What is the UK Immigration Salary List?
The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) was introduced to replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) as part of the reforms to the Skilled Worker route under the UK’s Immigration Rules. Officially effective from 4 April 2024, the ISL represents a shift in the government’s approach to managing skilled worker immigration. Rather than focusing solely on occupations facing acute shortages, it prioritises roles for which offering a discounted salary threshold makes strategic sense for the broader economy.
Additionally, the ISL aims to make the Skilled Worker route more aligned with strategic economic priorities, focusing on key sectors that are pivotal to the UK’s growth and innovation.
Under the new system, occupations featured on the ISL can qualify for a 20% reduction in the general salary threshold, though this discount cannot bring the salary below occupation-specific minimums. This approach contrasts with the previous Shortage Occupation List, where employers could hire at 80% of the market rate if the job was in short supply. The adjustment aims to deter practices that might undercut local wages and protect both domestic workers and migrant employees.
ISL for Health and Care Workers
Similarly, the Health and Care Worker visa has its own specific considerations. Occupations on the ISL for this route are subject to a reduced general salary threshold of £23,200 instead of the £29,000 standard threshold. Nevertheless, the salary must also meet or exceed the occupation-specific threshold for these roles, ensuring that healthcare roles continue to offer competitive remuneration.
Moreover, this approach seeks to ensure that only roles that genuinely require overseas talent benefit from the reduced thresholds, thereby aligning immigration policy with labour market needs.
Number of Occupations under ISL
The ISL currently encompasses 23 occupations across several sectors, including agriculture, construction, healthcare, and the creative industries. This list will be subject to ongoing evaluation, with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) conducting periodic reviews to adapt to changing economic needs. MAC is already set to carry out an extensive reassessment later in 2024, which will involve consulting stakeholders and analysing labour market conditions to ensure the ISL effectively meets both workforce requirements and broader policy objectives.
Benefits of the Immigration Salary List
The main advantage of a role on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) is streamlined access to skilled overseas workers in sectors critical to the UK economy. This support allows employers to fill key roles more efficiently, ensuring business continuity and growth.
Additionally, roles on the Skilled Worker route benefit from a modest visa fees reduction of around £60 annually. However, this discount has little impact when compared to increased salary thresholds and the rising Immigration Health Surcharge. Health and Care Worker visa roles already have lower visa fees and therefore gain no further reduction from the ISL.
Background
In January 2024, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) conducted a rapid review of the ISL to align it with updated salary thresholds. This led to the temporary inclusion of 51 occupations from the Shortage Occupation List and 10 new roles from the 2023 review, ahead of broader immigration rule changes in April 2024. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) regularly reviews the ISL to ensure it aligns with evolving workforce demands and economic priorities.
How to Use the UK Immigration Salary List
Employers looking to recruit skilled workers from overseas should consult the ISL to determine if the role they are hiring for qualifies for a reduced salary threshold. It is important to ensure that all criteria, including specific experience requirements, are met to benefit from the reduced salary requirements.
The ISL also serves as a useful benchmark to understand which roles are being actively supported by the UK government for migration, indicating priority sectors.
The Immigration Salary List for 2025 includes a range of occupations that have been identified as eligible for a salary threshold discount, allowing employers to recruit skilled workers at a reduced salary rate.
The list was finalised as part of the updated immigration rules effective from 4 April 2024, following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). A total of 21 occupations have been included, representing a significant adjustment from the former Shortage Occupation List. The current list is more targeted, with 18 occupations eligible across the UK and 3 specific to Scotland.
Employer Guidance on Using the Immigration Salary List
Below are key considerations to streamline the recruitment process for employers:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Confirm that the role is listed on the ISL and accurately reflect this in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Choosing the right SOC: Employers should use the CASCOT occupation coding tool or consult the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to select the correct SOC 2020 code. Incorrect coding may lead to compliance action, including Home Office audits or sponsor licence suspension. Incorrect use of SOC codes or failure to meet ISL requirements can result in Home Office compliance visits, visa refusals, or even suspension of the sponsor licence.
- Meeting Additional Criteria: Some roles have specific conditions under Appendix Immigration Salary List. For example, Dancers and Choreographers (SOC 3414) must be internationally recognised ballet or contemporary dancers working with UK-endorsed companies.
- Regional Restrictions: Certain roles apply only to specific regions. For instance, Chemical Scientists in the Nuclear Industry are eligible for the ISL exclusively in Scotland. The Home Office determines eligibility based on the employer’s ‘working at’ address.
- Pro-Rating Salaries: Salary thresholds are based on a 37.5-hour workweek and must be adjusted for different working hours to meet the minimum salary requirement.
- No Minimum Weekly Hours: Unlike the previous Tier 2 (General) visa, there is no set minimum number of weekly working hours. Employers must only meet the general and occupation-specific salary thresholds, even when pro-rated.
Understanding Salary Thresholds Under the Immigration Salary List
Employers recruiting under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes must ensure that the salary offered meets two key requirements:
- General Salary Threshold: A standard baseline salary set by the Home Office.
- Occupation-Specific Threshold (Going Rate): A minimum salary specific to each role, reflecting market rates.
How the Immigration Salary List (ISL) Impacts Salary Requirements:
- For Skilled Worker visa roles on the ISL, the general salary threshold is reduced by 20%, lowering it from £38,700 to £30,960.
- For Health and Care Worker visa roles on the ISL, the general salary threshold drops from £29,000 to £23,200.
