The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL), introduced in April 2024, replaced the Shortage Occupation List as part of the government’s efforts to refine the immigration system. The ISL outlines specific occupations eligible for reduced salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes.
Under the Skilled Worker visa route, the general salary threshold is £38,700. However, for occupations listed on the ISL, this threshold is reduced to £30,960, provided the occupation-specific threshold (also known as the ‘going rate’) is met. For Health and Care Worker visas, the general threshold is £29,000, with ISL-listed roles requiring a minimum of £23,200, again subject to the occupation-specific threshold.
It’s important to note that while the ISL offers a 20% discount on the general salary threshold, there is no discount on the occupation-specific threshold. This means that employers must ensure the salary offered meets or exceeds both the reduced general threshold and the occupation-specific threshold.
The ISL is reviewed periodically to align with the UK’s labour market needs. Employers and prospective migrants should consult the latest version to determine eligibility and understand the specific requirements for each listed occupation.
What Is the UK Immigration Salary List?
The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) is a key policy mechanism used by the UK government to manage labour migration and respond to shortages in the domestic workforce. It defines which jobs can benefit from reduced salary thresholds when applying for certain work visas, particularly under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes.
Purpose and Origin of the ISL
The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, following recommendations by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The intention was to streamline and simplify the process, while ensuring that salary thresholds reflect current market realities and the need to protect the resident labour force.
The ISL:
- Enables employers to hire overseas workers for specific roles at a reduced general salary threshold.
- Supports sectors facing genuine shortages, particularly in health, social care, construction, and engineering.
- Ensures minimum salaries remain high enough to prevent wage undercutting.
Key Differences from the Shortage Occupation List
| Feature | Shortage Occupation List | UK Immigration Salary List |
| Discount Level | 20% discount on both general and going rate thresholds | 20% discount on general salary threshold only |
| Scope | Occupations in national shortage | Occupations eligible for reduced salary threshold (not always a “shortage”) |
| Transparency | Set by MAC, reviewed infrequently | Updated in line with salary reforms and labour market data |
This shift means a more consistent and numerically driven approach, moving away from broader “shortage” labels and toward actual salary benchmarking across industries.
How the ISL Works in Practice
An occupation on the ISL allows an applicant to meet a lower salary requirement—provided the job pays at least:
- £30,960 for Skilled Worker visa (down from £38,700)
- £23,200 for Health and Care Worker visa (down from £29,000)
However, the job must also meet the occupation-specific threshold, or “going rate”, which varies by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. This dual threshold ensures that roles on the ISL still pay fair market wages.
How the UK Immigration Salary List Affects Visa Applications
The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) significantly impacts how both employers and applicants approach Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa applications. Understanding how the ISL affects salary requirements, eligibility criteria, and documentation is critical to avoid delays or refusals.
Reduced Salary Thresholds for Eligible Occupations
Occupations listed on the ISL benefit from reduced general salary thresholds. This makes it easier for employers to sponsor overseas workers in essential roles without breaching immigration salary rules. The actual savings can be substantial.
Example Comparison – Skilled Worker Route
| Salary Category | Standard Occupation | ISL-Listed Occupation |
| General Salary Threshold | £38,700 | £30,960 |
| Occupation-Specific Threshold (example) | £39,000 | £39,000 (unchanged) |
| Minimum Required Salary | £39,000 | £39,000 |
Even with the general threshold discounted, the applicant must still meet the going rate. This protects against wage dumping and ensures the job genuinely warrants a visa.
Implications for Skilled Worker Visas
To qualify under the Skilled Worker visa route, an applicant must meet these key salary criteria:
- The salary must meet or exceed both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific threshold defined in the skilled worker visa fee and costs.
- If the role is on the ISL, the general threshold reduces by 20%, but the occupation-specific rate remains the same.
- Applicants must still meet other requirements like English language proficiency, job offer from a licensed sponsor, and a genuine vacancy.
The ISL creates a more accessible pathway for eligible roles but does not lower standards arbitrarily. It balances access with fairness to the UK workforce.
Implications for Health and Care Worker Visas
The Health and Care Worker visa offers lower thresholds than the Skilled Worker visa due to the strategic importance of the healthcare sector. For ISL-listed roles under this route:
- The general salary threshold drops from £29,000 to £23,200.
- The occupation-specific threshold must still be met.
- This route is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, offering further savings to applicants.
For example, a care worker role listed on the ISL might allow a sponsor to offer £24,000 where the general threshold is otherwise too high. But if the going rate is £25,000, then £24,000 is still insufficient—visa refused.
Visa Application Outcomes and Risk Management
Failing to meet the exact ISL salary rules is one of the most common reasons for Skilled Worker visa refusals. Employers should:
- Refer to the latest ISL version to verify eligibility.
- Ensure both thresholds are met based on SOC codes.
