Key Takeaways
The Immigration Salary List, effective April 2024, replaced the Shortage Occupation List. It sets new minimum salary thresholds for skilled and healthcare roles to help employers recruit international talent while controlling reliance on lower-cost labour.
For Skilled Worker visas, the general minimum salary threshold increased by 48% to £38,700. Health and Care Worker visa thresholds rose to £29,000, with a reduced £23,200 threshold for certain roles.
Eligible roles on the ISL receive a 20% salary reduction on the standard threshold, allowing some positions (e.g., care workers and deckhands) to be filled at lower pay, provided they meet the occupation-specific threshold.
The changes encourage higher wages across roles but may challenge sectors with lower pay scales (e.g., hospitality). Employers hiring international workers must ensure compliance with the updated thresholds and requirements under SOC 2020 codes.
Table of contents
What is the UK Immigration Salary List?
The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) is a set of minimum salary thresholds for occupations relevant to UK's Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa routes. The list is designed to make it easier for employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specific roles by applying a reduced general salary threshold for these occupations.
The Immigration Salary List replaced the Shortage Occupation List on 4th April 2024, following a rapid review conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee. The previous Shortage Occupation List focused on roles with labour shortages, but the ISL targets occupations where a lower salary requirement supports workforce demands.
Key Changes in 2024
What Drove the Change
Net migration to the UK reached 672,000 in the year ending June 2023, prompting greater scrutiny of immigration policies, particularly around work visas and salary thresholds. This figure, significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels of 300,000-400,000, was primarily driven by the influx of international students, healthcare workers, and humanitarian entrants from Ukraine and Hong Kong.
In response, the UK Home Secretary announced measures to reduce migration. These initiatives were designed to discourage employers from relying heavily on migrant labour and address concerns about low-wage foreign workers. The government sought to protect British workers from being undercut, ensuring fairer competition in the job market.
What Changes Were Introduced
The government raised minimum salary thresholds to support UK wages and curb dependence on lower-cost international labour. This shift prioritized high-skilled roles and discouraged industries from filling positions with less expensive foreign workers.
The changes, announced on 4th December 2023 and effective from 4th April 2024, included different salary thresholds for skilled workers and healthcare roles. This exemption recognised the essential public value of healthcare, allowing the NHS to continue attracting necessary healthcare workers without compromising salary standards.
Skilled Worker Visa
- Salary Threshold Increase: The minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa has increased by 48% to £38,700, requiring businesses to pay significantly more when hiring from overseas.
- Abolition of "Going Rate" Discount: The previous allowance to pay below the 25th percentile of an occupation’s salary has been removed due to concerns about undercutting domestic workers and potential exploitation of migrant workers.
Health & Care Worker Visa
- Salary Threshold Increase: The salary threshold has increased to £29,000 for H&CW roles not covered by a national pay scale and from £20,960 to £23,200 for roles on a national pay scale.
- Occupation-Specific Thresholds: Set at the 25th percentile or the national pay scale, if applicable.
- Immigration Shortage List Threshold: The minimum salary threshold for occupations on the ISL is set at either £23,200 or the occupation-specific rate, whichever amount is higher.
Placement on the ISL still grants occupations a 20% discount on the general salary threshold, provided salaries remain above the occupation-specific threshold.
Occupations & Roles
The Shortage Occupation List included 53 occupations, which has now been sharply reduced to 23 on the new Immigration Salary List. As a result, only 8% of roles are now eligible for the skilled worker route under this list, compared to 30% before.
Occupations like veterinarians, architects, and engineers, which were previously included, are no longer on the list. The table below shows the occupations still eligible under the Immigration Salary List.
Occupations in the Immigration Salary List
| SOC 2020 Code | Occupation | Included on Immigration Salary List in | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212 | Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services – only "fishing boat masters" | - | No | Yes | No | No |
| 2111 | Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry | - | No | Yes | No | No |
| 2112 | Biological scientists – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2115 | Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2142 | Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years of related on-the-job experience (experience must not be illegal) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3212 | Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3411 | Artists – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3415 | Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3416 | Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5119 | Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5213 | Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders requiring 3+ years of related on-the-job experience (not gained illegally) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers – all jobs | - | No | Yes | No | No |
| 5312 | Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5313 | Bricklayers – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5314 | Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5316 | Carpenters and joiners – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6135 | Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except in England without sponsor registration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6136 | Senior care workers – all jobs, except in England without sponsor registration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6129 | Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, etc. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 9119 | Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Revised Occupation Codes
The update includes transitioning from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020 codes in the job classification system to reflect current occupations and industry practices better. SOC 2020 introduces updated job codes and descriptions, reclassifies specific roles, and removes outdated ones, ensuring that immigration and employment policies align with today’s job market.
Impact on Employers
Employers hiring under the Skilled Worker route must pay a higher general salary threshold or an occupation-specific threshold based on the SOC 2020 occupation code. For positions on the Immigration Salary List, employers benefit from a reduced general salary threshold.
Eligible roles on the Immigration Salary List receive up to a 20% reduction on the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold of £38,700, bringing it down to £30,960. Similarly, Health and Care Worker roles on the Immigration Salary List (excluding those on national pay scales) have a minimum threshold of £23,200 instead of the usual £29,000.
Employers should confirm Immigration Salary List eligibility on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Additional criteria in the Appendix Immigration Salary List must also be met, as some roles have occupation-specific requirements. For instance, for occupation code ‘3415 – Musicians,’ only skilled orchestral musicians in leader, principal, sub-principal, or numbered string positions who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras qualify. The orchestra must also be a member of the Association of British Orchestras.
