Table of Contents
On 22 July 2026, the UK Government formally confirmed the withdrawal of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and its replacement with a new, time-limited Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
This shift marks a significant restructuring of the Skilled Worker visa route for roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5 (sub-degree level). The reform originates from the recommendations outlined in the government’s May 2026 white paper, “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.”
Under the new TSL system, only occupations specifically listed will remain eligible for sponsorship if they fall below RQF Level 6. The reforms reflect a wider policy objective to limit net migration and strengthen investment in the domestic workforce.
Find out How Does a UK Business Hire an Employee from Abroad.
What Is the Temporary Shortage List?
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is a new list introduced by the UK Government in July 2026. It replaces the Immigration Salary List and applies specifically to Skilled Worker visa roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5, these are skilled jobs that do not require a university degree.
If a job appears on the TSL, it means UK employers can still sponsor overseas workers for that role under the Skilled Worker route. If a job is not on the list, it can no longer be sponsored unless it meets higher criteria (usually degree-level or higher salary).
When Does the TSL Take Effect?
The Temporary Shortage List is in effect from 22 July 2026. It applies immediately to new Skilled Worker visa applications involving roles at the sub-degree level.
The TSL is intended to be temporary and more restrictive than previous lists. It will only run until 31 December 2026, and jobs will only qualify if they are proven to be in shortage and are part of a broader sector workforce plan approved by the government.
Unlike the ISL, which offered salary discounts and remained relatively stable over time, the TSL will be revised more frequently, with occupations added or removed based on labour market evidence.
Who Decides What Roles Qualify?
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is tasked with reviewing and advising on which occupations are included on the TSL. The government has made clear that any sector seeking TSL inclusion must submit a comprehensive workforce strategy, showing:
- Clear efforts to train and retain UK workers
- A long-term plan to decrease reliance on immigration
- Adequate working conditions and pay for domestic employees
This means access to the TSL is now conditional, and inclusion may be withdrawn if industries fail to demonstrate genuine efforts to invest in local talent.
Key Changes Employers Should Be Aware of
The transition from ISL to TSL introduces stricter rules, fewer concessions, and increased uncertainty for employers holding a sponsor licence. Below are the most important changes sponsors need to understand.
1. The Salary Discount Has Ended
Under the ISL, employers could benefit from reduced salary thresholds when sponsoring workers for shortage roles. This discount no longer applies. For most Skilled Worker roles, the full general threshold now applies, unless a role appears on the TSL.
2. TSL Roles Are Time-Limited and Conditional
Roles on the Temporary Shortage List will now be subject to strict time limits, annual review, and sector engagement. There is no guarantee that an occupation will remain eligible for future recruitment.
3. Sponsorship Risk Has Increased
The volatility of the TSL introduces greater uncertainty into recruitment strategies. Employers may sponsor a role today that becomes ineligible months later. This demands a proactive approach to workforce planning and ongoing monitoring of government updates.
4. Employers Must Participate in Sector Workforce Plans
To gain or maintain TSL access, many employers will be expected to align with or participate in industry-led training and recruitment strategies. Non-compliance may result in exclusion from the list.
Which Roles Are on the TSL?
The 2026 TSL includes a targeted selection of RQF 3–5 roles, such as:
- Engineering technicians
- IT operations technicians
- Vehicle body builders and repairers
- Plumbers and heating installers
- Care workers
- Logistics and transport managers
- Authors, designers, and dancers (creative sector roles)
Each role comes with a revised minimum salary threshold, but does not benefit from fee reductions or dependent concessions that were previously available under the ISL.
What Happens After 2026?
The TSL is a temporary measure. From 1 January 2027 onwards, employers will only be able to sponsor sub-degree roles if:
- The role is listed following the MAC review
- It forms part of an approved workforce strategy
- The employer can show clear domestic training commitments
This pivot reflects the government’s longer-term migration goal: a system that rewards domestic investment over ongoing overseas recruitment.
Speak to Our Immigration Solicitors
The Temporary Shortage List marks a fundamental reset of how the UK immigration system treats non-graduate Skilled Worker roles. The message from the government is clear: migration is no longer the default solution to labour shortages. For employers, this means planning ahead, meeting higher salary expectations, and engaging with their sectors to secure long-term access to overseas talent.If your business is affected by the changes to the Skilled Worker route or needs support with workforce planning, contact our team at Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors.
Dr Bernard Andonian is the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and a leading authority in UK immigration, human rights, family and civil litigation law. With over 40 years of experience, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom expertise. A former Judge and a recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London, Dr Andonian has served on the Law Society’s Immigration Law Panel, where he played a key role in shaping national legal standards. His name is featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, recognising his consistent excellence and influence in the field. Known for his practical approach and deep understanding of immigration law, he is frequently consulted for commentary on policy changes and legal reform.