Immigration salary list is an essential component by itself for anyone eligible in the United Kingdom work under Skilled Worker visa route. As the number of overseas workers searching for sponsored work is set to increase after 2025, and as UK employers who want to bring staff from abroad face renewed challenges in this area, knowing what the immigration salary list looks like will be a crucial part of the extended picture in 2026. If you want to find out more about salary thresholds, occupations that qualify for visas, visa fees, changes coming into effect and everything else then this is the guide for you!
What Is the Immigration Salary List?
The ISL (Immigration salary list) is an official Home Office register of occupations that meet a lower income threshold for the UK Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes. Note that this was revised into the (new) Immigration Salary List as of April 2024, which operates differently than the old Shortage Occupation List. The ISL offers lower minimum salary levels for certain roles identified by the UK government as in shortage but they are less generous than the old Shortage Occupation List, and there are fewer of them.
In layman terms, via the immigration salary list (an official UK government published document that outlines a set of job roles and what minimum amount they are considered worth) an overseas worker can be sponsored by an employer for the job role they have worked hard to offer in the UK but as long as it appears on that list it means under the going rate where applicable. It allows businesses to hire workers in sectors which require workers domestically, easier.
The list is aimed at helping employers recruit international-skilled workers into the roles where there are labour shortages in the UK.
The MAC is an independent group that examines the UK labour market and advises the Home Office on changes to its immigration salary list.
Why the Immigration Salary List Matters in 2026
The immigration salary list is more relevant than ever in 2026, since it directly affects:
- Determining if a worker qualifies for a lower salary threshold on their visa application
- Whether an employer should choose to sponsor a worker at lower wage
- Whether lower visa application fees apply
- The occupations which have been identified as being in shortage (across the whole of the UK)
Without consulting the immigration salary list, people may end up applying with meantime pay, which could result in a visa refusal. Likewise, employers may also unknowingly miss out on the cost savings the list offers.
Key 2026 Salary Thresholds
This means that it is essential to understand the immigration salary list and its associated salary thresholds. During 2026, there are three other salary levels that will apply depending on the worker.
Table 1: General Salary Thresholds – Skilled Worker Visa 2026
| Worker Category | Standard Threshold | ISL Discounted Threshold |
| Most new applicants (standard) | £41,700/year | £33,400/year (going rate) |
| ISL-eligible roles (general floor) | £41,700/year | £25,000/year (£12.82/hr) |
| New entrant rate (ISL roles) | Varies | 70–80% of going rate |
| Health & Care Worker (ISL) | £41,700/year | £29,000/year |
| Transitional (pre-April 2024 CoS) | £25,000/year | Retained under transitional rules |
An applicant whose occupation falls on the Immigration Salary List must be paid at least the greater of two figures: (1) the general salary threshold discounted by 50% with a minimum level of £25,000 (£12.82/hr) per annum for many ISL roles; and (2) 80% of the appropriate going rate for that specific SOC occupation codes.
For most occupations, the minimum annual salary increased from £38,700 to £41,700; and the hourly wage for either a 37.5-hour week went up from £15.88 to £17.13.
That means, provided the job is truly listed as well as every other demand is fulfilled, immigration income checklist provides workers a significant break compared to typical Skilled Worker requirement.
Visa Fee Reductions for Immigration Salary List Roles
This makes the immigration salary list one of the most usable benefits as visa application fees decreases. ISL eligible workers are charged considerably lower compared to those applying under normal Skilled Worker conditions.
Table 2: Visa Application Fees – ISL vs Standard Rates
| Visa Duration | Standard Fee | ISL Discounted Fee | Saving |
| Up to 3 years | £819 | £628 | £191 |
| Over 3 years | £1,618 | £1,235 | £383 |
Then if your role is on the Immigration Salary List, you pay £628 instead of the £819 visa fee for a 3-year work visa. Instead, you’ll be paying £1,618 for over 3 years – paying just £1,235.
These savings mean that the immigration salaries list will be particularly useful for low-budget workers and visa-sponsoring employers.
Full Immigration Salary List 2026 – All 25 Eligible Occupations
Currently, there are 25 occupations on the ISL. Below is a table of all roles currently on the immigration salary list, along with their SOC codes, where they apply and the relevant salary rates.
