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Temporary Shortage Occupation List UK: Medium-Skilled Jobs and Sponsorship Rights | Skilledjobs | SkilledJobs
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Temporary Shortage Occupation List UK: Medium-Skilled Jobs and Sponsorship Rights
By SkilledJobs Editorial · Published 23 June 2026 · Last verified
The Temporary Shortage List is a new immigration mechanism that allows UK employers to sponsor medium-skilled workers in occupations assessed at RQF levels 3–5. Launched on 22 July 2025, it provides time-limited access to the Skilled Worker visa route for roles below the traditional graduate threshold, addressing specific labour market needs until 31 December 2026.
This guide explains which occupations qualify, salary requirements, sponsorship rules, and key restrictions including the ban on bringing dependants for new applicants.
What Is the Temporary Shortage List?
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is a list of jobs available to UK employers seeking to sponsor skilled workers at RQF levels 3–5. It contains occupations that the Department for Business and Trade and His Majesty's Treasury have identified as important to the UK's Industrial Strategy, providing time-limited access to the immigration system for those medium-skilled occupations.
The TSL differs from the standard Skilled Worker route, which typically requires RQF level 6 and above (degree-level qualifications). By opening sponsorship to RQF 3–5 occupations, the government has created a temporary pathway for technical and operational roles that fall below graduate level but are deemed critical to economic priorities.
Time-Limited Framework
All occupations on the Temporary Shortage List and the Expanded Immigration Salary List carry an expiry date of 31 December 2026. An eligible job within a SOC 2020 occupation code is only included on the Temporary Shortage List where it appears in the list and an application has been made using a certificate of sponsorship issued by a sponsor to an applicant before that date.
The Migration Advisory Committee's Stage 2 review is expected to report in July 2026 with recommendations on which occupations will transition onto a permanent Temporary Shortage List after December 2026.
Skill Level and RQF Requirements
Occupations on the Temporary Shortage List are considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3–5, other than "care workers and home carers", which is considered to be skilled to RQF level 2.
RQF levels correspond to qualifications and competencies:
RQF Level 3: A levels, NVQ Level 3, BTEC National
RQF Level 4: Higher National Certificate (HNC), Certificate of Higher Education
RQF Level 5: Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree
This represents a significant departure from the usual Skilled Worker requirement of RQF level 6 (bachelor's degree or equivalent).
Occupations Currently on the Interim TSL
The current interim Temporary Shortage List includes a range of technical, engineering, and IT roles. The Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 997) lists the following SOC 2020 occupation codes:
SOC 1243: Managers and proprietors in other services n.e.c. (managers in logistics)
SOC 1258: Directors and chief executives of major organisations (directors in consultancy services)
SOC 3111: Laboratory technicians
SOC 3112: Electrical and electronics technicians
SOC 3113: Engineering technicians
SOC 3114: Building and civil engineering technicians
SOC 3115: Quality assurance technicians
SOC 3116: Planning, process and production technicians
SOC 3120: Draughtspersons (CAD/drawing and architectural technicians)
SOC 3131: IT operations technicians
SOC 3132: IT user support technicians
SOC 3133: Web design and development professionals (database administrators and web content technicians)
Unlike the former Shortage Occupation List, the Temporary Shortage List does not automatically apply a percentage discount to the general salary threshold. Each occupation has its own standard going rate, which may be higher than £41,700. Applicants must meet whichever figure is higher.
Pro-Rata Calculation
If the applicant works fewer than 37.5 hours per week, the salary must be pro-rated. For example, if an applicant works 30 hours per week in a role with a going rate of £45,000 per year (based on 37.5 hours), the calculation is:
(30 ÷ 37.5) × £45,000 = £36,000 per year
This pro-rated figure must still meet or exceed the general threshold of £41,700, unless the occupation-specific going rate permits a lower pro-rated amount in certain circumstances. Employers should verify the exact going rate for each SOC code and apply pro-rata rules as set out in Home Office guidance.
Individuals outside the UK who have a valid certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor for a TSL-listed occupation may apply for entry clearance (a visa to enter the UK). The certificate of sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.
Switchers and Extenders
Those already in the UK on another visa category may switch into the Skilled Worker route using a TSL occupation, provided they meet the standard eligibility criteria and hold a valid certificate of sponsorship. Similarly, existing Skilled Workers may extend their permission if their role remains on the TSL at the time of extension.
If you were granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and are extending, existing dependants may continue to apply, but the prohibition applies to all new main applicants from that date.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence to issue certificates of sponsorship for TSL occupations. The same compliance duties apply: employers must ensure the role is genuine, the salary meets the threshold, and the worker will undertake the job described in the certificate of sponsorship.
Certificate of Sponsorship Deadline
Sponsors must assign and applicants must use a certificate of sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026. After that date, any occupation not transitioned to a permanent TSL will revert to standard Skilled Worker rules, meaning RQF 6+ only.
