List of Shortage Occupations in the UK [2025]

The UK has long been a land of opportunities for skilled professionals. However, certain jobs in the UK cannot be filled by local residents, creating a gap in the workforce.

This gap is addressed by employing foreign workers, and these roles fall under the List of Shortage Occupations in the UK. This list categorizes occupations with specific codes, helping both employers and employees navigate immigration requirements.

Starting in April 2024, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will no longer be used; the Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be used instead. The ISL narrows down eligible occupations and introduces updated salary thresholds, guidelines, and flexibility for hiring skilled workers.

Understanding the Immigration Salary List (ISL)

The ISL, managed by the Migration Advisory Committee, classifies jobs into two main categories: Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker.

Subcategories fall under these, detailing specific roles and requirements. Here’s what ISL entails:

• Salary Rules: Minimum salary requirements are set at 80% of the standard threshold for skilled roles. Adjustments are made based on occupation, experience, and location.
  
• Points Requirement: Applicants must accumulate at least 70 points to qualify for a work visa in the UK.
  
• Fair Compensation: ISL ensures that foreign workers are paid in line with UK employment standards.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

• For Employers:
  • Easier identification of roles eligible for foreign workers.
    
  • Simplified processes for hiring under ISL regulations.
    
  • Reduced salary thresholds (80% of lower salary limits).
    
• For Employees:
  • Lower visa application fees.
    
  • Ability to work a second job (20 hours per week).
    
  • Faster path to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
    
  • Points advantages (e.g., 20 points for roles in the shortage list).

Related Post to Read: Visiting the UK? ETA Required Now for 48 Non-European Countries

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is a vital pathway for individuals seeking to work in specific skilled or technical roles under UK employers who are registered and approved by the Home Office.

This visa facilitates the employment of foreign workers in positions where there aren’t enough suitable local talent people to fill it.

It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa, modernizing and streamlining the process to match current workforce needs and immigration policies.

What You Need to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa:

1. Foremost is Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Given by the company.
   
2. Approved Employer: Registration to the Home Office is required.
   
3. Job Eligibility: Role must appear on the ISL.
   
4. Minimum Salary Threshold: Depends on job type and COS issuance date.
   
5. English Proficiency Certificate. To know more about it visit here.
   
6. Personal Savings Proof.

Documents Needed for Skilled Worker Visa:

• COS reference number.
• Passport or national identity card (NIC).
• Work Title, yearly income, and occupational classification code of the position.
• Proof of relationship (if applying for family).
• Criminal record certificate.
• Valid ATAS certificate (if applicable).
• Company and the license number of their sponsor  – This is what will be written on your sponsorship letter.
• Additional document require to support your application according to your jobs

Skilled Worker Visa Benefits

• Work Flexibility:
  • People with a visa can work a second job for up to 20 hours a week as long as it is in the same field or on a list of jobs that are in short supply.
• Path to Settlement:
  • After living in the country continuously with this visa for 5 years, people are eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives them the right to live and work there permanently.
• Family Inclusion:
  • The visa allows family members (spouse and children) to accompany or join the applicant in the UK, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

Note:

You must make sure you have a confirmed job before you apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. If your job does not appear on the ISL, visit official UK government websites to explore other visa options. Ensuring your job is eligible can prevent unnecessary complications.

Duration and Renewals of the Skilled Worker Visa

Length of Stay

If you hold a Skilled Worker Visa, you can remain in the United Kingdom for a maximum of five years. The visa provides sufficient time for you to work, settle into your role, and explore further opportunities for career growth.

Renewal and Extension

If your visa is nearing its expiration or your employment situation changes, such as switching employers or jobs, you are required to apply for a visa extension or update. Important points to remember:

• You can apply for an extension as many times as needed, under the condition that you maintain your eligibility.
• Ensure you submit your application to get an extension before the end of your present visa’s term.

Changing Employers or Jobs

If you switch to a different employer or take up a new job, you must update your visa to reflect these changes. This ensures compliance with immigration regulations and that the new job meets the required eligibility criteria.

Application Tip

Always plan your renewal or extension application in advance to avoid any disruptions in your visa status or employment.

Application Timeline:

Submit your application no later than three months prior to the start date of employment indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

Processing times:

• Outside the UK: Approximately three weeks.
• Within the UK: Approximately eight weeks.

Applicable Occupations and Codes for Health and Care Worker Visas and Skilled Worker Visas  

For obtaining a Health and Care Worker Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa, your job must match specific occupation codes. The eligibility and salary thresholds depend on whether you qualify for the standard rate or the lower rate, based on when your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) was issued.

You are eligible for the reduced rate if:

• Your intended field of employment is health care, and you are seeking a visa to work in that designated occupation.
• Your original Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for a Skilled Worker Visa was issued prior to 4 April 2024, and you have consistently held Skilled Worker Visas since that date.

