UK Shortage Occupation List 2024 – Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Shortage Occupation List emphasizes in-demand positions for qualified foreign workers, providing eligibility for visas with reduced salary requirements. Discover the eligibility requirements, visa categories, and application requirements for employment in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is a land of opportunity, and it is a dream destination for skilled professionals from around the globe. The UK Shortage Occupation List is a valuable asset that can provide access to promising career opportunities.

What is the Shortage Occupation List?

The UK Shortage Occupation Inventory, also referred to as the Immigration Salary List, is a government-maintained inventory of occupations that are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. If your occupation is included in this list, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, which would grant you the ability to work in the United Kingdom.

Why Does it Matter?

There are numerous benefits to being included on the Shortage Occupation List:

• Visa Processing Speed: Your visa application may be processed at a faster pace.
• Salary Threshold: You may be eligible for a lower salary threshold than other skilled worker visa applicants.
• Rise in Employment Opportunities: A broader selection of employment opportunities is made available.

Minimum Salary Requirements

The positions that are eligible for a minimum salary threshold, which is set at 80% of the standard Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa minimum salary, are highlighted in the Shortage Occupation List. This allowance has the potential to considerably enhance the likelihood of foreign applicants being employed in the United Kingdom, particularly in industries where UK employers encounter difficulty in recruiting locally.

Salaries are determined by the standard 37.5-hour workweek and must be adjusted to reflect the hours worked by an employee every week.

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Benefits of UK Shortage Occupation List:

• Skilled Workers’ Streamlined Visa Process: The immigration procedure is simplified and expedited for employees in occupations listed on the SOL. The list expedites the process of filling positions with qualified international talent by reducing the amount of documentation and time required for visa applications.
• Lower Salary Limits: In comparison to other positions, those on the SOL have lower salary thresholds for visa eligibility. This simplifies the process of hiring qualified workers at competitive rates for smaller businesses or those located in regions with lower average salaries.
• Decreased Visa Application Fees: The cost of visa applications is frequently reduced for occupations listed on the SOL, which is advantageous for both applicants and employers. This can be a significant advantage for workers, particularly those who are relocating with their families.
• Access to International Talent with High Skill Levels: The SOL allows UK employers to address specific skill gaps by recruiting qualified professionals from abroad. This access is instrumental in preserving the competitiveness of the industry and sustaining sectors that lack local talent.
• Assistance for Critical Industries: The SOL encompasses positions in critical sectors, including healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and social care, which are currently experiencing talent shortages. The employment of international laborers in these positions is instrumental in the maintenance of public services and economic growth.
• Competitiveness and Economic Growth: The SOL assists the United Kingdom in maintaining its competitiveness in the global economy by enabling businesses to occupy high-demand positions. This is particularly critical in industries such as technology and engineering, where the availability of skilled labor may restrict productivity and innovation.
• Employment Requirements in the Region: The SOL considers regional shortages, enabling businesses located outside of London and the South East to capitalize. By addressing deficiencies in regions that may struggle to attract talent, contributes to the promotion of balanced economic growth throughout the United Kingdom.
• Contribution to Public Services: The public sector necessitates numerous occupations on the SOL, including healthcare and teaching positions. The provision of qualified international workers to fill these positions directly benefits UK residents by ensuring the quality and availability of services.
• Route to Settlement for Skilled Workers: Occupations on the SOL offer a route for qualified workers to eventually establish themselves in the UK, which can enhance retention rates. Skilled employees who are confident in their capacity to remain in their positions for an extended period are more inclined to remain loyal to their positions.
• Decreased Labor Market Testing Requirements: Employers are not required to conduct a labor market test to demonstrate that there are no appropriate local candidates for positions listed on the SOL. This reduces the time and cost of recruiting, making it more feasible to fill urgent positions.

UK Shortage Occupation List

The following is a list of some of the most critical positions on the Shortage Occupation List (now referred to as the Immigration Salary List), along with information on the job categories, areas of shortage, and salary requirements. You may be eligible for a work visa with a reduced salary threshold if your occupation corresponds to one of these.

Eligible Jobs for Visa Applications

1. Fishing Boat Masters (Occupation Code: 1212)

• Job Categories: Exclusively “fishing boat masters”
• Regions in which there is a shortage: Scotland exclusively
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,200 (£12.92 per hour)

2. Chemical Scientists (Nuclear Industry) (Occupation Code: 2111)

• Job Categories: Exclusively nuclear-related positions
• Regions in which there is a shortage: Scotland exclusively
• Lower Rate: £29,600 (£15.18 per hour), Annual Salary: £35,200 (£18.05 per hour)

3. Biological Scientists (Occupation Code: 2112)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £38,000 (£19.49 per hour); Lower Rate: £28,100 (£14.41 per hour)

