Understanding whether your role is on the immigration salary list can make a significant difference to your eligibility for UK work sponsorship. This guide explains how the ISL works, what salary thresholds apply, how to find your occupation code, and what the expiry dates mean for your visa prospects.
What Is the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List is a Home Office-approved list of skilled jobs in shortage or national interest occupations. It replaced the former Shortage Occupation List in April 2024 following a rapid review by the Migration Advisory Committee.
However, the 80% discount applies only to the route's general minimum rate. You must still be paid at least the standard going rate for your specific job. The going rate is the minimum salary for each SOC code set by the Home Office, and it cannot be discounted.
According to the rapid review published in February 2024, 21 occupations have been recommended for inclusion on the ISL, representing approximately 8% of job roles eligible for the Skilled Worker route by employment.
How the Immigration Salary List Lowers Your Salary Threshold
If your job is on the immigration salary list, you must be paid at least £33,400 per year, which represents 80% of the general threshold. You must also meet the full going rate for your occupation.
For example, if your SOC code has a going rate of £35,000, you would need to be paid £35,000 (the going rate) rather than £33,400, because the going rate is higher. Conversely, if your occupation's going rate is £30,000, you would still need to be paid £33,400, because that is the minimum ISL threshold.
For instance, if you work 30 hours per week in a role with a going rate of £45,000 per year (based on 37.5 hours), your pro-rated salary would be calculated as:
In addition to the salary reduction, visa applicants sponsored for jobs on the immigration salary list pay lower application fees. The reduced fee structure applies to both the main applicant and any dependants, making ISL sponsorship more cost-effective for families.
Which Jobs Are on the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List currently includes 21 occupations across various sectors. The full list is published by the Home Office and specifies each job by its SOC code, job title, and any additional conditions.
Key sectors represented on the ISL include:
Health and care occupations, such as care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136)
Any additional criteria (such as specific qualifications or regional restrictions)
The going rate for the occupation
The expiry date for that occupation's inclusion on the ISL
Your sponsoring employer is responsible for selecting the correct SOC code on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). An incorrect code can lead to visa refusal or compliance issues for the sponsor.
The job duties genuinely correspond to the SOC code claimed
The salary meets both the ISL threshold and the going rate
The CoS is issued before the occupation's ISL expiry date
Home Office caseworkers may scrutinise the job description, duties, and qualifications to verify that the SOC code has been applied correctly. Misclassification can result in visa refusal and potential sponsor licence revocation.
After an occupation is removed from the ISL, new applicants will need to meet the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold of £41,700 (or the going rate, if higher). However, workers who already hold a valid Skilled Worker visa for an ISL occupation may continue under the terms of their existing leave.
Employers planning to sponsor workers in ISL occupations should factor in these expiry dates when making long-term workforce decisions. Once an occupation is removed from the list, recruiting international workers for that role will become more expensive and may require higher salaries.
Alternative Salary Discounts: Students and Graduates
This 70% discount is known as the "new entrant" rate and is separate from the ISL discount. New entrants switching from a Student or Graduate visa benefit from this lower threshold even if their job is not on the immigration salary list.
If your job is on the ISL and you also qualify as a new entrant, you will generally benefit from whichever discount is more favourable. However, the £33,400 floor still applies, meaning you cannot be paid less than that amount regardless of discounts.
This route is available to workers in eligible health and social care roles who are sponsored by the NHS, a NHS supplier, or an organisation providing services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The Health and Care Worker visa also benefits from reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If your occupation is on the ISL and you work in a qualifying health or care setting, you should discuss with your sponsor whether the Health and Care Worker visa or the standard Skilled Worker visa is more appropriate for your circumstances.
RQF Level and Skill Requirements
From 22 July 2025, the minimum qualification level for Skilled Worker sponsorship increased from RQF 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF 6 (graduate level). However, jobs on the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List at RQF 3–5 remain permissible under transitional arrangements.
This means that some ISL occupations may be eligible for sponsorship even if they do not require a degree-level qualification, provided they meet the other ISL criteria. Employers should verify the RQF level for each SOC code when assessing eligibility.
Practical Steps for Applicants
If you believe your job may be on the immigration salary list, follow these steps:
Identify your SOC code using the CASCOT tool or by consulting your employer's HR or immigration adviser.
Verify the going rate for your SOC code and confirm that your salary meets both the £33,400 ISL threshold and the going rate.
Check the expiry date for your occupation to ensure the ISL benefit will remain available throughout your intended period of sponsorship.
Confirm regional eligibility if you will be working in a specific part of the UK.
Ensure your employer issues the CoS with the correct SOC code and salary details before the occupation's removal date.
Employer Responsibilities
Sponsors must exercise due diligence when using the Immigration Salary List. The Home Office expects employers to:
Select the most appropriate SOC code based on the actual duties of the role
Pay the higher of the ISL threshold or the going rate
Issue the Certificate of Sponsorship before the occupation's ISL expiry date
Maintain accurate records of the job description, salary, and working hours
Monitor changes to the ISL and adjust recruitment strategies accordingly
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in visa refusals, sponsor licence suspension, or revocation.
Future of the Immigration Salary List
The ISL is subject to regular review by the Migration Advisory Committee and the Home Office. The current list is time-limited, with most occupations due to be removed by 31 December 2026 (except care workers, whose inclusion lasts until 22 July 2028).
The government may add new occupations, remove existing ones, or extend expiry dates based on labour market evidence and policy objectives. Employers and applicants should monitor official announcements and adjust their plans as the list evolves.
The Home Office has indicated that future reviews will focus on ensuring that immigration policy supports genuine skills shortages without displacing resident workers or undermining training and upskilling initiatives.
Key Takeaways
The Immigration Salary List allows sponsorship at a reduced threshold of £33,400 per year, down from the standard £41,700.
You must still meet the full going rate for your specific occupation.
The ISL includes 21 occupations, representing about 8% of Skilled Worker-eligible roles.
Most occupations will be removed from the ISL by 31 December 2026; care workers remain until 22 July 2028.
Correct SOC code selection is essential for compliance and visa approval.
Students and graduates may qualify for additional salary discounts.
Health and care workers may benefit from even lower thresholds under the Health and Care Worker visa.
Checking whether your job is on the immigration salary list is a crucial step in planning a Skilled Worker visa application. By understanding the thresholds, expiry dates, and compliance requirements, you can make informed decisions about your eligibility and work with your sponsor to ensure a successful application.
