Immigration Salary List UK: Jobs, Salaries & Work Visa Guide

The Immigration Salary List UK shows specific jobs that may qualify for a lower salary threshold under the Skilled Worker route. Being on the list can help with salary eligibility, but it does not guarantee a visa or a sponsored job offer. The list includes a mix of roles across sectors such as construction, healthcare support, creative work, science, fishing and specialist trades.

Depending on your job role or Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), will determine which visa route is available to you. Some UK work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa, can lead to settlement after five years if you meet the rules. Other routes may be temporary and may not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

In this guide, you’ll learn which jobs are on the Immigration Salary List UK, what salaries are required, and how this affects your chances of working in the UK.

The Immigration Salary List UK is not to be confused with other lists such as the Skilled Worker Occupation List / Healthcare and Education Shortage Occupation Codes / Temporary Shortage List

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: The Immigration Salary List can be useful, but I would not treat it as a shortcut to a UK visa. You still need the right SOC code, a genuine job offer, a licensed sponsor, the correct salary and the right visa route. I would use this list as a starting point, then check whether real employers in your sector are actually sponsoring workers.

This guide was last updated 14/06/2026 to reflect the latest UK work visa information.

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Can You Use the Immigration Salary List to Get a UK Work Visa?

Being on the Immigration Salary List does not guarantee a visa, but it can make it easier to qualify.

To apply successfully, you must still:

• Have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• Meet the required salary threshold for your role
• Meet English language requirements
• Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The key benefit of the Immigration Salary List is that some roles qualify with lower salary requirements compared to standard Skilled Worker visa thresholds.

What is Immigration Salary List UK?

The Immigration Salary List UK includes specific occupation codes that may qualify for lower salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes. The current GOV.UK list includes 25 occupation codes, although some only apply to certain job types, regions or work settings.

This UK shortage occupation list is compatible with the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas.

UK companies benefit as they can sponsor skilled professionals with a lower salary threshold, whilst workers benefit with reduced visa fees.

Immigration Salary List vs Temporary Shortage List

The Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List are not the same.

The Immigration Salary List gives certain roles access to lower salary thresholds and reduced visa fees. The Temporary Shortage List gives some medium-skilled roles time-limited access to the Skilled Worker route, but it does not automatically provide the same salary discount.

This matters because a job being on one list does not always mean the same visa rules, salary rules or dependant rules apply.

Also, the Migration Advisory Committee says occupations on the ISL and interim TSL currently have an expiry date of 31 December 2026, with further recommendations expected before then.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: Salary tables can look confusing at first because the rules depend on the job code, the going rate, the visa route and whether you qualify for the standard or lower rate. Before applying for a job, always check the exact SOC code and salary against GOV.UK rather than relying only on the job title.

Immigration Salary List UK

The most recent Immigration Salary List UK is below, it was published on November 2025.

Jobs on the Immigration Salary List may be relevant to the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes, depending on the occupation code, employer, salary and visa rules.

In addition, you qualify for the lower rate if you are applying for specific roles in the Health and Care Worker visa, or you got a Certificate of Sponsorship before April 2024.

Important: Care Worker and Senior Care Worker sponsorship rules have changed. New overseas applicants can no longer apply for care jobs in the UK under the current route, although some people already in the UK may still be able to switch in-country until July 2028. Always check the latest GOV.UK rules before applying.

SOC Code	Job Role	Country	Standard rate	Lower rate
1232	Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
1212	Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services – only “fishing boat masters”	Scotland only	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,800 (£13.23 per hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	£39,900 (£20.46 per hour)	£31,300 (£16.05 per hour)
2112	Biological scientists – all jobs	UK wide	£40,300 (£20.67 per hour)	£30,700 (£15.74 per hour)
2115	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	UK wide	£40,400 (£20.72 per hour)	£28,000 (£14.36 per hour)
2142	Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£26,200 (£13.44 per hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	UK wide	£38,200 (£19.59 per hour)	£26,600 (£13.64 per hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. The company must be endorsed as being internationally recognised by a UK industry body such as the Arts Councils (of England, Scotland or Wales).	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£28,500 (£14.62 per hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals or numbered string positions, and who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras. The orchestra must be a full member of the Association of British Orchestras.	UK wide	£37,500 (£19.23 per hour)	£30,100 (£15.44 per hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs	UK wide	£38,100 (£19.54 per hour)	£28,800 (£14.77 per hour)
5119	Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
5213	Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.	UK wide	£34,900 (£17.90 per hour)	£29,500 (£15.13 per hour)
5235	Boat and ship builders and repairers – all jobs	Scotland only	£33,700 (£17.28 per hour)	£29,600 (£15.18 per hour)
5312	Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£28,500 (£14.62 per hour)
5313	Bricklayers – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
5314	Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
5316	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£27,800 (£14.26 per hour)
5319	Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£27,300 (£14.00 per hour)
6131	Nursing auxiliaries and assistants – For Skilled Worker purposes, this occupation code only applies to roles in environments where registered nurses or other registered healthcare professionals also work.	UK wide	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
6135	Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. Private households or individuals (other than sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business) cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants.	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
6136	Senior care workers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity.	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
6129	Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
9119	Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years’ full-time experience in using their skills. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.	UK wide	£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)	£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Important: These salaries are based on a 37.5-hour working week and may need to be pro-rated for different working patterns. Some occupation codes only apply to specific jobs, locations, employers or experience levels. Always check the official GOV.UK Immigration Salary List before applying or accepting a job offer