Eligible Occupations and Salary Requirements

Code	Job Types	Area	Standard Rate	Lower Rate
1212	Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services – only “fishing boat masters”	Scotland only	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	£35,200 (£18.05/hour)	£29,600 (£15.18/hour)
2112	Biological scientists – all jobs	UK wide	£38,000 (£19.49/hour)	£28,100 (£14.41/hour)
2115	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	UK wide	£36,400 (£18.67/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
2142	Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,100 (£12.87/hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – jobs requiring 3+ years of related on-the-job experience	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,400 (£12.00/hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	UK wide	£32,800 (£16.82/hour)	£25,900 (£13.28/hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – only skilled ballet or contemporary dancers	UK wide	£31,200 (£16.00/hour)	£30,000 (£15.38/hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians meeting recognized standards	UK wide	£35,300 (£18.10/hour)	£30,400 (£15.59/hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers, and directors – all jobs	UK wide	£37,500 (£19.23/hour)	£31,300 (£16.05/hour)
5119	Agriculture and fishing trades – only jobs in the fishing industry	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
5213	Welding trades – only high-integrity pipe welders with 3+ years of experience	UK wide	£31,700 (£16.26/hour)	£26,400 (£13.54/hour)
5235	Boat and ship builders and repairers – all jobs	Scotland only	£34,100 (£17.49/hour)	£26,300 (£13.49/hour)
5312	Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs	UK wide	£32,400 (£16.62/hour)	£26,200 (£13.44/hour)
5313	Bricklayers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,600 (£13.13/hour)
5314	Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
5316	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,200 (£12.92/hour)
5319	Construction and building trades – only retrofitters	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£25,500 (£13.08/hour)
6135	Care workers and home carers – all jobs (CQC registration required for England)	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
6136	Senior care workers – all jobs (CQC registration required for England)	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
6129	Animal care services – only specific roles like racing grooms	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	£23,200 (£11.90/hour)
9119	Fishing and agriculture occupations – only deckhands on large fishing vessels	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88/hour)	—

Additional Information

• Source of Job Codes and Rates: The table above is sourced from the official website.
• Salary Requirements: To confirm the specific salary thresholds for your job, refer to the “standard rate” and “lower rate” columns based on your eligibility.
• CASCOT Occupation Coding Tool: CASCOT occupation coding tool lets you look for your job code.

Ensure your role aligns with the occupation codes and meets the salary criteria to qualify for the appropriate visa category.

Health and Care Worker Visa

To meet the need for skilled social and health care workers in the UK, a new type of visa called the Health and Care Worker Visa was introduced. It is tailored for medical professionals who wish to contribute to the country’s healthcare system, particularly in roles that are crucial to the National Health Service (NHS) and eligible care organizations.

Purpose of Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa enables qualified individuals to work in key medical and social care roles, filling critical gaps in the UK’s healthcare workforce. The UK government recognizes the importance of healthcare and social care professionals in maintaining and improving public health, and this visa facilitates the entry of skilled workers to meet these needs.

Key Features

1. Focus on Healthcare Roles:
   • This visa prioritizes roles such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals.
   • It also includes positions in adult social care, such as senior care workers and care assistants.
2. Employment with Approved Organizations:
   • The visa requires applicants to be employed by an organization registered with the Home Office, such as the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a care provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
3. Streamlined Process for Medical Professionals:
   • The application process for this visa is faster and more cost-effective compared to other visa types, ensuring critical healthcare roles are filled promptly.
4. Support for Essential Workers:
   • This visa reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals by offering reduced fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and the ability to bring family members under certain conditions.

Criteria:

• Do a job in social care or health care that is on the UK government’s list of jobs that qualify.
• Have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved employer, such as the NHS, NHS suppliers, or Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated care providers.
• Get a valid COS from your boss that spells out your job duties, pay, and other terms of your employment.
• Reach the required minimum wage for your specific role.
• Hold a valid license to practice medicine, nursing, adult social work, or another related field.
• Demonstrate effective English communication by providing a valid certificate or credential.

Note: Before applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa, it is important to confirm that your job is eligible under the UK government’s approved list of health and social care roles. Furthermore, in order to fulfill the visa criteria, your employer has to be certified with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if you want to work as a senior care worker or care worker.

The timeline for applying and receiving a decision on this visa is similar to the Skilled Worker Visa.

Health and Care Worker Visa: Job Codes and Salary Requirements

You can’t apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa unless your job falls under one of these categories. If your role does not align with these codes, you will need to explore alternative visa options to work in the UK.

