UK Shortage Occupation List 2024: Eligible Jobs and Skilled UK Worker Visa Requirements

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for professionals seeking to expand their professional horizons. The UK Shortage Occupation List is an official list of job sectors that are experiencing a shortage in qualified professionals. It’s a significant path to entry. If your occupation is on the list, you could qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa. This would allow you to build your career and work in the UK.

Understanding the Shortage Occupations List

The UK Shortage Occupation List (also known as the Immigration Salary List) lists professions where there is a shortage of talent in the UK. A role on the list could make you eligible for a streamlined entry through a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa offers many unique benefits.

The Shortage Occupations List has its benefits

The Shortage Occupation List has many benefits:

• Quicker Visa Processing: Shorter processing times for visa applications.
• Salary Threshold Reduced: Lower requirements for income than other skilled workers applicants.
• Increased Employment Opportunities: Provides greater access to job opportunities.

Minimum Salary Requirements

In order to attract skilled workers the UK has set a salary threshold of 80% for the roles listed on the Shortage occupation List. This is the standard requirement for visas for Health and Care Workers and Skilled Workers. Salary is calculated on the basis of a 37-hour workweek, and adjusted based on weekly hours.

There are two salary levels for each job:

• Standard rate: Applicable to Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), issued after April 4, 2020.
• Lower rate: Applies for Health and Care Worker Visas or Skilled Worker Visas issued before 4 April 2024.

The UK Shortage Occupation List for 2024: Key Jobs

Here are some critical roles on the UK Shortage Occupation List, now known as the Immigration Salary List. If you have a job that matches any of these roles, you could qualify for a visa that has a lower salary requirement:

1. Master Fishing Boat (Code: 1212).
   • Location: Scotland
   • Salary: PS30.960 per annum (PS15.88/hour); lower Rate: PS25.200 (PS12.92/hour).
2. Chemical Scientists in the Nuclear Industry (Code: 2111)
   • Location: Scotland
   • Salary: 35,200 PS annually (18.05/hour); lower Rate: 29,600 PS (15.18/hour).
3. Biological Scientists Code: 2112)
   • Location: UK-wide
   • Salary: 38,000 PS annually (19.49 PS/hour); lower rate: 28.100 PS (14.41 PS/hour).
4. Archaeologists Code: 2115
   • Location: UK-wide
   • Salary: 36,400 PS annually (18.67/hour); lower Rate: 25,200 PS (12.92/hour).
5. Graphic Designers and Multimedia Designers Code: 2142)
   • Location: UK-wide
   • Salary: PS30.960 per annum (PS15.88/hour); lower Rate: PS25.100 (PS12.87/hour).

Some other notable roles are those of Pharmaceutical Technicians and Artists. Other occupations include Dancers and Orchestral Musicians. Each role has its own salary requirements and shortages, and salary adjustments are based on the experience and demands of each job.

Basic requirements for applicants to the Shortage Occupation list

Candidates who wish to apply for a visa based on an occupation on the Shortage Occupation List must meet certain criteria.

1. Job code verification: Verify that your job’s code matches the list of Shortage Occupations using the CASCOT occupation-coding tool.
2. Certificates of Sponsorship: Get a certificate from an employer licensed in the UK.
3. Salary Compliance: Make sure your role is in compliance with the salary threshold requirement according to applicable rates.

UK Visa Options for Shortage Jobs

Shortage Occupation List allows for a variety of visa options to be granted by the UK.

1. Skilled Worker visa
   After five years of living and working in the UK, individuals are eligible for permanent residency.
   • Requirements:
     • An offer of employment from a UK-licensed employer.
     • You must meet the salary threshold specified for your position.
     • English is a required language.
2. Health and Care Worker visa
   This visa is for healthcare professionals who have a job offer approved by a healthcare employer. This visa includes benefits such as reduced visa fees and exempting you from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
   • Requirements:
     • Job offer in recognized healthcare field.
     • The salary threshold is the minimum amount of income required.
     • English language proficiency.
3. Graduate visa
   Graduate Visas allow international students to seek or work for two years after completing a degree at a UK university (three years if you are pursuing a doctorate).
   • Requirements:
     • A recognized UK qualification.
     • A valid student visa during study.

