UK Shortage Occupation List 2026: Key Changes and Overview
The 2026 Shortage Occupation List now reflects the UK’s current labor needs. It includes changes to which jobs qualify for easier visa sponsorship.
These updates come from government reviews and new immigration rules. They affect your chances of getting sponsored.
Latest Updates to the Shortage Occupation List
From July 22, 2025, the new Shortage Occupation List covers jobs facing skill shortages. These include roles in healthcare, engineering, construction, and IT.
The list now focuses on medium-skilled roles and some sub-degree jobs. This helps employers sponsor foreign workers more easily.
The government has adjusted the list based on real labor market demand. For example:
- More healthcare positions like nurses and paramedics remain on the list.
- Some engineering and tech roles are now included due to growing demand.
- Certain jobs no longer qualify because the shortage has reduced.
Check if your profession is on the list before applying for a Skilled Worker visa. This affects your sponsorship chances and eligibility for lower visa fees.
Temporary Shortage List: Scope and Duration
The Temporary Shortage List is a new short-term measure running from July 22, 2025, to December 31, 2026. It lets employers sponsor overseas workers for specific roles that do not meet the usual skill threshold but are critical to the UK economy.
This list mainly covers jobs at RQF Level 3-5, including some trades and technical roles. These are linked to the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
The Temporary Shortage List replaces the older Immigration Shortage List. It offers a quick response to urgent shortages but expires at the end of 2026.
Impact of MAC Review and Home Office Policies
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advises the UK government on which jobs should be on the shortage lists. Their latest review shaped many updates for 2026 and ensures the list reflects real skill gaps.
The Home Office has changed immigration rules to simplify visa processes for certain shortage jobs. You may benefit from lower salary requirements and fewer application barriers if your job is listed.
Stay updated with Home Office announcements and MAC reports. These directly affect eligibility criteria, sponsorship rules, and job list changes each year.
Eligible Shortage Occupation List Jobs for Foreigners
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa if your job is on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. Many roles need specific technical or scientific skills, with lower salary thresholds and simpler visa rules.
The main areas open to you include engineering, IT, and laboratory roles.
Engineering, Construction, and Technical Roles
If you work as an engineering technician, building and civil engineering technician, or similar, you qualify for sponsorship under this list. These jobs support construction projects, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
You’ll find roles like electrical engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and technicians for these fields listed. These jobs require hands-on technical skills.
You can expect easier visa access for these roles because the UK faces a shortage in qualified workers. Your experience with technical drawings, site inspections, and maintenance is essential.
IT and Technology Jobs
IT jobs on the list include IT operations technicians and other technology roles that support business systems. These roles cover installing, managing, and repairing computer hardware and networks.
If you have skills in systems administration, network maintenance, or IT support, you are likely eligible for a visa. These jobs are in high demand due to digital growth.
Lower salary thresholds apply in these roles, making it more accessible for medium-skilled workers. Your ability to keep business systems running smoothly is key.
Laboratory and Science Positions
Laboratory and science jobs like laboratory technicians also qualify. These roles include preparing samples, running tests, and supporting scientific research.
You’ll find roles in medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical labs on the list. Your work helps develop new treatments, test products, or analyze materials.
If you work with lab equipment, follow safety protocols, and keep accurate records, your skills fit well within the shortage list criteria. Visa sponsorship for these positions aims to fill gaps in science and healthcare support.
Business, Finance, and Professional Occupations in Demand
Several roles in business, finance, and law are in demand and eligible for visa sponsorship. These jobs have fewer barriers for foreign workers due to skill shortages in the UK.
Demand covers technicians in finance, professionals in legal support, and marketing specialists.
Financial and Accounting Technicians
If you work as a financial or accounting technician, the UK market needs your skills. This role involves preparing financial information, managing records, and helping with budgets and audits.
Employers value your ability to support decision-making through accurate data. You can usually apply for a Skilled Worker visa with a lower salary threshold.
This makes it easier for you to get sponsored if you meet the qualifications. Your role is critical in helping businesses maintain financial accuracy and comply with regulations.
Business and Legal Associate Professionals
As a business or legal associate professional, you support higher-level managers and lawyers. Your tasks might include managing contracts, preparing legal documents, or conducting research.
These jobs often require strong organizational skills and a good understanding of business or law. The UK labor market reports shortages in these roles, so you are more likely to be sponsored.
The salary requirements are also lower compared to standard visa rules. You should have relevant experience or qualifications to increase your chances of success.
Marketing Associate Professionals
Marketing associate professionals help companies promote products and grow their brand. Your job may involve market research, social media management, or assisting in campaigns.
Employers look for creative skills and knowledge of digital marketing tools. This occupation is on the UK Shortage Occupation List for 2025, allowing you to apply under favorable visa conditions.
Your ability to drive sales growth can make you an essential hire. Meeting the reduced salary threshold is an advantage for your visa application.
Sponsorship Process for Skilled Workers
To work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you need a job offer from a licensed employer and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. Understanding these steps helps you meet all visa requirements.
Certificate of Sponsorship Requirements
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record given by your UK employer. It confirms you have a job offer in a role listed on the Shortage Occupation List or meets the skill and salary rules for a Skilled Worker visa.
Your employer must be licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers. The CoS contains details about your job, salary, and work hours.
You need this document to apply for the visa. Make sure your CoS matches your actual job role and salary.
