This guide explains current salary thresholds, how the Immigration Salary List works in 2026, which occupations qualify, and what the December 2026 phase-out means for employers and workers.
What Is the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List is a catalogue of skilled occupations for which the UK government permits lower minimum salary thresholds under the points-based immigration system. It replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024 and now forms part of the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa frameworks.
For occupations on the ISL, applicants must be paid at least £33,400 per year or 80% of the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher. This threshold applies through December 2026 for all ISL occupations, including those below RQF 6.
How to Calculate Your Salary Against ISL Requirements
Every occupation on the Immigration Salary List has both a minimum threshold and an occupation-specific going rate published in the Home Office immigration rules and guidance. You must meet both:
80% of your occupation's going rate (or 100% if you are not eligible for the ISL discount).
Full-Time Calculation
For a full-time role at 37.5 hours per week, your annual salary must meet or exceed both the £33,400 ISL threshold and the going rate for your occupation code.
Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts towards the salary threshold. Performance bonuses, overtime, allowances (except London weighting where applicable), pension contributions, and other non-guaranteed payments do not count.
Which Occupations Are on the Immigration Salary List?
The full Immigration Salary List is published by the Home Office and includes Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and descriptions for each eligible occupation. The list is reviewed periodically by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
Key Occupation Categories (Examples)
As of 2026, ISL occupations include roles in:
Health and care: nurses, paramedics, care workers, health professionals.
Science and engineering: biological scientists, chemical scientists, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers.
Information technology: programmers, software developers, IT specialists.
Education: secondary teachers (mathematics, science, computing, modern foreign languages), special educational needs teachers.
Creative and design: graphic designers, product designers, architects.
The list is not exhaustive; occupations are added or removed based on labour market evidence, wage data, and employer demand. Always check the official ISL publication for your specific SOC code.
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is the successor to the Immigration Salary List and will focus exclusively on occupations at RQF 6 and above (graduate-level roles). The TSL is designed to respond more dynamically to short-term labour shortages and will be reviewed more frequently than the ISL.
Differences Between the ISL and TSL
Feature
Immigration Salary List (ISL)
Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
Minimum skill level
Originally RQF 3+; transitioning to RQF 6+ by December 2026
The Temporary Shortage List Stage 1 report outlines the framework for the TSL but does not yet specify which occupations will be included. Further guidance is expected before the January 2027 launch.
Sponsor Licence Requirements
Employers must hold a valid Sponsor Licence to hire workers under the Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Worker visa. For ISL occupations, sponsors must:
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that specifies the correct SOC code and confirms the role is on the Immigration Salary List.
If you hold a Skilled Worker visa under an ISL occupation below RQF 6, your existing visa remains valid until its expiry date. However, when you apply to extend or switch roles, you will need to meet the higher threshold unless:
Your new role is at RQF 6+ and qualifies for the Temporary Shortage List.
You qualify for the new entrant concession or another salary discount.
You meet the five-year continuous residence requirement and apply for indefinite leave to remain before needing to extend.
Implications for Employers
Employers sponsoring workers in RQF 3–5 roles should plan for higher salary costs or workforce adjustments after December 2026. Roles that cannot meet the £41,700 threshold may no longer be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship unless the TSL includes RQF 6+ alternatives in the same occupation family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa if my occupation is on the ISL but I earn below £33,400?
Will my ISL occupation automatically transfer to the Temporary Shortage List in 2027?
Not necessarily. The Migration Advisory Committee will determine which occupations qualify for the TSL based on labour market evidence. Only occupations at RQF 6+ are eligible. You should monitor official Home Office announcements for updates.
Can I use the ISL threshold if I switch jobs during my visa?
Only if your new role is also on the Immigration Salary List and you apply before 31 December 2026 (for RQF 3–5 roles) or the role is at RQF 6+ and qualifies for the TSL after January 2027. You must apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship and meet the salary threshold at the time of your application.
The Immigration Salary List allows lower salary thresholds (£33,400 or 80% of the going rate) for eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes.
Workers and employers should plan for the January 2027 transition: roles below RQF 6 will need to meet the full threshold unless they qualify for other concessions.
Always check the official ISL publication for your occupation's SOC code, going rate, and eligibility status.
The Immigration Salary List remains a critical tool for employers and workers in 2026, but the shift to RQF 6+ and the Temporary Shortage List framework will reshape eligibility and salary planning from 2027 onwards.
