What is the immigration salary list?

The immigration salary list (formerly the shortage occupation list) identifies occupations where the salary threshold may be lower than the standard rate. Workers in roles on this list may benefit from reduced salary requirements and lower visa application fees.

How do I find the going rate for my occupation?

Going rates are published on GOV.UK in the skilled worker eligible occupations table. Find your occupation by SOC code or job title, and the table shows the minimum salary required. You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your specific role.

Does the immigration salary list affect ILR?

Yes. If your occupation is on the immigration salary list, you may benefit from lower salary thresholds for both the visa and ILR applications. However, check the current rules as the list is updated regularly.

How often is the immigration salary list updated?

The list is reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee and updated periodically. Changes can happen at any time through Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules. Check GOV.UK for the current version.

Immigration Salary List: Going Rates for UK Visas in 2026

The immigration salary list identifies occupations with specific salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. Each occupation has a going rate based on the SOC code. You must meet the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for your occupation. Occupations on the immigration salary list may benefit from reduced thresholds.

How Salary Thresholds Work

The Skilled Worker visa has two salary components:

General salary threshold: A minimum salary that applies to all Skilled Worker visa applications, regardless of occupation.
Going rate: The minimum salary for your specific occupation, based on the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code assigned to your role.

You must meet whichever is higher. The going rates are published on the GOV.UK going rates table.

The Immigration Salary List

The immigration salary list (which replaced the shortage occupation list) identifies occupations where the UK has particular skills shortages. Occupations on this list may benefit from:

A lower going rate (typically 80% of the standard going rate)
Lower visa application fees
Exemption from the immigration skills charge (for some occupations)

The list is reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee and published on GOV.UK.

Finding Your SOC Code

Your SOC code determines your going rate. To find your code:

Check your certificate of sponsorship, which lists your SOC code
Search the GOV.UK eligible occupations table by job title
Ask your employer or HR department

The SOC code must accurately reflect your actual job duties, not just your job title. If the wrong SOC code is used, your visa or ILR application could be affected.

Impact on ILR Applications

The salary threshold also applies when you apply for ILR on the Skilled Worker route. At the ILR stage, your salary must meet the current threshold for your occupation. Transitional arrangements may apply if the threshold changed during your qualifying period.

New Entrant Rates

New entrants (people under 26, in postdoctoral positions, or in professional training) may qualify for a reduced going rate. The new entrant discount is typically 70% of the standard going rate. This applies to the visa application but usually not to ILR.

Changes and Updates

Salary requirements and the immigration salary list change regularly. See our 2026 rules changes guide for the latest updates. For employer-side costs, see our hiring overseas workers cost guide.