Eligible Job Codes for Health and Care Worker Visa

Your job must fall under one of these occupation codes:

• 1171: Health services and public health managers and directors
• 1231: Health care practice managers
• 1232: Residential, day, and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
• 2113: Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114: Physical scientists
• 2211: Generalist medical practitioners
• 2212: Specialist medical practitioners
• 2221: Physiotherapists
• 2222: Occupational therapists
• 2223: Speech and language therapists
• 2224: Psychotherapists and cognitive behavior therapists
• 2225: Clinical psychologists
• 2226: Other psychologists
• 2229: Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2231: Midwifery nurses
• 2232: Registered community nurses
• 2233: Registered specialist nurses
• 2234: Registered nurse practitioners
• 2235: Registered mental health nurses
• 2236: Registered children’s nurses
• 2237: Other registered nursing professionals
• 2251: Pharmacists
• 2252: Optometrists
• 2253: Dental practitioners
• 2254: Medical radiographers
• 2255: Paramedics
• 2256: Podiatrists
• 2259: Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2461: Social workers
• 3111: Laboratory technicians
• 3211: Dispensing opticians
• 3212: Pharmaceutical technicians
• 3213: Medical and dental technicians
• 3219: Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 6131: Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
• 6132: Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
• 6133: Dental nurses
• 6135: Care workers and home carers
• 6136: Senior care workers

The codes listed above are sourced from the official website. 

Special Salary Requirements

To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the wage requirements associated with some of these job codes. These include:

• 1171: Health services and public health managers and directors
• 1231: Health care practice managers
• 1232: Residential, day, and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
• 2113: Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114: Physical scientists
• 3111: Laboratory technicians
• 3211: Dispensing opticians
• 3212: Pharmaceutical technicians
• 6135: Care workers and home carers
• 6136: Senior care workers

For more information on salary requirements and thresholds, visit the official UK government resources here.

Ensure your job matches one of these codes and meets the necessary salary criteria before applying for the visa to avoid delays or rejection.

Costs:

The cost of applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa varies depending on individual circumstances, typically ranging between £719 and £1,639. Before applying, make sure to check the official UK government website for accurate pricing details.

Additionally, the estimated yearly cost of living in the UK is around £2,305, which includes approximately £1,035 for insurance, with the remainder covering general living expenses. On the other hand, your lifestyle and level of living can affect these expenses. For more accurate information on living expenses, consult reliable resources or official guides.

Points Breakdown

A total of 70 points is required for applicants seeking a work visa.  Here’s the breakdown:

• 20 points for a job offer from an authorized sponsor.
• Role meeting the skill level gives 20 points.
• English proficiency gives 10 points.
• Shortage Occupation List jobs: Additional 20 points (tradeable). which can offset lower salary thresholds—allowing salaries up to 20% below the standard industry minimum.

Tradeable points can also be earned through the following:

• Salary range

• £23,040 or above: 10 points.
• £25,600 or higher: 20 points.
  
• Educational Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. relevant to the role: 10 points.
  • Ph.D. in STEM: 20 points.

Notably, The Resident Labour Market Test does not apply to jobs that are on the Shortage Occupation List.  This exemption eliminates the need for employers to advertise the role locally before recruiting qualified international workers, streamlining the process of hiring skilled talent from abroad.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Permanent residency (ILR) is available to individuals who have worked in the UK for a period of five years. This grants the ability to work without restrictions and access additional benefits.

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker Visa?

To apply for a visa, you must first ensure that you meet the 70-point requirement. Securing a job from the eligible list awards 20 points, making it easier to meet the threshold.

The process of applying is done online, and the steps vary depending on your current location and situation:

• If applying from outside the UK: Complete your application through the official UK government website here.
• If you are already in the UK and want to extend your visa: Submit your application here.
• If you are in the UK and need to switch your visa type: Begin the process here.
• If changing employers while in the UK: Apply for an update to your visa here.

You may also apply for your family members (spouse, children, or dependents) to join or remain with you in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. For more details and to apply for family members, visit here.

Before you begin the application process, gather all of the required documents. and confirm that your job is on the eligible list to avoid delays or complications.

Steps to Obtain a UK Work Visa

To work in the UK, securing a Skilled Worker Visa or a Health and Care Worker Visa is essential, depending on your qualifications and job type. The first step involves finding a job that qualifies for visa sponsorship. Below are reliable platforms to assist in your job search:

• The official UK government job portal: gov.uk.
• Reputable job search platforms like Indeed UK.
• Websites specializing in visa-sponsored roles, such as huntukvisasponsors and companyjobs.

These resources provide a wide range of opportunities and help simplify the process of finding eligible roles for UK work visas.

Conclusion

The list of shortage occupations in the UK, now streamlined under the ISL, opens pathways for skilled professionals to contribute to the UK economy. Employers benefit from a simplified hiring process, while employees enjoy a fair and regulated system for migration.

FAQs