Other Skilled Occupation Lists

If your job type is not in the Immigration Salary List UK, you may still qualify for job sponsorship on another occupations list. Similar to ISL, your occupation must be eligible and you must earn a salary above the “Going Rate”.

Skilled Worker Occupation List

There are 225 occupations currently on this list, you can find the list here.

The largest of all the occupation lists in the UK, there is wide range of job roles across many industries.

Careers on this list can be applied for through the Skilled Worker visa.

Health and Education Occupation Codes

Are nurses on the Immigration Salary List? Not usually in the same way as ISL roles. Nursing roles are normally found under the Health and Education Occupation Codes and may be eligible under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

GOV.UK separates eligible healthcare and education jobs into higher skilled roles and medium skilled roles. Higher skilled roles are usually eligible for all Skilled Worker applications, while medium skilled roles may only be eligible for some applications.

Occupation codes changed on 4 April 2024, so it is important to check the latest SOC code before applying. If you already have a job offer, ask your employer which occupation code they will use on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

👉 How to Work as a Nurse in the UK

SOC	Job Role	Related job titles
2211	Generalist medical practitioners	Doctor General practitioner House officer (hospital service) Medical practitioner Physician
2212	Specialist medical practitioners	Anaesthetist Consultant (hospital service) Homeopath (medically qualified) Medical acupuncturist Paediatrician Psychiatrist Radiologist Surgeon
2221	Physiotherapists	Electro-therapist Physiotherapist Physiotherapy practitioner
2222	Occupational therapists	Community occupational therapist Occupational therapist Paediatric occupational therapist
2223	Speech and language therapists	Communication therapist Language therapist Speech and language therapist Speech therapist
2224	Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists	Cognitive behavioural therapist Psycho-analyst Psychological counsellor Psychotherapist
2225	Clinical psychologists	Clinical psychologist Consultant clinical psychologist
2226	Other psychologists	Educational psychologist Forensic psychologist Occupational psychologist Psychologist Psychometrist
2229	Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified	Acupuncturist Art therapist Chiropractor Dance movement therapist Family therapist Genetic counsellor Nutritionist Osteopath Sports massage therapist Sports therapist
2231	Midwifery nurses	Delivery suite manager Midwife Midwifery manager
2232	Registered community nurses	Community care nurse District nurse Health visitor Practice nurse
2233	Registered specialist nurses	Advanced primary care nurse Intensive care nurse Clinical nurse specialist Theatre manager (hospital service)
2234	Registered nurse practitioners	Health care practitioner Mental health practitioner Practitioner (nursing)
2235	Registered mental health nurses	Community mental health nurse Psychiatric nurse
2236	Registered children’s nurses	Community children’s nurse Neonatal nurse Paediatric nurse School nurse
2237	Other registered nursing professionals	Clinical lead nurse Matron (care/residential home) Nurse Nurse educator Occupational health nurse Staff nurse Team leader (nursing) Ward manager
2251	Pharmacists	Chemist (pharmaceutical) Dispensary manager Pharmaceutical chemist Pharmacist Pharmacy manager
2252	Optometrists	Doctor of optometry Ophthalmic optician Optician
2253	Dental practitioners	Dental surgeon Dentist Orthodontist Periodontist
2254	Medical radiographers	Medical photographer Nuclear medicine practitioner Radiographer Sonographer Therapeutic radiographer Vascular technologist
2255	Paramedics	Ambulance paramedic Emergency care practitioner Paramedic Paramedic-ECP
2256	Podiatrists	Chiropodist Foot health practitioner (qualified) Podiatrist
2259	Other health professionals not elsewhere classified	Audiologist Clinical physiologist Dietician-nutritionist Family planner Occupational health adviser Operating theatre practitioner Physiologist
2312	Further education teaching professionals	FE College lecturer Lecturer (further education) Teacher (further education) Tutor (further education)
2313	Secondary education teaching professionals	Curriculum leader (secondary school) Deputy head teacher (secondary school) Head of year (secondary school) Secondary school teacher Sixth form teacher Teacher (secondary school)
2314	Primary education teaching professionals	Deputy head teacher (primary school) Infant teacher Junior school teacher Primary school teacher
2315	Nursery education teaching professionals	Kindergarten teacher (professional) Nursery school teacher Pre-school teacher
2316	Special and additional needs education teaching professionals	Behaviour support teacher Deputy head teacher (special/additional needs school) Learning support teacher Special educational needs coordinator Special needs teacher
2321	Head teachers and principals	Head master (secondary school) Head teacher (primary school) Principal (further education) Rector (university)
2461	Social workers	Independent review officer (social worker) Mental health social worker Senior practitioner (local government: social services) Social worker Team leader (local government: social services)
3213	Medical and dental technicians	Cardiographer Dental hygienist Dental technician Medical technical officer Ocularist Orthopaedic technician Radiography assistant practitioner
3219	Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified	Antenatal teacher Diet adviser Health trainer Therapist
3231	Higher level teaching assistants	Advanced teaching assistant HLTA Learning support practitioner Teaching assistant (qualified)
6112	Teaching assistants	Classroom assistant School assistant Teaching assistant
6113	Educational support assistants	Education support assistant Learning support assistant Non-teaching assistant (schools) Special needs assistant Support assistant (educational establishments)
6131	Nursing auxiliaries and assistants	Auxiliary nurse Health care assistant (hospital service) Health care support worker Nursing assistant Nursing auxiliary
6132	Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)	Ambulance care assistant Ambulance driver Ambulance service preparation operative Ambulance technician Emergency medical technician
6133	Dental nurses	Dental assistant Dental nurse Dental nurse-receptionist Dental surgery assistant