Any mismatch can lead to your visa application being refused. Keep your CoS reference number safe, as you’ll need it during your visa application.
Eligibility for Skilled Worker Visa
You must have a valid CoS and your job must be on the Shortage Occupation List or meet certain skill levels. Jobs should usually meet level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework or be medium-skilled if on the Temporary Shortage List.
You also need to meet a minimum salary threshold, which varies by job type. Some roles on the shortage list have lower salary requirements to make it easier to apply.
Additionally, you must prove your English language skills and have enough funds to support yourself unless your sponsor covers your costs. Criminal record checks may also be required.
Finding Approved UK Sponsors
Only UK employers licensed with the Home Office can sponsor Skilled Worker visas. You must get a job offer from an approved sponsor before you apply.
You can check the official list of licensed sponsors online. Make sure the employer is on the list to avoid delays or refusals.
When contacting employers, confirm they offer sponsorship and that your role fits the Skilled Worker visa criteria. Many industries on the shortage list actively seek foreign skilled workers, so targeted applications improve your chances.
Salary Thresholds and Immigration Salary List Rules
You need to meet specific salary requirements when applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK. These requirements depend on your job and whether it’s listed on the Immigration Salary List.
The rules set different pay levels based on your job’s skill and sector.
Standard vs Lower Salary Rates
The Immigration Salary List sets the usual salary you must earn for your job. This salary is the “standard” rate required to qualify for a work visa.
If your job is on the Immigration Salary List (which replaced the Shortage Occupation List), you qualify for a lower salary threshold. This is usually 80% of the standard rate for the job.
For example:
| Job Type | Standard Salary Threshold | Lower Threshold (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | £40,000 | £32,000 |
| Nurses | £30,000 | £24,000 |
Check the latest salary tables before applying, as these thresholds update regularly.
Discounted Salary Thresholds for Specific Applicants
Some applicants qualify for further reduced salary thresholds. You may benefit from discounted rates if you are new to the labor market or switching jobs within a shortage occupation.
If you are under 26 or applying through certain trusted partners, the minimum salary can be lower still. This discount applies only if your job is on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.
These reduced thresholds help younger or less experienced workers enter the UK labor market without facing high pay barriers.
Your sponsor must confirm your job meets these thresholds. You must prove this during your visa application.
Always check your specific situation against the official Immigration Salary List rules before applying.
Important Policy Considerations for Applicants
You need to understand recent changes affecting your visa and sponsorship options. These include rules about your family joining you, certain job roles being removed, and updates on salary requirements.
Dependants and Family Immigration Changes
If you are sponsored under the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, you may face restrictions on bringing dependants. Workers in some roles at RQF Level 3 to 5 cannot bring new family members to the UK.
Your spouse or children might not be allowed to join you while you work under these specific listings until December 31, 2026. This is a Home Office rule aimed at controlling immigration numbers in certain job categories.
If family immigration is important to you, check if your occupation code allows dependants. The rules vary depending on the list your job falls under and the expiry dates of those lists.
Occupation Removal and Role Expiry
Some jobs have been removed from the Shortage Occupation List or Temporary Shortage List for 2026. The Home Office regularly reviews which roles qualify for easier sponsorship.
Certain occupations listed as temporary will expire on December 31, 2026. After this date, sponsoring workers in these roles may be more difficult or require meeting higher salary and skill thresholds.
If your role is affected, you must plan ahead. Employers can only sponsor you if your job matches current approved codes.
Staying informed on these changes helps you avoid losing sponsorship eligibility.
Transition from Immigration Salary List
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2025. It will remain active until December 31, 2026.
During this period, employers can sponsor workers in ISL-listed occupations but with updated salary requirements. Thresholds have increased to raise the skill and salary bar for entry.
Failing to meet these salary thresholds can affect your visa application. The Home Office enforces these criteria strictly to ensure only qualified workers are sponsored.
Other Notable Roles and Sectors on the List
Some roles on the Shortage Occupation List involve hands-on skills and technical expertise. These jobs often require both experience and formal qualifications.
They cover fields from managing supply chains to providing healthcare and supporting national defence.
Logistics Management and Vehicle Technicians
If you work as a logistics manager, your skills are in demand because the UK needs experts to oversee supply chains and improve efficiency. Your role may include coordinating deliveries, managing warehouses, and optimizing transport routes.
This sector is essential to keep goods moving, especially in retail and manufacturing. Vehicle technicians also appear on the list due to ongoing shortages.
You’ll be needed to inspect, repair, and maintain cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Your skills help reduce downtime for fleets and ensure safety on the roads.
This role can be medium-skilled, making it easier for you to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
Healthcare and Care Workers
Healthcare professionals face high demand in the UK. Roles like medical radiographers, paramedics, and senior care workers are on the shortage list.
Your work in these roles supports hospitals, clinics, and care homes that struggle to find enough staff locally. Care workers are vital to helping vulnerable people live independently.
You may provide personal care, assist with daily tasks, or support elderly patients. The shortage list allows you to get sponsored more easily, with lower visa salary requirements compared to other skilled jobs.
Defence and Security Fields
The UK needs skilled personnel in defence and security roles. If you work in this area, your experience may include military support, cybersecurity, or counter-terrorism.
These fields require complex skills and have a small pool of local talent. Your expertise helps protect national safety and homeland security.
Defence and security roles often offer fast-tracked visa options. You can work in high-priority areas where shortages affect operational readiness.