In early 2024, the UK government unveiled a series of substantial changes to its immigration framework, some of which where the introduction of the UK immigration salary list and a nearly 50% increase in the Skilled Worker visa minimum salary threshold.
This shift saw the requirement rise from £26,200 to £38,700, posing major implications for businesses reliant on sponsoring foreign talent, as well as introducing obstacles for British citizens hoping to bring over spouses or partners.
Additionally, the government announced the discontinuation of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and its replacement with a new Immigration Salary List (ISL). This change was based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which was tasked with evaluating occupations to be included in the ISL.
In this follow-up post, we will delve deeper into the details of the newly established Immigration Salary List (ISL), exploring the specific occupations it encompasses, the geographic coverage, salary thresholds, and the implications for businesses and prospective applicants navigating this evolving immigration landscape. By providing a comprehensive overview of the ISL, we aim to equip our readers with the knowledge necessary to effectively navigate these significant policy changes.
Overview of the Immigration Salary List (ISL)
As part of the broader changes to the UK’s immigration framework, the government has discontinued the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and replaced it with the new Immigration Salary List (ISL). This shift represents a significant departure from the previous system, as the ISL aims to target occupations that are both skilled and in shortage, rather than the more broad-based approach of the SOL.
The government’s decision to replace the SOL with the ISL is driven by its desire to focus immigration policy on addressing genuine skills shortages within the UK labor market. By concentrating on roles that are both skilled and in shortage, the government hopes to strike a balance between meeting the needs of employers and ensuring that local workers are not undercut or displaced by foreign labor.
This strategic shift reflects the government’s broader objective of reducing net migration figures and limiting the reliance of industries on migrant workers. The ISL, therefore, serves as a more targeted and selective approach to managing the inflow of skilled foreign professionals, with the goal of promoting sustainable economic growth and workforce development within the UK.
Here is the section on the occupations included in the Immigration Salary List (ISL) presented in a table format:
Occupations Included in the Immigration Salary List
21 occupations are recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and below is a breakdown of the occupations by job types and their geographic coverage
| Occupation Code | Job Types Included | Areas of the UK Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 2111 | Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry | Scotland only |
| 2112 | Biological scientists – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 2115 | Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists | UK-wide |
| 2142 | Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience | UK-wide |
| 3212 | Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 3411 | Artists – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies | UK-wide |
| 3415 | Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals or numbered string positions, and who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras | UK-wide |
| 3416 | Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 5119 | Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry | UK-wide |
| 5213 | Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience | UK-wide |
| 5235 | Boat and shop builders and repairers – all jobs | Scotland only |
| 5312 | Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 5313 | Bricklayers – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 5314 | Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 5316 | Carpenters and joiners – all jobs | UK-wide |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters | UK-wide |
| 6135 | Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission | UK-wide |
| 6136 | Senior care workers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission | UK-wide |
| 9119 | Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years’ full-time experience | UK-wide |
Salary Thresholds and Concessions
As part of the broader immigration policy changes, the UK government has implemented a significant increase in the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa. Effective from April 4, 2024, the threshold has risen from £26,200 to £38,700, representing a 48% jump.
The previous Shortage Occupation List (SOL) had allowed for a 20% salary concession for roles designated as being in shortage. However, with the introduction of the new Immigration Salary List (ISL), this concession has been removed. This means that all occupations included in the ISL must now meet the full £38,700 minimum salary requirement, without any discounts.
Despite the significant increase in the overall Skilled Worker visa minimum salary, the government has decided to maintain the new entrant concession. This concession allows individuals under the age of 26 to benefit from a 30% reduction on the specific occupation salary threshold, as well as a 20% cut on the general salary limit. However, they will still be required to meet the higher £38,700 amount.
The continued provision of the new entrant concession is aimed at supporting younger professionals and addressing potential barriers they may face in meeting the elevated salary requirements.
Implications and Considerations
The introduction of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the substantial increase in the Skilled Worker visa minimum salary requirement will have significant implications for businesses and prospective applicants in the occupations covered by the list. Employers who rely on sponsoring foreign talent in these roles will need to carefully evaluate their compensation structures to ensure they can meet the elevated salary thresholds. This may pose challenges, particularly for smaller firms or those operating outside of major economic hubs.
Prospective applicants, on the other hand, will need to carefully consider whether their qualifications and experience align with the specific job types and geographic coverage outlined in the ISL. Understanding these nuances will be crucial in navigating the new immigration framework.
As the ISL outlines, certain occupations are only eligible for inclusion in specific regions of the UK, while others have a nationwide coverage. Additionally, the salary thresholds, both the standard rate and the lower rate, vary across the listed roles. Businesses and individuals must thoroughly familiarize themselves with these details to ensure they are meeting the appropriate requirements.
In response to these changes, businesses and prospective applicants should consider the following strategies:
- Closely tracking any updates or revisions to the ISL and related immigration policies
- Seeking legal counsel to understand the options and potentially expedite applications
- Exploring alternative talent sourcing strategies, such as upskilling and retaining local workers
- Advocating for policy changes or adjustments that could better support their labor needs
- Exploring other immigration friendly countries
The introduction of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) represents a significant shift in the UK’s immigration framework, replacing the previous Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The ISL focuses on occupations that are both skilled and in shortage, with 21 specific roles currently included across various sectors and geographic regions.
As the UK government continues to introduce these sweeping immigration policy changes, it is crucial for businesses and prospective applicants to stay informed and proactive in navigating the new landscape. By closely monitoring developments, seeking professional guidance, and exploring strategic responses, stakeholders can position themselves to effectively adapt to the evolving requirements and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the ISL.