The UK Shortage Occupation List highlights in-demand roles for skilled foreign workers, offering visa opportunities with reduced salary requirements. Learn about eligible jobs, visa types, and application criteria for working in the UK.
The United Kingdom is a land of opportunity, and for skilled professionals from around the world, it’s a dream destination. The UK Shortage Occupation List is a golden ticket that can open doors to exciting career prospects.
What is the Shortage Occupation List?
The UK Shortage Occupation List also known as Immigration Salary List is a government-maintained list of jobs with a shortage of skilled workers. If your occupation is on this list, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, allowing you to work in the UK.
Why Does it Matter?
Being on the Shortage Occupation List offers several advantages:
- Faster Visa Processing: Your visa application may be processed quicker.
- Lower Salary Threshold: You may be eligible for a lower salary threshold than other skilled worker visa applicants.
- Increased Job Opportunities: A wider range of job opportunities becomes accessible.
Minimum Salary Requirements
The Shortage Occupation List highlights positions eligible for a minimum salary threshold, set at 80% of the usual Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa minimum salary. This allowance can significantly improve the chances for foreign applicants to work in the UK, especially in sectors where UK employers struggle to recruit locally.
Salaries are calculated for a standard 37.5-hour workweek and must be adjusted based on an employee’s weekly hours.
For each job, two salary rates apply:
- Standard Rate: For applications with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued after April 4, 2024.
- Lower Rate: Applicable for Health and Care Worker visas in certain roles, or if a Skilled Worker visa was issued before April 4, 2024.
UK Shortage Occupation List 2024
Here are some of the critical roles on the Shortage Occupation List (now known as Immigration Salary List), with details on job types, areas of shortage, and salary requirements. If your job matches one of these, you may be eligible for a work visa with a lower salary threshold.
Eligible Jobs for Visa Applications
1. Fishing Boat Masters (Occupation Code: 1212)
- Job Types: Only “fishing boat masters”
- Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
- 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 Types: Only jobs in the nuclear industry
- Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
- Annual Salary: £35,200 (£18.05 per hour), Lower Rate: £29,600 (£15.18 per hour)
3. Biological Scientists (Occupation Code: 2112)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £38,000 (£19.49 per hour), Lower Rate: £28,100 (£14.41 per hour)
4. Archaeologists (Occupation Code: 2115)
- Job Types: Only archaeologists
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: Jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
7. Pharmaceutical Technicians (Occupation Code: 3212)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £23,400 (£12.00 per hour)
8. Artists (Occupation Code: 3411)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £32,800 (£16.82 per hour), Lower Rate: £25,900 (£13.28 per hour)
9. Classical and Contemporary Dancers (Occupation Code: 3414)
- Job Types: Skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers meeting specific standards
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £31,200 (£16.00 per hour), Lower Rate: £30,000 (£15.38 per hour)
10. Skilled Orchestral Musicians (Occupation Code: 3415)
- Job Types: Leaders, principals, sub-principals, or numbered string positions in orchestras
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £35,300 (£18.10 per hour), Lower Rate: £30,400 (£15.59 per hour)
11. Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors (Occupation Code: 3416)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: Only jobs in the fishing industry
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: Jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
- Annual Salary: £34,100 (£17.49 per hour), Lower Rate: £26,300 (£13.49 per hour)
15. Stonemasons (Occupation Code: 5312)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £32,400 (£16.62 per hour), Lower Rate: £26,200 (£13.44 per hour)
16. Bricklayers (Occupation Code: 5313)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
18. Carpenters and Joiners (Occupation Code: 5316)
- Job Types: All jobs
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £25,200 (£12.92 per hour)
19. Construction Retrofitters (Occupation Code: 5319)
- Job Types: Only retrofitters
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: All jobs, with specific conditions in England
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
21. Senior Care Workers (Occupation Code: 6136)
- Job Types: All jobs, with specific conditions in England
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- Annual Salary: £30,960 (£15.88 per hour), Lower Rate: £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
22. Animal Care (Specific Roles) (Occupation Code: 6129)
- Job Types: Racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers, and work riders.
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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 Types: Deckhands on large fishing vessels requiring 3+ years’ full-time experience
- Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
- 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
To qualify for a work visa based on the Shortage Occupation List, applicants need:
- Job Code Verification: Confirm that the job title matches a code on the Shortage Occupation List using the CASCOT occupation coding tool.
- Sponsorship Certificate: A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.
- Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary requirement based on whether your job qualifies for the standard or lower rate.
How to Check Your Occupation Code
To identify your occupation code and determine whether it’s on the shortage list, you can use the CASCOT occupation coding tool. This online tool helps applicants match their job title to the appropriate occupation code, ensuring they meet eligibility criteria.
Visa Options for Working in the UK
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is available for applicants with an offer in a shortage occupation. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, with eligibility for permanent residence after this period.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A job offer from a licensed UK employer.
- Meeting the salary requirements for your job.
- Proof of English proficiency.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
This visa is specifically for healthcare professionals who have a job offer from an approved employer in the healthcare sector. Benefits include lower visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and faster processing times.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A job offer in an eligible healthcare role.
- Meeting the salary threshold.
- English language proficiency.
3. Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa enables international students in the UK to work or look for work after completing a degree or other eligible qualification. It is valid for two years (three years for doctoral graduates).
Eligibility Requirements:
- A valid student visa and a qualification from a recognized UK institution.
Conclusion
The UK’s Shortage Occupation List is an excellent entry point for skilled professionals looking to work in the UK. By ensuring your role and salary match the requirements, you increase your chances of securing a work visa and making a successful career move to the UK. With multiple visa options and attractive benefits, the UK remains a desirable destination for skilled talent worldwide.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-shortage-occupation-list-jobs-requirements-for-skilled-worker-visa/
