Immigration Salary List

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Immigration Salary List (ISL)

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) is a Home Office–approved list of jobs that qualify for lower salary thresholds under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. It replaced the old Shortage Occupation List in April 2024 as part of major changes to the immigration system.

The ISL helps UK employers fill critical roles by allowing sponsored workers to meet a reduced minimum salary requirement compared to standard Skilled Worker roles. This makes it easier for businesses to recruit overseas staff in sectors facing labour shortages.

Key Points:

Introduced in April 2024, replacing the Shortage Occupation List.

Provides lower minimum salary thresholds for eligible jobs.

Applies only to the Skilled Worker visa route.

Jobs on the list are reviewed regularly by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

Some roles may be added or removed depending on UK labour market needs.

Employers still need a Sponsor Licence to hire overseas workers under this route.

When the ISL was introduced in April 2024, the number of roles eligible was significantly reduced compared to the old Shortage Occupation List, marking a policy shift towards a stricter, more selective immigration system. However, due to ongoing shortages, care workers and senior care workers remain among the most important categories included on the ISL.

Salary Thresholds under the ISL

Normally, Skilled Worker visa applicants must meet higher salary thresholds (e.g., £41,700 per year as of 2025). However, if the job is on the ISL, lower thresholds apply.

Example thresholds:

General Skilled Worker threshold: £41,700/year

ISL job threshold: £33,400/year.

Key Points:

Thresholds may vary depending on the worker’s age, experience, and occupation type.

Healthcare and social care roles often have their own reduced thresholds.

Eligible Jobs on the Immigration Salary List

The ISL includes certain roles identified as being in shortage or essential to the UK economy. Examples often include:

Health and social care roles (e.g., care workers, senior care workers, nursing staff).

Certain construction jobs.

Key Points:

The list is updated regularly by the Home Office.

Not all healthcare or shortage roles are included applicants must check the current ISL.

Employers must ensure the specific job code is on the list when sponsoring.

Application Process for Employers

Employers wishing to sponsor a Skilled Worker under the ISL must:

Hold a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the eligible role.

Ensure the salary and job code meet ISL requirements.

Keep accurate records and comply with sponsor duties.

Key Points:

ISL roles don’t bypass the sponsor licence requirement.

Employers must pay the correct salary floor and going rate.

Non-compliance could result in suspension or revocation of the sponsor licence.

Benefits of the ISL for Employers

The ISL gives businesses greater flexibility to access skilled talent from abroad while keeping immigration costs and salary thresholds more manageable. It helps industries facing long-term labour shortages to fill essential positions without unnecessary barriers.

Key Points:

Easier recruitment for shortage roles.

Lower salary requirements reduce costs for employers.

Attracts overseas workers into critical industries like healthcare and construction.

Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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Immigration Salary List