Important: Healthcare and education occupation codes do not all follow the same rules. Some roles are higher skilled and are eligible for all Skilled Worker applications, while medium skilled roles may only be eligible for some applications. You should always check the latest GOV.UK guidance, confirm the correct SOC code with your employer, and make sure the salary meets the required going rate before applying.

UK Work Visa Without Job Offer: Are There Any Options?

There is not a general “unskilled shortage occupation list” for UK work visa sponsorship. For most sponsored work routes, your job must be eligible under the relevant occupation rules and you must meet the salary and sponsor requirements.

However, there are some UK work visa without job offer options. These routes do not usually require employer sponsorship before you apply, although they still have strict eligibility rules based on nationality, age, family background, study history or other criteria.

Examples of UK visa routes that may not require a job offer include:

These routes are not available to everyone, but they can be useful if you want to live and work in the UK without first securing a sponsored job offer.

👉 How to Move to the UK Without a Job

UK Work Visas with Job Sponsorship

How to apply for Immigration Salary List UK? Depending on your personal circumstances such as age, nationality, SOC code and education. Will decide which UK work visa is correct for you.

Eligibility varies depending on your circumstances and the type of visa, but there are some general rules. You will have to be on one of the occupations lists linked to that visa, for example to apply for the Scale-Up visa it must on the Scale-Up Occupation List.

To apply for a job in the National Health Service (NHS) or healthcare in general. You would apply through the Health and Care Worker visa as this would relate to your job role. You would find the SOC code for your role on the Healthcare and Education Occupations List.

• You must work for an employer that has been approved for a sponsor license.
• Salary must meet a minimum threshold for that job role.
• Pass an English language test.

Jobs on the Immigration Salary List with High Demand

Some of the most in-demand roles on the Immigration Salary List include:

• Care workers and senior care workers
• Construction roles such as bricklayers and carpenters
• Engineering and technical roles
• Healthcare support roles
• Creative and specialist occupations

These roles are often easier to secure sponsorship for due to ongoing shortages in the UK labour market.

Many of these roles are actively recruited by UK employers that sponsor overseas workers. To see real companies hiring international candidates, explore our list of companies that sponsor work visas in the UK.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: Just because a job appears on the Immigration Salary List does not mean sponsorship will be easy. Some sectors may have demand, but employers still need to be licensed sponsors and willing to go through the visa process.

Can a job through Immigration Salary List UK lead to citizenship?

Yes, depending on the visa type and your length of stay. You need to accumulate five years of working in the UK before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

There are 3 main stages to being granted British citizenship.

• Live and Work in the UK for 5 years on a work visa
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Apply for Naturalisation/British citizenship

Related Guides

👉 Work Visas
👉 Skilled Worker Visa UK
👉 Certificate of Sponsorship UK
👉 List of Companies That Can Sponsor Work Visas in the UK
👉 Health and Care Worker Visa UK
👉 UK Work Visa from India
👉 First 90 Days in the UK
👉 Cost of Living in the UK

FAQs: Immigration Salary List UK

❓ What is the Immigration Salary List UK?

The Immigration Salary List UK is a list of specific jobs that may qualify for lower salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa routes.