Occupation-Specific Threshold
While the ISL offers a 20% reduction on the general salary threshold, this benefit may be limited if the occupation-specific threshold is higher. For example, although the reduced general threshold for an archaeologist is £30,960, the occupation-specific threshold is £36,400. This means employers must offer the higher amount, resulting in an effective discount of less than 6%. Employers must always meet or exceed both the general and occupation-specific thresholds.
Example:
- An Archaeologist on the ISL has a reduced general salary threshold of £30,960, but the occupation-specific threshold is £36,400.
- Therefore, the employer must offer at least £36,400, making the effective discount less than 6%.
Health and Care Roles
Note that Health and Care Worker visa roles with nationally recognised pay scales are exempt from the reduced salary thresholds and must meet their designated pay scale requirements.
Key Points to Remember:
- No discount applies to occupation-specific thresholds.
- Salaries must meet or exceed both the general threshold and the occupation-specific rate.
- The ISL details are outlined in the Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List and Appendix Skilled Occupations.
For complete details, employers should refer to the Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List and Appendix Skilled Occupations for up-to-date salary thresholds and role-specific criteria.
Complete List of Roles on the Immigration Salary List 2025
The following table provides a comprehensive view of job roles listed on the UK’s Immigration Salary List, detailing specific SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) codes, qualifying regions, and minimum salary thresholds for skilled worker applications. These roles are critical for prospective applicants to review, as they have specific eligibility criteria and regional limitations.
| Occupation Code | Job Role & Specifics | Area Eligibility | Standard Salary | Lower Salary |
| 1212 | Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services (fishing boat masters only) | Scotland only | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 2111 | Chemical scientists (nuclear industry jobs only) | Scotland only | £35,200 (£18.05 per hour) | £29,600 (£15.18 per hour) |
| 2112 | Biological scientists (all jobs) | UK-wide | £38,000 (£19.49 per hour) | £28,100 (£14.41 per hour) |
| 2115 | Social and humanities scientists (archaeologists only) | UK-wide | £36,400 (£18.67 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 2142 | Graphic and multimedia designers (all jobs) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,100 (£12.87 per hour) |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians (minimum 3 years’ on-the-job experience) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 3212 | Pharmaceutical technicians (all jobs) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,400 (£12.00 per hour) |
| 3411 | Artists (all jobs) | UK-wide | £32,800 (£16.82 per hour) | £25,900 (£13.28 per hour) |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers (classical or contemporary dancers meeting UK standards) | UK-wide | £31,200 (£16.00 per hour) | £30,000 (£15.38 per hour) |
| 3415 | Musicians (orchestral musicians meeting UK standards) | UK-wide | £35,300 (£18.10 per hour) | £30,400 (£15.59 per hour) |
| 3416 | Arts officers, producers, and directors (all jobs) | UK-wide | £37,500 (£19.23 per hour) | £31,300 (£16.05 per hour) |
| 5119 | Agriculture and fishing trades (fishing industry jobs only) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 5213 | Welding trades (high integrity pipe welders with 3+ years’ experience) | UK-wide | £31,700 (£16.26 per hour) | £26,400 (£13.54 per hour) |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers (all jobs) | Scotland only | £34,100 (£17.49 per hour) | £26,300 (£13.49 per hour) |
| 5312 | Stonemasons and related trades (all jobs) | UK-wide | £32,400 (£16.62 per hour) | £26,200 (£13.44 per hour) |
| 5313 | Bricklayers (all jobs) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,600 (£13.13 per hour) |
| 5314 | Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters (all jobs) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 5316 | Carpenters and joiners (all jobs) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified (retrofitters only) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,500 (£13.08 per hour) |
| 6135 | Care workers and home carers (varies by sponsor registration in England) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 6136 | Senior care workers (varies by sponsor registration in England) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 6129 | Animal care services (racing grooms, stud handlers, work riders, etc.) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 9119 | Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations (deckhands on large fishing vessels) | UK-wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) |
New SOC Codes
The ISL aligns with the new SOC 2020 coding system, which replaces the older SOC 2010 standards. This shift reflects updated data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and means that employers must now use the new codes when issuing Certificates of Sponsorship from 4 April 2024 onwards.
What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) is a list of eligible occupations under the UK’s Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes that qualify for a 20% reduction in the general salary threshold. It replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024 and focuses on roles vital to the UK’s economic priorities.
How many jobs are on the Immigration Salary List?
As of 2025, the ISL includes 21 occupations: 18 roles eligible across the UK and 3 roles specific to Scotland, covering sectors like healthcare, construction, agriculture, and the creative industries.
What is the required salary for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700. However, roles on the ISL qualify for a reduced threshold of £30,960, provided the salary meets or exceeds the occupation-specific minimum.
Do part-time jobs qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship?
Yes, but the salary must be pro-rated to meet the required salary thresholds. The minimum salary must still meet both the general and occupation-specific thresholds, regardless of weekly hours.
What are the salary thresholds for new entrants?
New entrants to the workforce benefit from lower salary thresholds, typically 30% below the standard rate. However, the exact figures depend on the occupation’s specific requirements under the Skilled Worker route.
What are the salary thresholds for healthcare and education roles?
Healthcare and education roles follow national pay scales rather than general thresholds. For Health and Care Worker visas, the reduced general salary threshold is £23,200, but roles must still meet the occupation-specific or nationally recognised pay scale requirements.
