In 2025, the UK’s updated Shortage Occupation List (now operating alongside the Immigration Salary List) reflects urgent and persistent demand for skilled migrants in sectors struggling with domestic labour shortages. Core roles in healthcare (e.g. doctors, nurses, paramedics), engineering and construction (civil, mechanical, electrical engineers; bricklayers; roofers), and tech & cybersecurity (software developers, data scientists, IT analysts) remain top priorities for sponsorship.
. Inclusion on the list brings benefits like a 20% reduced salary threshold, lower visa fees, and streamlined processing—critical advantages for filling workforce gaps quickly.. These measures aim to ease acute shortages and support economic recovery, while ensuring recruitment aligns with strategic sector needs and national infrastructure goals.
What’s New and Why It Matters?
This Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL), which was published on July 22, 2025, is specifically designed to encompass medium-skilled positions, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals who were previously outside the highly skilled bracket and are now seeking employment in the United Kingdom.
You may now apply for a Skilled Worker visa, transfer to this route, or extend your stay with ease if your job is included in the updated list and you meet the minimum salary threshold.
Even more advantageous? Those with long-standing visa continuity, new entrants, and PhD holders are eligible for salary discounts, which render the process more accessible than ever.
New Jobs and Salaries (Standard Rate):
- – Engineering Technicians: £42,500 annually
- Database administrators receive an annual salary of £34,600.
- Choreographers and dancers earn £33,400 annually.
- Insurance Underwriters: £36,500 annually
- Vehicle technicians receive an annual salary of £35,500.
- IT User Support Technicians: £33,400 annually
- Financial technicians receive an annual salary of £48,700.
- Electricians and fitters earn an annual salary of £38,800.
- Business systems analysts’ annual salary is £33,400.
- Construction Supervisors receive an annual salary of £41,800.
- And More can be found here on new list https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-temporary-shortage-list/skilled-worker-visa-temporary-shortage-list.
Who Can Apply?
- International applicants who are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa to enter the United Kingdom
- Currently employed skilled workers who are interested in extending their stay in the United Kingdom
- Skilled expatriates who are transitioning to different visa routes within the United Kingdom
- Technical services, media, and construction professions applicants, as well as those from the STEM and creative sectors.
You’ll need to ensure your occupation matches the job codes listed, which you can check using the official CASCOT occupation coding tool.
Standard vs Lower Rates:
If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, your salary requirement depends on when you got your first Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
- Standard Salary Rate: If your initial CoS was issued after April 4, of last year, you must adhere to the higher salary level.
- reduced Salary Rate: If your initial CoS was issued prior to April 4, of previous year , and you have been continuously on a Skilled Worker visa since that date, you may be eligible for a reduced salary level..
This gives some salary relief to people who have already been working in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa and are continuing in similar roles
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Where to Start?
- Step 1: Check if your job title and code are listed on the new New Temporary Shortage List
- Step 2: Ensure your employer is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas
- Step 3: Secure a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Step 4: Apply online via the UK Home Office portal with proof of qualifications, salary, and job offer.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait?
Following the post-pandemic shortages and ongoing global competition for skilled personnel, the United Kingdom is urgently seeking to fill gaps in critical industries. This list functions as a fast-track gateway; however, its transient nature ensures that early applicants will have the greatest advantage.
The United Kingdom is calling, and your ideal career may be just a visa away, regardless of whether you are a lab technician, data wizard, makeup artist, or ship officer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the 2025 Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL)?
The TSL is a new, time‑limited mechanism introduced in 2025 to allow certain roles below degree level (RQF 3–5) access to the Skilled Worker visa. Unlike the previous Shortage Occupation List or Immigration Salary List, it does not offer salary discounts but enables continued sponsorship for select in-demand roles while requiring employers to demonstrate sector workforce strategies.
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Which jobs are included on the TSL?
Eligible roles include vocational and technical jobs facing skills gaps, such as:
Electricians, welders, laboratory technicians
IT technicians, HR officers, vehicle mechanics
Debt collectors, mortgage administrators, photographers, data analysts, other creative and office roles -
What are the wage and qualification requirements?
New skilled worker visa applicants must meet degree-level roles (RQF 6+) or have jobs on the TSL (RQF 3–5).
General salary threshold: ~£38,700 or occupation-specific median wage.
Lower thresholds remain for health and care roles at £23,200, where care staff are specially exempted