- Document and evidence salary offers clearly in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Applicants should:
- Verify that their job offer falls under an ISL-listed role.
- Confirm that their total salary, including allowances if applicable, meets all criteria.
- Submit a complete, well-evidenced visa application to avoid complications.
Sectors and Jobs Currently Listed on the UK Immigration Salary List
As of 2025, the UK Immigration Salary List includes a defined selection of occupations across health, care, construction, and certain technical roles. These were identified based on labour market needs, wage levels, and employer demand.
Below is a breakdown of key sectors with ISL-listed roles, including the corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
Health and Social Care Sector
The Health and Care sector remains the backbone of the ISL, with the government prioritising it due to chronic staffing shortages and increasing demand for services.
Key ISL-Listed Roles:
| Occupation | SOC Code | ISL Eligible |
| Care Workers and Home Carers | 6145 | Yes |
| Senior Care Workers | 6146 | Yes |
| Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants | 6141 | Yes |
| Paramedics | 3213 | Yes |
| Health Professionals (some roles) | Various | Selected |
Example Case:
A care home in Leeds recruiting a home carer can sponsor a migrant worker at a salary of £24,000, meeting the ISL discount threshold (min £23,200) — provided the going rate for the role is also met.
Construction and Skilled Trades
The construction industry has seen growing inclusion in the ISL due to a shortage of domestic workers with necessary qualifications.
Key Roles:
| Occupation | SOC Code | ISL Eligible |
| Bricklayers | 5312 | Yes |
| Roofers, Tilers, and Slaters | 5313 | Yes |
| Carpenters and Joiners | 5315 | Yes |
| Plasterers | 5321 | Yes |
This enables building firms to offer sponsorships for skilled tradespeople at more affordable salary points, provided the going rates—often above the reduced general threshold—are still met.
Engineering and Technical Roles
Engineering, especially in civil and mechanical areas, has long struggled with talent shortages. The ISL reflects this by covering specific subfields.
Key Roles:
| Occupation | SOC Code | ISL Eligible |
| Civil Engineers | 2121 | Yes |
| Mechanical Engineers | 2122 | Yes |
| Electrical Engineers | 2123 | Limited |
While thresholds may still be high due to the going rate requirements, the ISL makes sponsorship more accessible, especially for mid-career professionals.
Agricultural and Other Roles
Fewer agricultural roles are currently listed under the ISL. The government’s Seasonal Worker route is often favoured for lower-skilled agricultural jobs.
However, some technical roles within food processing and logistics may qualify, depending on the version of the ISL in effect.
Calculating Salary Thresholds Under the UK Immigration Salary List
Salary calculations under the UK Immigration Salary List are not as straightforward as applying a flat discount. They depend on three main factors: the type of visa, the general salary threshold, and the occupation-specific (going rate) threshold. Miscalculations here often lead to failed visa applications or sponsorship refusals.
Here’s how to get it right.
1. General vs Occupation-Specific Thresholds
- General Threshold: The baseline salary requirement for the visa category.
- £38,700 for Skilled Worker visas
- £30,960 for ISL-listed roles
- £29,000 for Health and Care Worker visas
- £23,200 for ISL-listed roles under Health and Care visa
- Occupation-Specific Threshold (Going Rate): A minimum salary specific to each job type based on its SOC code, typically expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate.
Important: Even if a reduced general threshold applies, the going rate must still be met in full.
2. Full-Time Work Assumption
Calculations assume a standard 37.5-hour week. If an employer offers fewer hours, the salary must be pro-rated to ensure it still meets the relevant threshold.
Example:
- Going rate for a nurse: £29,000 based on 37.5 hours
- Job offer: 30 hours/week
- Pro-rated requirement: (£29,000 ÷ 37.5) × 30 = £23,200
- Actual salary offered: £24,000 → Visa eligible
3. New Entrants
Certain applicants qualify as new entrants, typically recent graduates or those under 26. These applicants benefit from further reduced thresholds:
- Skilled Worker general threshold for new entrants: £30,960
- ISL-listed role for new entrant: £23,200
- But again, the occupation-specific rate (often already discounted for new entrants) must be met
Who qualifies as a new entrant?
- Aged under 26 at the date of application
- Switching from Student or Graduate visa
- Working towards professional qualifications
4. Salary Supplements and Allowances
Only guaranteed, non-variable parts of a salary package are considered:
- Included: Base salary, guaranteed bonuses, shift allowances
- Excluded: Overtime, performance-related bonuses, benefits in kind (e.g., housing, transport)
If your package includes any form of variable pay, it will be ignored for threshold calculations. Be cautious here—many refusals occur when employers mistakenly include these extras.
5. Annual Increases and Sponsorship Duties
Sponsoring employers are responsible for:
- Monitoring compliance with salary thresholds during the visa validity period
- Updating salary levels in line with pay rises or promotions
- Reporting any drop below the required salary to the Home Office
Failure to comply can lead to sponsor licence suspension or revocation.
