Skilled Worker · 7 min read
UK Temporary Shortage List 2026: Which Jobs Qualify and at What Salary
The complete Temporary Shortage List for 2026 — every eligible occupation, salary thresholds, which roles face time limits, and how it differs from the old shortage occupation list.
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is a list of shortage occupations introduced by the Immigration White Paper in July 2025. It replaces the old shortage occupation list and the Immigration Salary List for roles at RQF Level 3–5. This post explains what the TSL is, which jobs are on it, what salary threshold applies, and the restrictions that come with it.
What the Temporary Shortage List is
Since July 2025, the Skilled Worker visa generally requires roles to be at RQF Level 6 or above (degree level). The TSL is an exception list — it preserves access for certain lower-skilled roles where the UK faces genuine labour shortages that cannot be filled from the domestic workforce.
Roles on the TSL are time-limited. The Migration Advisory Committee reviews the list periodically and can remove roles that no longer face genuine shortages. This means a role that is on the TSL today may not be on it when a visa comes up for extension.
Current TSL roles (as of May 2026)
The current TSL includes roles in the following broad categories. Always verify on GOV.UK as the list changes:
- Engineering technicians (various SOC codes)
- IT operations technicians
- Data analysts and data technicians
- Electricians and electrical fitters
- Welders and related trades
- Plumbers and heating engineers
- Construction trades (selected)
- HGV drivers (selected)
Always verify whether a specific SOC code appears on the current TSL before assuming eligibility. The full list with SOC codes is published in Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK.
Salary threshold for TSL roles
TSL roles must meet a minimum salary of £33,400 per year or the going rate for the specific SOC code, whichever is higher. This is the same as the new entrant threshold but applies to all TSL applicants regardless of their new entrant status.
Key restriction — no dependants
Applicants sponsored on TSL roles at RQF Level 3–5 cannot bring dependants (partner or children) to the UK. This is a significant restriction that distinguishes TSL applications from standard Skilled Worker applications at RQF Level 6 and above.
If bringing a family to the UK is a priority, a TSL role may not be the right route. Applicants should confirm with their employer whether the role qualifies at RQF Level 6 under a different SOC code before accepting a TSL-based CoS.
How long do TSL roles stay on the list?
The MAC reviews the TSL periodically. Roles where the shortage resolves are removed from the list. When a role is removed, existing sponsored workers are not immediately affected, but new applications and extensions on that SOC code would not be permitted under the TSL.
TSL vs Immigration Salary List
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) — which previously allowed salary discounts for shortage roles — is due to expire on 31 December 2026. The TSL is its replacement, with stricter eligibility (genuine shortage required, time-limited) and the additional restriction on dependants for Level 3–5 roles.
See our Skilled Worker visa page for the full document checklist for any Skilled Worker route.
Last verified: May 2026. The TSL is updated periodically by the Migration Advisory Committee. Verify the current list on GOV.UK before making any application decisions.
VisaVault is a document preparation service, not an immigration adviser or solicitor. This article is based on current UKVI published guidance and is intended for general information only. Requirements change without notice. Always verify current requirements on GOV.UK before submitting your application.