Policy Update · 8 min read
UK's New Temporary Shortage List: Your 2026 Guide to Visa Salary Discounts
Discover the UK's new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for 2026, replacing the old Immigration Salary List. Learn how this dynamic list impacts Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds and how to check if your job qualifies for a discount. We break down the new rules and offer practical advice for applicants.
Finding your way through UK visa routes can feel like navigating a maze, especially with changes constantly being introduced. One of the most significant updates for 2026 is the replacement of the old Immigration Salary List (ISL) with a brand new system: the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). If you're hoping to work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, understanding this change is absolutely crucial, as it directly impacts the salary you'll need to be offered.
What is the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?
Simply put, the Temporary Shortage List is a list of specific jobs where the UK government has identified a shortage of skilled workers. If your job appears on this list, it could mean you qualify for a Skilled Worker visa with a lower salary than the standard threshold. However, the key word here is "temporary."
Unlike its predecessor, the ISL, the TSL is designed to be much more dynamic and responsive to the UK's evolving labour market needs. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent public body that advises the government, reviews and recommends which occupations should be included on this list. The government then makes the final decision. The aim is to only include roles where there's a genuine and temporary shortage, rather than offering a permanent discount for certain professions.
Why the Change from the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
The move from the Immigration Salary List to the Temporary Shortage List is part of the government's broader strategy to reduce net migration and ensure that the immigration system works primarily to bring in high-skilled workers who fill genuine gaps, rather than to reduce salary costs for employers. The previous ISL was criticised for potentially allowing employers to pay foreign workers less than their domestic counterparts in certain roles.
The TSL aims to:
- Target genuine shortages: By making the list temporary and subject to regular review, it ensures that only occupations truly experiencing a skill gap benefit from salary concessions.
- Reduce reliance on cheaper labour: The overall increase in the general Skilled Worker salary threshold to £41,700 (from £26,200 previously) means that even with a TSL discount, salaries are still significantly higher than before, promoting recruitment of higher-skilled, higher-paid roles.
- Increase flexibility: The ability to add or remove occupations more swiftly means the list can adapt to economic changes and urgent needs, like during a public health crisis.
How Does the TSL Affect Your Salary Threshold?
This is where it gets a bit technical, but it’s vital to understand. For most Skilled Worker visa applicants, your sponsored salary must meet both the general salary threshold and the going rate for your specific occupation code. As of April 2026, the general salary threshold stands at £41,700 per year.
If your job is on the Temporary Shortage List, you benefit from a specific concession. Instead of needing to meet the full general threshold of £41,700, you could qualify if your salary is:
- At least 80% of the general salary threshold: This means a minimum of £33,360 per year (80% of £41,700).
- At least 80% of the 'going rate' for your specific occupation code, as set out in the immigration rules.
*Crucially, you must meet both* of these conditions.* Your sponsored salary must be no less than £33,360 and* no less than 80% of the going rate for your particular job. The higher of these two figures is your absolute minimum.
Let’s look at an example:
- Scenario A: The going rate for your TSL-listed job is £45,000. 80% of this is £36,000. Since £36,000 is higher than the TSL's general minimum of £33,360, your minimum qualifying salary would be £36,000.
- Scenario B: The going rate for your TSL-listed job is £40,000. 80% of this is £32,000. Since £33,360 (the TSL general minimum) is higher than £32,000, your minimum qualifying salary would be £33,360.
This discount can make a real difference, but it's important not to assume that being on the TSL automatically means a much lower salary. Employers still need to offer competitive wages, and the 80% rule applies strictly.
Which Jobs Are on the TSL in 2026?
The Temporary Shortage List is dynamic, as mentioned. While we can’t list every single role currently on it (as it can change), roles that frequently appear on previous shortage lists and might feature on the TSL often include:
- Certain healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, doctors, some allied health professionals), though the Health and Care Visa route has its own specific rules.
- Engineers (e.g., civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers).
- IT professionals in highly specialised roles.
- Certain construction trades.
- Specific science and research roles.
The MAC regularly publishes its recommendations, and the Home Office then updates the official list. It's essential to check the very latest version of the Immigration Rules or the government's official guidance before applying. If you're unsure if your role is covered, or how the salary rules apply to your specific situation, our our AI immigration assistant can provide personalised guidance.
Finding a Job on the TSL: What You Need to Know
Firstly, remember that even if a job is on the TSL, you still need to find a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence and is willing to sponsor you. Many employers actively look to fill roles on shortage lists because it can broaden their recruitment pool.
When searching for jobs, keep these points in mind:
- Check the official list: Always cross-reference your occupation code with the latest official Temporary Shortage List. Your employer should also be aware of this.
- Focus on highly skilled roles: The TSL is still for skilled jobs, typically RQF Level 6 or above.
- Negotiate salary carefully: Understand the minimum requirements, but aim for the best possible offer. Even with the discount, your salary needs to be competitive.
- Use our resources: Start by browsing our directory of 130,000+ UK visa sponsors to find employers actively sponsoring. You can filter by industry and location to narrow down your search. Many employers for Skilled Worker roles are specifically looking for candidates to fill positions that may appear on the TSL.
Practical Steps for Your Application
Once you’ve found a sponsored job that potentially benefits from the TSL, the application process for the Skilled Worker visa follows the standard procedure. You’ll need:
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- To meet the English language requirement (typically B2 level).
- To show you have enough personal savings to support yourself (£1,270 for at least 28 days), unless your employer certifies maintenance.
- To pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The IHS currently stands at £1,035 per year of your visa. Total costs depend on your dependants, route length, and priority service; you can get an exact breakdown with our free UK visa cost calculator.
The Bigger Picture: Your Points-Based Score
To successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to score 70 points. The TSL salary concession helps you meet the 'salary' points requirement. Mandatory points include having a valid CoS, a job at the appropriate skill level, and meeting the English language requirement, totalling 50 points. The remaining 20 points usually come from your salary.
With the TSL, you still need to meet the salary threshold for 20 points, but that threshold is effectively lower for listed jobs, as explained above. This makes it a crucial element for many applicants.
Key Takeaways
- The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) has replaced the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in 2026.
- It’s a dynamic list of jobs with temporary skill shortages, reviewed by the MAC.
- If your job is on the TSL, your minimum salary can be 80% of the general threshold (£33,360) and 80% of your job's specific going rate - whichever is higher.
- You still need to find a licensed sponsor and meet all other Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Navigating these changes can be complex, but with the right information and resources, you can confidently pursue your UK work ambitions. Remember, our goal at WiseRoute is to make this journey as clear as possible for you. We recommend regularly checking for updates on the official TSL and using our tools to support your application every step of the way. If you're specifically looking for employers who sponsor for Skilled Worker roles, our sponsors on the Skilled Worker route filter in the directory is a great place to start.