UK's New Temporary Shortage List for Skilled Worker Visa

The UK’s new Temporary Shortage List is a newly introduced proposed replacement for the Immigration Salary List. While the former listed roles are eligible for Skilled Worker visas due to identified labour shortages, the new list adds stricter criteria and time-bound access.

Occupations included on the Temporary Shortage List are specifically those below RQF level 6 (i.e., sub-degree level jobs). To be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, for occupations below RQF level 6, these roles must appear on the new list — making it a crucial resource for employers and overseas job applicants alike.

Following the Immigration White Paper published in May 2025, on 01 July 2025, more details of the first sweeping reforms to the immigration system were announced, which will be in effect from 22 July 2025.

Interim Measures Explained

To manage the transition, the government has rolled out interim measures that still allow certain occupations at RQF levels 3 to 5 to qualify for Skilled Worker visas. These fall into two categories:

List Type	Details
Expanded Immigration Salary List	Includes existing roles plus additional occupations identified as being in shortage through the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)’s 2023 and 2024 reviews.
Interim Temporary Shortage List	Includes roles identified as essential by the Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury for the UK’s industrial and economic priorities.

These roles remain eligible for sponsorship temporarily, and only under strict criteria.

Key Restrictions for Occupations on the Temporary Shortage List

While the Temporary Shortage List helps to address immediate labour needs, it also introduces several important restrictions:

No Dependents: Workers under this route will no longer be allowed to bring family members.
No Salary or Visa Fee Discounts: Unlike the previous Immigration Salary List, there are no reduced thresholds or fee concessions.
Time-Limited Access: These roles are currently approved only until the end of 2026, after which they may be removed unless explicitly recommended for continuation by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
Conditional Inclusion: The government reserves the right to remove occupations earlier if there are signs of misuse or exploitation within specific sectors.

Why the Temporary Shortage List Matters

The introduction of the Temporary Shortage List marks a strategic reset of the UK’s immigration system. It’s not just about plugging labour gaps — it’s about building long-term resilience within the workforce. Each sector must now take responsibility by developing and implementing domestic skills strategies. Without one, access to the immigration system may be revoked altogether.

In effect, the Temporary Shortage List encourages a smarter, more sustainable approach to international recruitment — prioritising high-impact sectors, time-sensitive needs, and economic relevance.