Understanding the UK Immigration Salary List: What It Is and How It Affects Salaries and Visa Applications
Understanding the UK Immigration Salary List: What It Is and How It Affects Salaries and Visa Applications
Blog Article
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. Report this page