The UK government has published the current version of its Immigration Salary List, which identifies occupations that allow employers to sponsor overseas workers at a salary threshold lower than the standard Skilled Worker visa requirement. The list applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and spans a broad range of industries, including construction, healthcare, the arts, agriculture, and science.
The list, which appears on the official UK immigration rules guidance portal, includes several roles that come with additional conditions, such as requirements tied to work experience, professional endorsements, and sponsor registration. Most roles on the list carry a removal date of 31 December 2026. Positions open to all four nations include Residential, Day and Domiciliary Care Managers and Proprietors, Biological Scientists, Archaeologists, and Graphic and Multimedia Designers.
The list also includes Care Workers and Home Carers, Senior Care Workers, skilled Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dancers meeting the standard of internationally recognised UK companies and endorsed by an Arts Council, and skilled Orchestral Musicians in lead or numbered string positions with orchestras that are full members of the Association of British Orchestras. Laboratory Technicians and High Integrity Pipe Welders both require a minimum of three years of related on-the-job experience to qualify.
Deckhands on large fishing vessels of nine metres and above similarly require at least three years of full-time experience in the role and are eligible across all nations. Roles restricted to Scotland include Fishing Boat Masters, Chemical Scientists in the Nuclear Industry, and Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers. Racing Grooms, Stallion Handlers, Stud Grooms, Stud Hands, Stud Handlers and Work Riders are also listed as eligible across all nations.
The UK government has attached specific conditions to several categories. Any work experience cited as grounds for eligibility must not have been obtained through illegal working. For care-related roles in England, only sponsors registered with the Care Quality Commission and actively carrying out a regulated activity are permitted to use the list. Private households are explicitly excluded from acting as sponsors for these positions.
Roles in the performing arts, including dancer and musician positions, require formal endorsement from recognised UK industry bodies before an applicant can qualify under the reduced salary threshold. The government has not announced any changes to the broader Skilled Worker visa framework alongside this publication. The full and current Immigration Salary List is available through the official UK immigration rules guidance.
The publication of the Immigration Salary List aims to facilitate the sponsorship of overseas workers by employers in various sectors. The list will be reviewed and updated as necessary, with the majority of roles set to expire on 31 December 2026. Employers and applicants can access the list through the official UK immigration rules guidance portal.
Key points
- The UK government has published its latest Immigration Salary List, identifying occupations that qualify for a reduced salary threshold under the Skilled Worker visa route.
- The list applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and spans a broad range of industries, including construction, healthcare, the arts, agriculture, and science.
- Most roles on the list carry a removal date of 31 December 2026.