4. Archaeologists (Occupation Code: 2115)

• Job Categories: Archaeologists are the sole occupations.
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £36,400 (£18.67 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,200 (£12.92 per hour)

5. Graphic and Multimedia Designers (Occupation Code: 2142)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,100 (£12.87 per hour)

6. Laboratory Technicians (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 3111)

• Job Categories: Positions necessitating three or more years of relevant on-the-job experience
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

7. Pharmaceutical Technicians (Occupation Code: 3212)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,400 (£12.00 per hour)

8. Artists (Occupation Code: 3411)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £32,800 (£16.82 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,900 (£13.28 per hour)

9. Classical and Contemporary Dancers (Occupation Code: 3414)

• Specific job categories include skilled classical ballet dancers and skilled contemporary dancers who satisfy specific criteria.
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £31,200 (£16.00 per hour); Lower Rate: £30,000 (£15.38 per hour)

10. Skilled Orchestral Musicians (Occupation Code: 3415)

• Job Categories: Principals, sub-principals, leaders, or numbered string positions in orchestras
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Lower Rate: £30,400 (£15.59 per hour), Annual Salary: £35,300 (£18.10 per hour)

11. Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors (Occupation Code: 3416)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £37,500 (£19.23 per hour); Lower Rate: £31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

12. Agricultural and Fishing Trades (Occupation Code: 5119)

• Job Categories: Exclusively fishing-related positions
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

13. High Integrity Pipe Welders (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 5213)

• Job Categories: Positions necessitating three or more years of relevant on-the-job experience
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £31,700 (£16.26 per hour); Lower Rate: £26,400 (£13.54 per hour)

14. Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers (Occupation Code: 5235)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Regions in which there is a shortage: Scotland exclusively
• Annual Salary: £34,100 (£17.49 per hour); Lower Rate: £26,300 (£13.49 per hour)

15. Stonemasons (Occupation Code: 5312)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £32,400 (£16.62 per hour); Lower Rate: £26,200 (£13.44 per hour)

16. Bricklayers (Occupation Code: 5313)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,600 (£13.13 per hour)

17. Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters (Occupation Code: 5314)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

18. Carpenters and Joiners (Occupation Code: 5316)

• Job Categories: All occupations
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,200 (£12.92 per hour)

19. Construction Retrofitters (Occupation Code: 5319)

• Job Categories: Retrofitters are the sole occupations.
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £25,500 (£13.08 per hour)

20. Care Workers and Home Carers (Occupation Code: 6135)

• Job Categories: All occupations, with particular requirements in England
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

21. Senior Care Workers (Occupation Code: 6136)

• Job Categories: All occupations, with particular requirements in England
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

22. Animal Care (Specific Roles) (Occupation Code: 6129)

• Jobs: Stud grooms, stallion handlers, racing grooms, stud workers, stud handlers, and work riders.
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

23. Fishing Deckhands (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 9119)

• Job Categories: Deckhands on large fishing vessels; 3 years or more of full-time experience required
• Areas of Scarcity: Throughout the United Kingdom
• Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour); Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)

Key Requirements for Applicants on the Shortage Occupation List

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for a work visa based on the Shortage Occupation List:

• Job Code Verification: Utilize the CASCOT occupation coding utility to verify that the job title corresponds to a code on the Shortage Occupation List.
• Sponsorship Certificate: A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.
• Salary Threshold: Comply with the minimum salary requirement in accordance with whether your position is eligible for the standard or lower rate.

How to Check Your Occupation Code

The CASCOT occupation coding utility can be employed to identify your occupation code and ascertain whether it is on the shortage list. This online tool assists applicants in associating their job title with the appropriate occupation designation, thereby guaranteeing that they satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Visa Options for Working in the UK

1. Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants who have been offered employment in a shortage occupation are eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa enables you to remain in the United Kingdom for a maximum of five years, after which you will be eligible for permanent residence.

Requirements:

• An employment offer from a licensed employer in the United Kingdom.
• Satisfying the salary requirements of your position.
• Evidence of English proficiency.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is intended for healthcare professionals who have received an employment offer from an approved employer in the healthcare sector. Lower visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and expedited processing times are among the advantages.

Requirements:

• A job offer for a healthcare position that is eligible.
• Satisfying the salary threshold.
• Proficiency in the English language.

3. Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa allows international students in the United Kingdom to pursue employment or seek employment upon the completion of a degree or other qualifying qualification. It is applicable for two years (three years for doctoral graduates).

Requirements:

• A qualification from a recognized UK institution and a valid student visa.

Conclusion

For educated professionals seeking employment in the United Kingdom, the Shortage Occupation List is an exceptional starting point. By guaranteeing that your salary and position correspond with the prerequisites, you enhance your likelihood of obtaining a work visa and successfully transitioning to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom continues to be a highly sought-after destination for educated talent on a global scale, due to its numerous visa options and appealing benefits.

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