Table 3: Complete Immigration Salary List 2026
| SOC Code | Occupation | Where It Applies | Standard Rate | ISL Lower Rate |
| 1212 | Managers & proprietors in forestry, fishing & related services | Scotland only (Fishing boat masters) | £33,400/yr | £25,800/yr |
| 1232 | Residential, day and domiciliary care managers | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
| 2111 | Chemical scientists | Scotland only (nuclear industry) | £39,900/yr | £31,300/yr |
| 2112 | Biological scientists | UK-wide | £40,300/yr | £30,700/yr |
| 2115 | Social and humanities scientists (Archaeologists only) | UK-wide | £40,400/yr | £28,000/yr |
| 2142 | Graphic and multimedia designers | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £26,200/yr |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians (3+ yrs experience required) | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
| 3212 | Pharmaceutical technicians | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
| 3411 | Artists | UK-wide | £38,200/yr | £26,600/yr |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers | UK-wide (classical/contemporary dance companies) | £33,400/yr | £28,500/yr |
| 3415 | Musicians (orchestral, ABO member orchestras) | UK-wide | £37,500/yr | £30,100/yr |
| 3416 | Arts officers, producers and directors | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
| 6135 | Care workers and home carers | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
| 6136 | Senior care workers | UK-wide | £33,400/yr | £25,000/yr |
Note: The above shows the major roles. The list is subject to change, so before you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship please check the full and latest skilled occupations list on GOV.UK.
The list was finalised under the new immigration regime on 4 April 2024, after recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It includes 21 occupations which was a huge change from the previous Shortage Occupation List. 18 occupations are eligible across the UK, but only 3 in Scotland so the new list is more targeted
How the Immigration Salary List Discount Works
If you really want to understand how this immigration salary list discount works in practice, let’s also take a worked example of:
For example, a caregiver (SOC 6135) on the immigration income list has an offer of £25,500 a year. However, in normal Skilled Worker, they must be paying £41,700. As their role is on the immigration salary list, the discounted threshold comes into effect. Since their salary is above the ISL floor of £25,000 (£25,500), they qualify.
This illustrates just how powerful the immigration salary list is as it can mean the difference between getting a visa and an outright refusal of foreigners working in shortage sector areas.
Regional Variations on the Immigration Salary List
Not all of the occupations on the immigration salary list are applicable across the UK. Some occupations are geographically restricted. The current immigration salary list includes occupations that apply only in Scotland, which demonstrates regional labour shortages. Examples include:
- Fishing boat skippers (9652) – Highlands and Islands only
- Chemists in nuclear roles (SOC 2111) – Scotland only
For all other jobs on the immigration salary list, however, the discount applies evenly throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Who Cannot Claim the Immigration Salary List Benefit?
Even if your job is on the immigration salary list, this does not mean that you are entitled to benefit from these discounts. The following criteria must be established:
- The employer needs a sponsor licence to start with.
- The role must be listed on the immigration salary list, according to the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Salary must be at least the higher of the ISL floor (£25,000/yr) or 80% of going rate for the occupation
- Workers sponsored in RQF Level 3–5 roles under the ISL or TSL from 22 July 2025 onwards are expected to be prohibited from bringing new dependants to the UK.
These conditions mean that you will also need to meet all other visa eligibility requirements as usual, even if your job is on the immigration salary list.
Critical 2026 Update: The Immigration Salary List Is Being Phased Out
Perhaps the single most significant change for 2026 is the planned end of the immigration salary list. A Temporary Shortage List was published on 22 July 2025 by the UK Home Office. This is a list that will be compatible with the Immigration Salary List and which, like the latter, expires on 31 December 2026, when a new structure comes into force on 1 January 2027. ISL Jobs will expire on December 31, 2026
The exception being – Care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136) have a longer transitional arrangement; their ISL entries are due to expire on 22 July 2028.
Table 4: Immigration Salary List Phase-Out Timeline
| Date | Event |
| April 4, 2024 | ISL introduced, replacing the Shortage Occupation List |
| July 22, 2025 | Temporary Shortage List (TSL) launched alongside ISL |
| December 31, 2026 | Most ISL occupations expire |
| January 1, 2027 | New TSL structure takes effect |
| July 22, 2028 | Care workers & senior care workers ISL entries expire |
The Temporary Salary List is different to the Immigration Salary List – it only includes midIn short, the Temporary Salary List differs from the Immigration Salary List in that sections contain RQF level 3 to 5 roles at –red-level salaries. Homeland Salary Checklist this record accommodates higher-skilled roles, primarily RQF class 6 or above.
What Replaces the Immigration Salary List?
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will predominantly be used to sponsor workers at lower-than-standard wages, starting from January 2027. Most occupations will no longer have an immigration salary list.
The new TSL will primarily be aimed at jobs below degree level (RQF levels 3-5) and will have tougher restrictions and duration. This is a considerable tightening of the support previously provided through the immigration salary list and employers should start planning for how this will be change their future recruitment strategies.
