Free tool · Checked September 2026

Temporary Shortage List: occupations & SOC codes

Search all 52 occupations on the UK Temporary Shortage List — the RQF 3–5 jobs that can still be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa until 31 December 2026.

General guidance only, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.

Temporary Shortage List occupations
SOC	Occupation	Going rate
1243	Managers in logistics	£44,900
1258	Directors in consultancy services	£70,100
3111	Laboratory techniciansAlso on Immigration Salary List — With 3+ years’ experience	£33,400
3112	Electrical and electronics technicians	£39,300
3113	Engineering technicians	£42,500
3114	Building and civil engineering technicians	£33,400
3115	Quality assurance technicians	£33,400
3116	Planning, process and production technicians	£34,800
3120	CAD, drawing and architectural technicians	£33,800
3131	IT operations technicians	£35,200
3132	IT user support technicians	£33,400
3133	Database administrators and web content technicians	£34,600
3412	Authors, writers and translators	£36,100
3414	Dancers and choreographersAlso on Immigration Salary List — Skilled dancers	£33,400
3417	Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators	£33,400
3422	Clothing, fashion and accessories designers	£36,500
3429	Design occupations not elsewhere classifiedOnly industrial/product designers, packaging designers, performance make-up artists, set designers and visual merchandising managers or designers	£39,300
3512	Ship and hovercraft officers	£58,300
3520	Legal associate professionals	£33,400
3532	Insurance underwriters	£36,500
3533	Financial and accounting technicians	£48,700
3541	Estimators, valuers and assessors	£35,300
3544	Data analysts	£34,900
3549	Business associate professionals not elsewhere classifiedOnly business support officers, systems analysts, contract administrators, clinical coders, clinical trials administrators and research coordinators	£33,400
3552	Business sales executives	£36,700
3554	Advertising and marketing associate professionals	£33,400
3571	Human resources and industrial relations officers	£33,400
3573	Information technology trainers	£40,000
4121	Credit controllers	£33,400
4122	Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks	£33,400
4129	Financial administrative occupations not elsewhere classifiedOnly box office assistants, grants officers, mortgage administrators, revenue assistants (not government), treasury assistants	£33,400
4132	Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants	£33,400
5213	Welding tradesAlso on Immigration Salary List — High-integrity pipe welders with 3+ years’ experience	£34,900
5214	Pipe fitters	£46,000
5223	Metal working production and maintenance fitters	£39,300
5225	Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers	£41,100
5231	Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians	£35,500
5232	Vehicle body builders and repairers	£33,400
5233	Vehicle paint technicians	£33,400
5235	Boat and ship builders and repairersAlso on Immigration Salary List — Scotland only	£33,700
5241	Electricians and electrical fitters	£38,800
5242	Telecoms and related network installers and repairers	£36,700
5244	Computer system and equipment installers and servicers	£35,100
5245	Security system installers and repairers	£36,300
5249	Electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified	£45,800
5311	Steel erectors	£35,000
5315	Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers	£38,100
5319	Construction and building trades not elsewhere classifiedOnly builders, divers, fence erectors, industrial climbers, ROV operators and steel fixers/underpinnersAlso on Immigration Salary List — Retrofitters	£33,400
5322	Floorers and wall tilers	£33,400
5323	Painters and decorators	£33,400
5330	Construction and building trades supervisors	£41,800
8133	Energy plant operatives	£41,500

Going rate shown is the standard annual rate for a 37.5-hour week. The salary must also be at least £41,700 unless a new entrant or PhD option applies.

52 occupations · Immigration Rules updated 3 August 2026 · Certificates of sponsorship must be assigned before 31 December 2026.

Conditions for Temporary Shortage List jobs

Certificate of sponsorship assigned before 31 December 2026
No salary discount — at least £41,700 and the going rate
Workers cannot bring dependants (unless protected by transitional rules)
Some codes are limited to specific job titles

Planning for 2027

The Migration Advisory Committee recommended in July 2026 that a smaller, reformed list replaces the TSL from 2027. Until the government confirms it, employers relying on TSL roles should assign certificates of sponsorship well before 31 December 2026, and keep an eye on visa expiry dates for workers already sponsored in these roles.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Temporary Shortage List?

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is a list of occupations below degree level (RQF 3–5) that can still be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa after the skill threshold rose to RQF 6 on 22 July 2025. It applies to certificates of sponsorship assigned before 31 December 2026.

When does the Temporary Shortage List end?

The list applies to certificates of sponsorship assigned before 31 December 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended a reformed, shorter list from 2027, but the government has not yet confirmed what will replace it.

Is there a salary discount for Temporary Shortage List jobs?

No. Unlike the old Shortage Occupation List, the Temporary Shortage List gives no salary discount. The normal £41,700 threshold and going rate apply, unless the worker qualifies as a new entrant or has a relevant PhD.

Can Temporary Shortage List workers bring dependants?

No. Workers sponsored in an occupation on the Temporary Shortage List cannot bring dependants, unless they are protected by the transitional rules for people who held Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025.

What is the difference between the Temporary Shortage List and the Immigration Salary List?

Both let employers sponsor some jobs below RQF 6. The Immigration Salary List also allows a lower salary floor of £33,400 and a reduced visa fee; the Temporary Shortage List gives access to sponsorship only, with no salary discount.

Official sources

Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.

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