
|---|---|---|
| Access for Non-Degree Workers | Strong advantage | More limited |
| Salary Flexibility | May allow lower salary thresholds | Also offers salary discounts |
| Long-Term Stability | Less certain due to temporary nature | Generally more secure |
| Settlement Prospects | Potential uncertainty in future policy changes | Usually clearer settlement pathway |
| Dependants Eligibility | Restrictions may apply in some cases | Typically more standard dependant rules |
For you, the right pathway depends on your long-term goals.
If you are seeking quick access to UK sponsorship in a technical or trade role, the Temporary Shortage List may create valuable opportunities.
However, if stability and long-term settlement are your priorities, you may want to consider how future immigration changes could affect your route.
Conclusion
The UK Temporary Shortage List, introduced in 2025, represents a major shift in how the UK approaches labour shortages and Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
For both employers and migrant workers, it creates new opportunities that were far more limited under previous immigration rules.
At the same time, these opportunities come with important limitations. Salary thresholds, sponsorship compliance, dependant restrictions, and the temporary nature of the list all mean careful planning is essential.
UK sponsorship and Skilled Worker visa rules are becoming increasingly complex. Errors involving SOC codes, salary calculations, or sponsorship compliance can lead to delays, refusals, or licence issues.
MGBe Legal supports both UK employers and migrant workers with Skilled Worker visas, sponsor licences, compliance guidance, and long-term immigration planning.
Our team understands the latest immigration changes and can help you navigate the Temporary Shortage List with confidence.
Contact MGBe Legal today to discuss your options and get professional immigration advice tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gabriella Bettiga
Director of MGBe Legal
I founded MGBe Legal, a firm regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), with the mission to provide high-quality, simplified, and accessible legal services to clients from all walks of life.