Advice for Employers Using the Immigration Salary List
If you are a UK employer who sponsors international talent based on the immigration salary list, here are some key things to consider by December 2026 (when the new pay thresholds come into effect):
- Audit your current sponsored workers. Determine what staff are working in jobs included on the immigration salary list and then find out when their CoS and visa end.
- Make CoS assignments by no later than December 31, 2026. ISL discounts are not applied to any new CoS allocated after this date (other than care workers).
- Monitor GOV.UK updates. The Home Office may remove or modify any of the entries without notice and also earlier, including before October 2023.
- Prepare for the TSL. Find out about the New Temporary Shortage List and whether or not it includes roles for which you recruit.
Advice for Workers Applying Under the Immigration Salary List
For overseas workers that are looking to utilise the immigration salary list for a Skilled Worker visa, this is what your next step should be
- Confirm your SOC code. Ensure that your job title corresponds to a SOC 2020 code in the immigration salary list.
- The salary offer which you receive, should be greater than the ISL mentioned. This has to be £25,000/year or 80% of the going rate for your SOC code whichever is greater.
- Check the expiry date. Apply before the immigration salary list benefit expires for your occupation on December 31, 2026.
- Use a licensed sponsor. Necessary actions Your employer should possess a legitimate United Kingdom sponsor licence as well as accurately demonstrate the ISL on your Certification of Sponsorship.
- Seek legal advice. All forms of immigration rules change regularly; always check with an accredited immigration solicitor first before making a submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the immigration salary list and how is it different from the old Shortage Occupation List?
In April 2024, the Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the immigration salary list The crucial difference is that a 20 per cent discount on the going rate was permitted under the previous list, while with the immigration salary list it applies to only an overall salary threshold not the going rate itself. The list is also far shorter, addressing about 25 professions rather than over 50.
Q2. What is the minimum salary I need to earn if my job is on the immigration salary list in 2026?
The only exception is if you be paid whichever is higher: either the salary floor for your immigration category, which starts at £25,000 per year (£12.82/hr), or 80% of the market rate (plus-up). Most roles you will pay £33,400/year for so your ISL discounted price will be between £25,000 and? depending on your SOC code
Q3. Can I bring my family to the UK if I am sponsored through the immigration salary list?
It depends. Generally, Refined Degree Education Framework Level 6 roles on the immigration salary list still allow dependants. However, workers in RQF Level 3–5 roles sponsored under the ISL or TSL as a result of applying for endorsement from 22 July 2025 will not be permitted to bring new dependants to the UK. There are transitional arrangements for workers who were already in the UK up to that date.
Q4. Will the immigration salary list continue after December 2026?
No, not in its current form. The outdated immigration salary list expires for most occupations on December 31, 2026. Isl eligibility for care and senior care workers are an exception to this: it is only renewable until July 22, 2028. Having a different set of rules and emphasis on mid-skill roles the new Temporary Shortage List will replace it from January 2027.
Q5. Does the immigration salary list apply to the Health and Care Worker visa?
Yes. Reduced salary thresholds also apply to the Health and Care Worker visa for workers applying whose occupation is on the immigration salary list. These labourers normally sit below the standard Skilled Worker threshold (£41,700) and have their lowest salary set at £29,000 per year. Be sure to check the exact going rate for your job on GOV.UK before submitting an application.
Conclusion
In 2026 the immigration salary list continues to be one of the most valuable assets in the UK immigration system for both workers and employers. The immigration salary list then enables sponsorship at lower salary caps for shortage occupations, meaning UK businesses can find the right talent in areas such as healthcare, the arts, science and social care.
However, time is running out. The immigration salary list stops running for most roles on 31 December 2026, so it is essential that workers and employers take action now. Deadline for occupations on the immigration salary list Submit your application and get a Certificate of Sponsorship before this date if your occupation is on the immigraion salary list. Things get a bit more chaotic post 2026 with the introduction of the Temporary Shortage List and Scrooge’s Little Helper from the immigration salary list will not be so forthcoming either for most applicants.
Make sure you read the latest updates, plan in advance and always check the most current version of the immigration salary list on the official GOV.UK website before making any decisions regarding immigration.
Dalvi is a passionate content writer and digital researcher associated with SalarySlip.co.uk, specializing in finance, salary insights, and career guidance. With a strong focus on delivering accurate and user-friendly information, Dalvi creates well-researched content that helps readers understand payslips, tax structures, and income-related topics. Backed by a keen interest in SEO and digital trends, Dalvi ensures every article is informative, engaging, and optimized for search engines, making complex financial concepts simple and accessible for everyone.