There are no minimum weekly hours required for Immigration Salary List occupations under the Skilled Worker route, as long as both the relevant general salary threshold and 'going rate' salary requirements are met when pro-rated.
Potential Challenges
While businesses that generally pay above the proposed minimum rates may see minimal impact, graduate-level and regionally-based roles could be more affected. Sectors like hospitality, which often have lower wage scales, may face greater hiring challenges and potential talent shortages due to the increased salary thresholds. Therefore, companies need to factor these changes into their recruitment strategy to ensure they can effectively meet hiring needs.
Standard Rate vs. Lower Rate
The immigration salary list includes two pay levels: the standard and lower rates. The standard rate applies to you if you receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) after 4 April 2024. To qualify for the "lower rate," one of the following must apply:
- You are applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa in specific occupations.
- You received your Certificate of Sponsorship for your first Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024 and have continuously held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then.
Worked Examples
Standard Going Rate
The immigration salary list includes two pay levels: the standard and lower rates. The standard rate applies if you receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) after 4 April 2024. To qualify for the "lower rate," one of the following must apply:
- New Minimum Salary: The occupation-specific threshold for deckhands has increased but remains below the general Skilled Worker threshold of £38,700.
- ISL Discount: As deckhands are now on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), they qualify for a reduced general salary threshold.
- Required Salary: Employers must now pay deckhands at least £30,960 to meet the ISL general threshold.
In summary, starting in April, employers can sponsor deckhands but must pay them at least £30,960 under ISL rules.
Lower Going Rate
Previously, care workers on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) could be sponsored with a minimum salary of £20,480. From April 2024, new requirements are in place:
- New Minimum Salary: The occupation-specific threshold for care workers has increased but remains below the general Health & Care Worker threshold of £29,000.
- ISL Discount: Care workers are now on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), allowing them a reduced salary threshold.
- Required Salary: Employers must pay care workers at least £23,200 to meet ISL requirements.
In summary, employers can continue to sponsor care workers under the Health & Care Worker visa from April but must offer a minimum salary of £23,200 under ISL rules.
Existing workers with Dependent
A fishing boat deckhand (SOC 5119) moved to the UK in November 2022 under a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by a large fishing company. At the time of arrival, the role was on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), allowing for a starting salary of £20,960.
- By April 2024, new Immigration Salary List (ISL) requirements will apply. For visa renewal, the role now requires a salary of at least £30,960 to meet ISL criteria for deckhands, remaining below the general Skilled Worker threshold of £38,700.
- The employer has committed to adjusting the salary to meet the new threshold and ensure eligibility for visa renewal.
- A spouse and child joined in January 2023, with the spouse employed part-time in the hospitality sector. Both will retain the right to work and live in the UK as dependents.
The deckhand and dependents will remain exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Hourly Rates
The annual salaries listed for roles on the Immigration Salary List are calculated based on a 37.5-hour work week. If your role has a different working pattern, this rate must be pro-rated according to your actual weekly hours as stated by your employer.
Worked example
- Calculate total working hours in a year:37.5 hours / week × 52 weeks = 1,950 hours
- Divide the annual salary by the total hours:£30,960 ÷ 1,950 hours = £15.88 per hour
Therefore, with a 37.5-hour work week, the hourly rate for a £30,960 annual salary is £15.88 per hour.
Benefits of the ISL
The Immigration Salary List offers two primary benefits for employers. First, it allows them to hire workers at salaries up to 20% below the general Skilled Worker threshold for roles that might otherwise be challenging to fill.
Additionally, positions on the ISL include a slight visa fee reduction for Skilled Worker Visas, amounting to roughly £60 per year. While this discount is marginal—especially in light of the increased Skilled Worker salary thresholds and rising Immigration Health Surcharge—it provides a slight financial break. However, roles that fall under the Health and Care Worker Visa already benefit from a visa fee reduction and are therefore excluded from this ISL reduction.
Impact on Existing Migrant Workers
Individuals already in the UK on the Skilled Worker route before the changes to the Immigration Rules should be exempt from the new median salary levels when applying to change sponsor, extend, or settle.
However, they should still expect to meet the new lower salary threshold (lower going rate) for their role (and their pay should progress in line with resident workers).
Get Help Navigating the Immigration Salary List
With the shift toward higher salary thresholds, businesses may rely more on domestic labour pools, potentially strengthening the local workforce. However, this change could also lead to shortages in specific sectors if the domestic talent supply cannot meet demand.
For companies seeking to hire overseas talent, meeting the minimum salary threshold is just one part of the process. Businesses must also hold an approved sponsor licence to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and maintain compliance with ongoing sponsor management requirements.
QC Immigration can assist with all aspects of business immigration. If you need support, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
References:
Home Office’s Immigration Salary List Guidance.
FAQ
How many jobs are under the Immigration Salary List?
What jobs are on the Immigration Salary List?
What is the Immigration Salary List?
Author
Ninder Jhita
Senior Associate
Ninder has practised Immigration Law on thousands of cases for nearly two decades. She has worked in China, India, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and the UK, with experience from the both the public and private sectors. She worked as an Entry Clearance Officer for UK Immigration and Visas making decisions across all Visa categories including Visits, Settlement and Points-based System applications. She has brought this wealth of experience into the private sector where she has held a variety of positions including managing her own Immigration Department.
Ninder spends time in Dubai advising our international clients. She has a proven track record of success with Sponsor Licence applications, Global Talent Visa and Creative Worker applications from world renowned artists in the Entertainment Industry. She has been commended for providing exceptional service with integrity and professionalism.