How the UK Immigration Salary List Affects Employers and Sponsor Licence Holders
The introduction of the UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) doesn’t just influence applicants—it reshapes how employers manage recruitment, sponsorship, and compliance. Whether you’re a multinational firm or a care provider with a sponsor licence, your obligations and risks have evolved.
1. Sponsor Licence Implications
Employers wishing to sponsor Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa applicants must:
- Hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office
- Understand and apply ISL criteria correctly
- Maintain accurate records to demonstrate compliance
Sponsoring a worker under an ISL-listed role means lower salary thresholds, but not lower scrutiny. In fact, the reduced thresholds can attract Home Office audits and increased focus on wage compliance.
2. Recruitment Strategy and Cost Management
The ISL offers employers a way to:
- Fill critical vacancies where domestic recruitment has failed
- Reduce salary-related costs for overseas hires
- Increase access to global talent without breaching immigration rules
Example:
A small care agency can now offer £24,000 for a care worker (on the ISL), rather than meeting the £29,000 general Health and Care Worker visa threshold—making sponsorship viable without inflating pay beyond budget.
3. Compliance Risks
Employers must adhere strictly to both thresholds:
- Offer at least the reduced general salary
- And meet or exceed the occupation-specific going rate
Failing to meet either requirement can:
- Lead to visa refusal for the worker
- Trigger compliance checks
- Result in sponsor licence suspension or revocation
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Offering a salary that meets the discounted general rate but falls short of the going rate
- Including unguaranteed allowances in the calculation
- Using an outdated version of the ISL or SOC codes
4. Record-Keeping and Ongoing Duties
Employers must:
- Keep a copy of the employment contract
- Record the hours and pay structure
- Notify the Home Office of any changes (e.g., pay cut, reduced hours, job change)
- Monitor expiry dates of sponsorship certificates and visas
Failure to do so can be interpreted as a breach of sponsor duties and impact future applications.
5. Competitive Advantage and Workforce Planning
For sectors like health, construction, and engineering—where staff shortages are acute—understanding and using the ISL strategically gives employers a critical edge. Proactive planning enables:
- Faster hiring
- Lower staffing costs
- Better workforce diversity
Employers who fail to grasp the ISL’s benefits may lose out on talent to better-informed competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Immigration Salary List the Same as the Shortage Occupation List?
No. The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024. While both lists identify roles eligible for reduced salary thresholds, the ISL:
- Focuses on salary-based criteria rather than general “shortage” labels
- Applies a discount only to the general salary threshold, not the going rate
- Is updated alongside other salary reforms, offering a more data-driven approach
2. Can I Still Qualify for a Visa if My Job Isn’t on the ISL?
Yes, but you must meet the full general salary threshold:
- £38,700 for Skilled Worker visas
- £29,000 for Health and Care Worker visas
If your occupation is not on the ISL, you won’t be eligible for the reduced salary discount, and the visa will require a higher wage to qualify.
3. How Do I Know If a Job Is on the UK Immigration Salary List?
Check the latest Home Office publication of the ISL. Each listed job is tied to a specific SOC code. It’s essential that:
- The job title matches the listed occupation
- The duties align with the SOC code description
- The correct salary thresholds are met
Employers and applicants must refer to the official guidance rather than job ads or assumptions.
4. Can Employers Use Other Allowances to Top Up Salary?
No. Only guaranteed income counts. That means:
- Basic pay and fixed allowances (like shift premiums) are acceptable
- Performance bonuses, overtime, tips, and non-cash benefits (like accommodation or food) do not count towards minimum salary thresholds
5. How Often Is the Immigration Salary List Updated?
There is no fixed schedule, but updates are expected annually or in line with economic changes. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviews and recommends updates based on:
- Labour market demand
- Wage trends
- Employer feedback
Employers must ensure they are using the latest version before submitting sponsorship applications.
6. Does Being on the ISL Guarantee a Visa?
No. Being on the ISL reduces the general salary threshold but does not:
- Waive the requirement to meet the occupation-specific going rate
- Remove other Skilled Worker visa conditions (English language, Certificate of Sponsorship, genuine vacancy test)
- Guarantee approval—each case is reviewed on its merits
7. Is There an Advantage for Small Businesses?
Yes. The ISL can help smaller employers:
- Compete for skilled labour by sponsoring at lower salary levels
- Reduce overhead while still complying with immigration law
- Sponsor roles previously out of reach due to cost barriers
However, small employers must still maintain rigorous compliance practices to avoid enforcement action from the Home Office.
Need Help With Immigration Sponsorship or Visa Applications?
At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in UK immigration law with a proven track record in Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa cases. Whether you’re:
- An employer looking to sponsor international talent, or
- A skilled worker trying to understand how the ISL applies to your job offer—
We can help you navigate every step. Contact us today.