Visa Application Process and Fees
The application process for a Skilled Worker visa using a TSL occupation follows the standard procedure:
Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your licensed UK employer.
Check the salary threshold for your specific SOC code and confirm you meet the higher of £41,700 or the occupation going rate.
Apply online for entry clearance (from outside the UK) or permission to stay (switching or extending inside the UK).
Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Provide biometrics and supporting documents.
Visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and English language requirements remain unchanged. Consult the Skilled Worker visa guidance for current fees and document lists.
How the TSL Fits Into the Wider Skilled Worker Route
The Temporary Shortage List sits alongside:
The standard Skilled Worker route (RQF 6+ occupations, minimum £38,700 or occupation going rate, dependants allowed)
The Expanded Immigration Salary List (certain RQF 6+ occupations with lower salary thresholds, also expiring 31 December 2026)
All three use the same legislative framework and sponsor licence system. The TSL is a time-limited carve-out to address specific medium-skilled labour gaps identified as priorities under the UK's Industrial Strategy.
Stage 2 Review and Future Changes
The Migration Advisory Committee commenced Stage 2 of its review in late 2025. The committee will assess which occupations should remain on a permanent Temporary Shortage List after the current interim arrangements expire on 31 December 2026.
Recommendations are due in July 2026. The Home Secretary will then decide which occupations to retain, remove, or add to the permanent TSL. Employers and workers should monitor GOV.UK updates in the second half of 2026.
Practical Considerations for Employers and Workers
For Employers
Review your workforce planning: If you employ or plan to recruit workers in RQF 3–5 roles, check whether those occupations appear on the interim TSL.
Ensure compliance: Salary calculations, pro-rata rules, and RQF level assessments must be documented and accurate.
Plan for 2027: Prepare for the possibility that some occupations will revert to RQF 6+ after December 2026.
For Workers
Check your SOC code: Confirm that your job offer matches one of the listed occupation codes and that your employer has described the role correctly in the certificate of sponsorship.
Understand the dependant ban: If you plan to bring family members, the TSL route will not permit this for new applications.
Monitor the Stage 2 review: If your occupation is removed from the permanent TSL, you may need to switch roles or routes to maintain lawful status beyond your current visa expiry.
Key Differences Between the TSL and the Immigration Salary List
Feature
Temporary Shortage List
Immigration Salary List
RQF Level
3–5 (medium-skilled)
6+ (graduate-level)
Dependants
Not allowed for new applicants
Allowed
Expiry Date
31 December 2026
31 December 2026
Salary Threshold
£41,700 or going rate
Lower thresholds (often 80% discount)
Switching Allowed
Yes
Yes
Both lists are interim measures pending the Stage 2 review and will be replaced or revised in 2027.
Common Questions
Can I apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) on a TSL visa?
Yes, if you complete five years of continuous lawful residence as a Skilled Worker (including time on a TSL-listed occupation), you may apply for settlement under the standard Skilled Worker settlement rules. However, you must meet all other requirements, including the salary threshold at the time of settlement and English language proficiency.
What happens if my occupation is removed from the TSL before my visa expires?
Your existing visa remains valid until its expiry date. When you apply to extend, you will need to meet the requirements in force at that time. If your occupation is no longer on the TSL and does not meet RQF 6+ standards, you may need to change roles or employers to remain in the Skilled Worker route.
Can I bring dependants if I extend from a pre-July 2025 Skilled Worker visa?
If you were granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025, your existing dependants may continue to apply or extend. The dependant ban applies to new main applicants in RQF 3–5 roles from that date onward.
Does the TSL apply to all Skilled Worker sponsors?
Yes, any sponsor with a valid Skilled Worker licence can sponsor TSL occupations, provided they meet the standard compliance requirements and the role genuinely corresponds to the listed SOC code.
Verifying Your Occupation and SOC Code
Applicants and sponsors should cross-reference job titles and duties against the SOC 2020 occupation codes published by the Office for National Statistics. Job titles alone are not sufficient; the actual tasks and responsibilities must align with the SOC code description.
Where uncertainty exists, consider the Home Office guidance on "what your job involves" and consult the detailed occupation descriptions. Misclassification can lead to refusal or sponsor compliance action.
Summary
The Temporary Shortage List provides a focused, time-limited route for UK employers to sponsor medium-skilled workers in RQF 3–5 occupations deemed critical to the UK's Industrial Strategy. Introduced on 22 July 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026, the list currently includes technical, engineering, and IT roles at SOC codes such as 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114, 3115, 3116, 3120, 3131, 3132, and 3133, as well as managers in logistics (1243) and directors in consultancy services (1258).
The Migration Advisory Committee's Stage 2 review, due in July 2026, will determine which occupations transition to a permanent framework. Until then, employers and workers should monitor official updates, ensure accurate SOC code classification, and plan for potential changes in 2027.