If your job is on the list, it may be easier to meet the salary requirement. However, you still need a genuine job offer, a licensed sponsor, the correct occupation code and a Certificate of Sponsorship.

💷 Does being on the Immigration Salary List mean I can be paid less?

Yes, but only within the rules. GOV.UK says jobs on the Immigration Salary List can qualify with a lower salary threshold, but you must still meet the required salary for your role and the relevant going rate. GOV.UK currently states that if your job is on the Immigration Salary List, you must usually be paid at least £33,400 per year and at least the standard going rate for your job.

🧾 Does being on the Immigration Salary List guarantee a UK work visa?

No. Being on the Immigration Salary List does not guarantee a visa or a sponsored job.

You still need:

• A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• The correct occupation code
• The required salary
• To meet the English language requirement
• To meet the rules for the visa route you are applying under

🆚 What is the difference between the Immigration Salary List and the Shortage Occupation List?

The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List. The Immigration Salary List is now used for certain Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker roles that may qualify for lower salary thresholds.

Because UK immigration rules change, always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before relying on an old shortage occupation list.

⏳ Is the Immigration Salary List the same as the Temporary Shortage List?

No. The Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List are different.

The Immigration Salary List can provide lower salary thresholds for eligible roles. The Temporary Shortage List gives some medium-skilled roles time-limited access to the Skilled Worker route, but it does not automatically mean the same salary discount applies. GOV.UK says the Temporary Shortage List was published on 22 July 2025.

🧑‍💼 Do all Skilled Worker visas require the same salary?

No. Skilled Worker salary rules depend on the job, occupation code, going rate, visa route and whether any salary options apply.

Some people may qualify with a lower salary, for example if their job is on the Immigration Salary List or if they are applying under certain healthcare or education rules. GOV.UK also says annual going rates are based on a 37.5-hour working week and must be adjusted for other working patterns.

🧳 Is there a UK work visa without a job offer?

Yes, some UK work visa routes do not require a job offer before applying. Examples may include the Youth Mobility Scheme, India Young Professionals Scheme, UK Ancestry visa, British National Overseas route and Graduate visa.

These routes are not open to everyone. Eligibility usually depends on your nationality, age, family background, study history or immigration status. If you need employer sponsorship, you will normally need a sponsored route such as the Skilled Worker visa.

🔎 How do I know if my job is on the Immigration Salary List?

You need to check your job’s occupation code, also known as a SOC code. Job titles can be confusing because similar-sounding jobs may fall under different codes.

The safest approach is to compare your job duties, occupation code and salary against the official GOV.UK list before applying. GOV.UK says you can search for your job using the CASCOT occupation coding tool if you do not know your code.

🏥 Are nurses on the Immigration Salary List?

Nursing roles are usually handled through the health and education occupation codes rather than the Immigration Salary List in the same way as other ISL jobs.

If you are a nurse, doctor, healthcare professional or eligible care worker, you may need to look at the Health and Care Worker visa route and the relevant healthcare occupation code instead.

🧓 Are care workers still on the Immigration Salary List?

Care workers and senior care workers appear in immigration salary and healthcare-related rules, but this area needs extra care because the rules have changed.

GOV.UK’s Health and Care Worker guidance says dependant rules can differ for care workers and senior care workers. Recent Home Office statistics also refer to restrictions on dependants of care workers introduced in March 2024.

🏗️ What types of jobs are on the Immigration Salary List?

The list includes selected roles in areas such as science, construction, creative industries, healthcare support, care, animal care, fishing and specialist trades.

However, not every job in those sectors qualifies. Some entries only apply to very specific roles, locations or experience requirements, so you need to check the exact occupation code and description.

👪 Can my family join me if my job is on the Immigration Salary List?

Possibly, but it depends on your visa route and job type.

Many Skilled Worker visa holders can bring eligible dependants, such as a partner and children. However, dependant rules can differ for Health and Care Worker roles, especially care workers and senior care workers, so you should check the latest rules before applying.

🏠 Can an Immigration Salary List job lead to permanent residence?

Yes, in some cases. If you are on an eligible route such as the Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Worker visa, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years if you meet the rules.

Not every UK work visa leads directly to settlement, so it is important to check the visa route, not just the job title.

🔁 How often is the Immigration Salary List updated?

The Immigration Salary List can be updated when the UK government changes work visa rules or responds to labour market needs.

Because these rules can change, you should always check the latest GOV.UK list before making a visa decision or accepting a job offer.

✅ What should I check before applying for an Immigration Salary List job?

Before applying, check:

• Your correct SOC code
• Whether the job is actually on the Immigration Salary List
• Whether the role applies UK-wide or only in certain countries
• The required salary and going rate
• Whether the employer is a licensed sponsor
• Whether the visa route can lead to settlement
• Whether dependants are allowed under your route

A job being on the list can help, but it is only one part of the full visa process.

Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.

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