Shortage Occupation List 2026: Complete Guide
What you need to know
- •The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) since April 2024.
- •Jobs on the ISL benefit from a lower salary threshold and reduced visa application fees.
- •The ISL is significantly shorter than the old SOL, with many previously listed roles removed.
- •The Migration Advisory Committee reviews the list regularly and advises the government on changes.
- •If your role is on the ISL, your employer can sponsor you more easily on a Skilled Worker visa.
The Shortage Occupation List (now called the Immigration Salary List) is a government-maintained list of jobs in short supply in the UK. Workers in these roles benefit from lower salary thresholds and reduced visa fees on the Skilled Worker route. This guide covers the current list, recent changes, and what it all means for applicants and employers.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
What Is the Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has historically been a list of occupations where the UK does not have enough resident workers to fill demand. If your job appeared on this list, your employer could sponsor you on a Skilled Worker visa with certain advantages, including lower salary requirements and reduced visa fees.
In April 2024, the government replaced the SOL with the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The ISL serves the same purpose but is considerably shorter. Many roles that were on the old SOL are no longer included. The term "Shortage Occupation List" is still widely used, but the official list is now the ISL.
The list is based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent body that advises the government on migration policy.
How the Immigration Salary List Works
Each job in the UK is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The ISL lists specific SOC codes that qualify for shortage occupation benefits. When your employer creates a Certificate of Sponsorship for your Skilled Worker visa, they assign a SOC code to your role. If that code appears on the ISL, you benefit from the concessions.
Benefits of Being on the ISL
- Lower general salary threshold. The standard Skilled Worker salary threshold is £38,700 per year (as of 2026). Roles on the ISL may qualify at a lower threshold, though the specific discount depends on the role.
- Reduced going rate. The going rate is the minimum salary for a specific occupation. ISL roles typically benefit from a going rate set at 80% of the standard rate.
- Lower visa fees. Application fees for ISL roles are lower than standard Skilled Worker visa fees.
- No resident labour market test. While the formal labour market test was removed for all Skilled Worker roles in 2021, being on the ISL provides additional assurance that the role genuinely needs overseas recruitment.
What Changed from the SOL to the ISL?
The transition from the Shortage Occupation List to the Immigration Salary List was a significant shift. Here is what changed:
- Fewer roles. The old SOL contained dozens of occupations across healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and construction. The ISL is much shorter, with many previously listed roles removed.
- No more 20% salary discount. Under the old SOL, shortage roles benefited from a flat 20% discount on the going rate. Under the ISL, the discount has been revised and in many cases reduced.
- New SOC codes. The UK switched to the SOC 2020 system, replacing SOC 2010. This means some job codes have changed, and you need to check the new classification for your role.
- Ongoing review. The government has stated that the ISL will be reviewed more frequently than the old SOL, with the MAC providing updated recommendations.
The 2025 Immigration White Paper signalled further reforms. The government has indicated it wants to reduce reliance on overseas workers in shortage roles by investing in domestic training. This means the ISL could shrink further in coming years.
Which Jobs Are Currently on the ISL?
The ISL changes periodically. As of early 2026, roles that have appeared on the list include (but may not be limited to):
- Healthcare: Some medical and nursing roles, though many healthcare roles were removed in 2024
- Engineering: Certain specialist engineering positions
- Construction: Some skilled trades in construction
- Science: Specific research and laboratory roles
- Veterinary: Veterinarians and related roles
Always check the official ISL on GOV.UK for the most current list. Roles are added and removed based on MAC reviews, and the list you find online today may differ from what was in place when you started your application.
How the ISL Affects Your Skilled Worker Visa
If your role is on the ISL, the practical impact on your Skilled Worker visa application is straightforward:
- Your employer assigns the correct SOC code. When they create your Certificate of Sponsorship, they select the SOC code that matches your job duties. The code must accurately reflect what you will actually do.
- The lower salary threshold applies automatically. If the SOC code is on the ISL, the system recognises this and applies the reduced going rate.
- You pay lower visa fees. The application fee for ISL roles is lower than the standard fee.
- Your application is assessed normally. Being on the ISL does not guarantee approval. You still need to meet all other Skilled Worker requirements, including English language, maintenance funds, and a genuine vacancy.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
ISL and Salary Thresholds
Understanding how the ISL interacts with salary thresholds is important. The Skilled Worker visa has two salary requirements you must meet:
- The general salary threshold: Currently £38,700 per year for most roles.
- The going rate for your occupation: The minimum salary for your specific SOC code, based on data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.
You must meet whichever is higher. For ISL roles, both thresholds are reduced. The going rate for ISL occupations is typically set at 80% of the standard going rate. There is also a lower general threshold that can apply to ISL roles.
Be aware that salary thresholds can change. If you were sponsored at a discounted rate and your role is later removed from the ISL, this may affect future extension or ILR applications if the salary requirements have increased.
The Role of the Migration Advisory Committee
The MAC is an independent, non-departmental public body that advises the government on migration issues. It is composed of economists and migration experts. The MAC's role in the ISL process includes:
- Reviewing evidence about labour shortages in specific sectors
- Consulting with employers, trade unions, and other stakeholders
- Publishing reports recommending which occupations should be added or removed
- Assessing whether migration is the appropriate response to a labour shortage (as opposed to training, automation, or better pay)
The government is not bound by MAC recommendations but usually follows them. MAC reports are published on GOV.UK and provide useful insight into the direction of policy for specific sectors.
Common Misconceptions
Being on the ISL does not guarantee a visa
Having a job on the ISL makes your application easier and cheaper, but it does not guarantee approval. You must still meet all standard Skilled Worker visa requirements.
The ISL is not the same as a skills shortage
A general skills shortage in a sector does not mean the job is on the ISL. The ISL is a specific, formally defined list. Only roles listed by their SOC code qualify for the benefits.
Removal from the ISL does not cancel your visa
If your role is removed from the ISL after your visa is granted, your existing visa remains valid. However, when you come to extend or apply for ILR, you will need to meet the standard (non-discounted) salary requirements in place at that time.
What the Future Holds
The government's direction of travel is clear: it wants to reduce the size of the ISL and encourage employers to invest in domestic training rather than relying on overseas recruitment. The 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed linking the ISL more closely to workforce development strategies.
For applicants, this means you should not assume your role will remain on the ISL indefinitely. If you are planning a Skilled Worker visa application and your role is currently on the list, it is worth applying sooner rather than later to lock in the benefits.
Next Steps
Start by checking whether your role appears on the current ISL on GOV.UK. Confirm the SOC code with your employer and ensure the salary meets the applicable threshold.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.