Table Of Contents:
- What is the Shortage Occupation List for Work Visas
- Shortage Occupation List for Work Visas in 2025
- Immigration Salary List Replaced the Shortage Occupation List in 2024
- Immigration Salary List Will Further Be Replaced by Temporary Shortage List
- Final Thoughts
The shortage occupation list for work visas included jobs for which there was a shortage in the labor market, and hence, UK employers had to hire migrant workers. It was a feature of the Tier 2 migration work route (which was replaced by the skilled worker visa). However, the shortage occupation list (SOC) was replaced by the ISL (Immigration Salary List) in April 2024. The list specifies salary thresholds for specific occupations under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.
SOL existed before 4 April 2024. It was used to identify roles with a shortage of skilled workers in the UK labour market. On the other hand, the ISL took a different approach. ISL focused on specific occupations where a significant shortage of labour in the UK was identified and allowed UK employers to sponsor foreign workers at a lower salary threshold. Workers sponsored for the occupations listed on the SOL were offered a 20% discount on the general salary threshold. However, the ISL offered a 20% discount on a lower salary threshold.
The ISL has fewer job types than its predecessor.
What is the Shortage Occupation List for Work Visas?
Before skilled worker visa was a Tier 2 (General) work visa. UK employers could hire overseas workers on this route. Also, they had difficulties hiring local workers for some occupations due to a short supply of workers in the local labour market. Hence, there was a list known as the shortage occupation list for work visas on which these occupations were placed.
Jobs listed on SOL typically afforded lower salary thresholds and reduced application fees for sponsored work visa applications.
The Government periodically commissions the MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) to recommend the occupations that should be placed on the SOL. Ultimately, the government decides which occupations are selected.
All employers must meet the salary threshold for the job being sponsored. However, if an occupation is on the SOL, it lowers the salary threshold for the employers by 20 per cent.
The MAC has three main considerations when assessing whether an occupation should be placed on the SOL:
- Does the occupation meet the required skill level?
- Is the occupation in short supply?
- Is it sensible to fill those shortages with migrant workers?
Shortage Occupation List for Work Visas in 2025
Before the SOL was abolished, the SOL consisted of 2 tables. The table also specified the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification Code), a 4-digit code, for each eligible role.
Table 1 – It consisted of shortage occupations where applicants for a skilled worker visa may be paid 80% of the going rate for the occupation code.
Table 2 – It consisted of shortage occupations in eligible health and education occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales.
Immigration Salary List Replaced the Shortage Occupation List in 2024
The UK skilled worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This is a point-based system in which a foreign worker must earn 70 points to do an eligible job in the UK. Out of these 70 points, 20 points are awarded for meeting the minimum salary for the job offered by a UK sponsor. However, salary is classed as a ‘tradeable’ criterion.
After 4 April 2024, sponsors must pay at least £38,700 per year for most occupations on a skilled worker visa, where no salary discount is available. However, if the occupation is listed on the ISL (Immigration Salary List) 2025, the employer gets a discount of 20% on the salary threshold, which means they need to pay a minimum of £30,960 per year instead of £38,700.
ISL is a framework outlining the occupation code, job types included in the ISL, areas of the UK that qualify, and minimum salary thresholds for jobs eligible under certain visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
ISL replaced the SOL on 4 April 2024, following the recommendations by the MAC, and it has fewer occupations than the SOL.
Immigration Salary List Will Further Be Replaced by Temporary Shortage List
As per the white paper released by the government in May 2025, the ISL (Immigration Salary List) will soon be abolished and replaced by TSL (Temporary Shortage List). Occupations below RQF 6 must be listed on the TSL to gain access to the UK immigration system. Sectors that are key to the industrial strategy or delivering critical infrastructure, and following advice from the MAC, will only be potentially added to the Temporary Shortage list.
The MAC will be asked to undertake a thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts).
Final Thoughts
The shortage occupation list was designed following the recommendations of MAC to include occupations that were facing a short supply of workers in the labour market in the UK. The jobs placed on the ISL required the UK sponsors to pay lower salaries to the overseas workers, and the applicants also had to pay a lower visa application fee.
Later on, a new immigration salary list was launched on 4 April 2024. This list had fewer occupations than those on SOL. The sponsors have to pay a discounted salary to the overseas workers being sponsored for the jobs on the ISL.
However, ISL will soon be replaced by TSL (Temporary Shortage List) where occupations below the RQF 6 skill level must be added to the TSL.
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