Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Immigration rules can change—seek qualified guidance before making decisions.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
The Temporary Shortage List TSL, effective since 22 July 2025, provides a temporary pathway for Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3–5 occupations to access the Skilled Worker route until 31 December 2026. This targeted mechanism addresses key skill shortages in sectors vital to the UK’s industrial strategy. Migrant workers in these roles cannot bring dependants unless specific exemptions apply
Introduction to the Temporary Shortage List
As part of the UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper, the Immigration Salary List and the old Shortage Occupation List were phased out and replaced with a more streamlined, conditional Temporary Shortage List
Sponsorship available only for Certificates of Sponsorship issued before 31 Dec 2026
Exclusively for RQF Level 3–5 roles (sub-degree, technician, supervisory).
Professions included must align with Modern Industrial Strategy, supported by the Treasury and Department for Business and Trade.
Why the TSL Was Created
- Manageable net migration: Instead of abolishing low-skill routes outright, TSL offers a targeted, temporary approach
- Protect domestic labour: Employers must demonstrate investment in UK-based recruitment and training
- Ensure fair working conditions: TSL emphasizes compliance and avoids exploitation in sectors historically prone to migrant labour misuse .
Detailed Breakdown of TSL Roles
Below is an in-depth look at the occupations currently listed on the Temporary Shortage List:
Technicians & Skilled Trades
These roles are critical to manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure:
- 3111 Laboratory Technicians
- 3112 Electrical & Electronics Technicians
- 3113–3114 Engineering & Civil Engineering Technicians
- 3115 Quality Assurance Technicians
- 3116 Planning, Process & Production Technicians
- 3120 CAD, Architectural & Drawing Technicians
IT, Data & Engineering Roles
Core to digital infrastructure and analytics:
- 3131 IT Operations Technicians
- 3132 IT User-Support Technicians
- 3133 Database Admins & Web-Technicians
- 3544 Data Analysts
- 3573 IT Trainers
Construction & Maritime Occupations
Critical to rebuilding and technical infrastructure:
- 3512 Ship & Hovercraft Officers
- 5213 Welders, 5214 Pipe Fitters, 5223 Metalworking Fitters, 5225 HVAC Technicians
- 5231–5233 Vehicle Technicians & Mechanics, 5235 Boat & Ship Repair
- 5241–5245 Electrical, Network & Security Installers
- 5311 Steel Erectors, 5315 Plumbers & Heating Installers
- 5319 Divers, Builders, Fence Erectors, ROV Operators
- 5322 Floorers/Tilers, 5323 Painters/Decorators, 5330 Construction Supervisors
- 8133 Energy Plant Operatives
Business, Finance & Administration
Supporting financial, professional, and clerical functions:
- 1243 Logistics Managers, 1258 Consultancy Directors
- 3520 Legal Associates
- 3532 Insurance Underwriters, 3533 Accounting Technicians, 3541 Valuers
- 3549 Business Analysts, Contract Administrators, Clinical Coders, Trials Admins
- 3552 Sales Executives, 3554 Marketing Associates, 3571 HR Officers
- 4121 Credit Controllers, 4122 Book-keepers / Payroll Clerks, 4129 Box Office Admin, Grants Officers, Mortgage Admins, Revenue Assistants
- 4132 Pensions & Insurance Clerks
Creative & Cultural Positions
Vital to the UK’s arts, culture, and digital media:
- 3412 Authors, Writers & Translators
- 3414 Dancers & Choreographers
- 3417 Photographers & A/V Technicians
- 3422 Fashion Designers, 3429 Industrial/Product Designers, Performance Make-Up Artists, Set Designers, Visual Merchandising Professionals
Trials, Quality Assurance & Estimation
Roles essential to R&D, healthcare, and quality control:
- Clinical Trials Administrators, Contract Administrators, Research Coordinators, Clinical Coders
- Estimators, Valuers & Assessors, QA Engineers
Key Conditions & Restrictions
From 22 July 2025, new TSL visa holders face significant limitations
- No dependants allowed—applicable to new applicants, barring certain exemptions.
- Standard salary thresholds apply—no discounted pay unless already protected by other provisions
- Sponsorship deadlines—Certificates of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 Dec 2026.
- Workforce plan compliance—employers must adhere to skills strategy, training, and domestic recruitment commitments
Time Frame & What Happens After 2026
- 31 Dec 2026 marks the initial sunset date for TSL roles, though the government may accelerate removal
- A MAC-led review will determine which roles continue based on evidence, wage trends, and sectoral needs
- Further adjustments may depend on compliance, workforce strategy implementation, and domestic labor market improvements.
Impact on Employers and the UK Economy
Strategic Workforce Planning
Employers must now prioritise domestic labour, invest in training, and justify overseas hiring under TSL conditions. Failure to comply risks losing sponsorship privileges .
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Pressure
For sectors like engineering, construction, maritime, and creative industries, TSL provides interim relief—but the onus is on domestic training infrastructure to prevent long-term talent shortages .
Wage Integrity
Salary thresholds have increased significantly—general minimum now £38,700—removing the 20% discount and helping ensure that migrant labour does not undercut UK workers
Increased Salary Thresholds Apply at Renewal
While many protections exist, salary thresholds have risen. Even existing visa holders may need to meet updated salary criteria at their next extension or switch.
| Type of Worker | Old Minimum Salary | New Threshold (from July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| General Skilled Worker | £26,200 | £38,700 |
| New Entrants (Under 26) | £20,960 | £30,960 |
| Shortage Occupation Roles | £20,960 | £30,960 (with limited exceptions) |
Failing to meet these new salary requirements at the time of renewal could jeopardize your visa or extension application.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Prospects
🕓 ILR Route Still Open
If you are on the 5-year Skilled Worker route and have met all residency, salary, and English language requirements, you can still apply for ILR under the previous rules.
Key requirements include:
- 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa
- Salary threshold: At least £38,700 (or the going rate) at the time of ILR application
- No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
Switching Visas or Employers: What’s Allowed?
If you’re an existing visa holder, you can still switch jobs or employers, but:
- You must stay in the same job code or related occupation.
- If switching into a TSOL job, you may lose the right to bring dependants or become subject to new rules.
- Salary thresholds must match the updated 2025 levels.
We recommend reviewing the updated Skilled Worker Visa Occupation Codes to ensure your role still qualifies.
What You Should Do as an Existing Visa Holder
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| ✅ Check your salary | Ensure it meets new minimums before your next visa application |
| ✅ Monitor job code eligibility | Avoid switching into roles with restricted benefits |
| ✅ Plan early for ILR | Make sure your employment history aligns with the 5-year path |
| ✅ Update family status | Dependant rules differ based on your original visa issue date |
| ✅ Consult immigration experts | Rule changes are complex—professional advice can prevent costly mistakes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can TSL visa holders bring dependants?
No—new visa holders cannot bring spouses or minor dependants unless special conditions (e.g., sole parental responsibility) apply .
Q2: Will salary discounts remain in place?
_No—salary discounts for TSL roles have been abolished. All applicants must meet… [truncated due to length]