Concluding Remarks:

The UK Shortage Occupation List provides skilled professionals with a simplified path to work in the UK and thrive. You can increase your chances of getting a Skilled Worker Visa by matching your salary and job title to the requirements on the list. The UK is a great destination for professionals seeking rewarding careers. It offers a variety of visa options, as well as attractive benefits.

FAQs on UK’s Shortage Occupation List and Work Visas

1. What is the UK’s Shortage Occupation List?

• The UK’s Shortage Occupation List, also known as the Immigration Salary List, outlines specific roles in which there is a shortage of skilled workers in the UK. Jobs on this list allow for more favorable visa conditions, including a reduced minimum salary threshold and quicker visa processing.

2. Why does the Shortage Occupation List matter for job seekers?

• Being on the list provides several benefits:
  • Faster visa processing
  • Lower salary threshold requirements
  • Greater job opportunities in sectors with high demand for specific skills

3. How can I check if my job is on the Shortage Occupation List?

• The Shortage Occupation List is published by the UK government and is updated regularly. You can verify if your job is on the list by checking the most recent version on the UK government’s immigration or employment website.

4. What are the minimum salary requirements for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List?

• Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List are subject to a minimum salary requirement, typically 80% of the usual threshold for Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visas. These salaries are based on a standard 37.5-hour work week and may vary depending on hours worked.

5. What visa options are available for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List?

• Skilled workers with occupations on the list may qualify for several types of visas, including:
  • Skilled Worker Visa
  • Health and Care Worker Visa (for eligible healthcare professionals)
  • Graduate Visa (for recent graduates from UK institutions)

6. What are the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa?

• To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must:
  • Have a job offer from a licensed UK employer.
  • Meet the minimum salary threshold specific to their occupation.
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency.

7. What is the Health and Care Worker Visa, and who qualifies for it?

• The Health and Care Worker Visa is specifically for qualified healthcare professionals. It offers benefits like reduced visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and priority processing. Eligibility requires a job offer from a licensed UK healthcare employer and meeting the required salary threshold.

8. How does the Graduate Visa work, and who is it for?

• The Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work or seek employment for up to two years (three years for doctoral graduates). This visa is intended for graduates who hold a valid student visa and have completed their qualification at a recognized UK institution.

9. Can I apply for permanent residency on a Skilled Worker Visa?

• Yes, individuals on a Skilled Worker Visa are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) after five years of continuous residence in the UK, provided they meet all other requirements.

10. What do I need to apply for a UK work visa if my job is on the Shortage Occupation List?

• To apply for a work visa, you’ll generally need:
  • A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
  • Verification that your occupation is on the Shortage Occupation List.
  • Meeting the minimum salary requirements for the role.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (for most visas).

11. How can I find out if I meet the salary requirements for my role?

• The Shortage Occupation List provides salary guidelines for each eligible role. These salaries are calculated based on a standard work week, and specific rates may apply depending on when the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued.

12. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and why is it required?

• A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic document issued by a UK-licensed employer as proof that they are hiring a foreign worker. It contains essential information about the job role, salary, and other details necessary for a visa application.

13. Are there specific locations where certain jobs are in high demand?

• Yes, some occupations on the Shortage Occupation List are limited to specific areas. For instance, certain skilled roles may have a high demand in Scotland only, while others may be applicable UK-wide.

14. How often does the UK update the Shortage Occupation List?

• The UK government periodically reviews and updates the Shortage Occupation List to align with the country’s labor market needs. It’s advised to check the most recent list before applying.

15. Can my spouse or dependents join me if I work in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa?

• Yes, most work visas allow family members, such as spouses and dependents, to accompany the primary visa holder. Each family member must apply for their own visa and meet the necessary requirements.

16. What happens if my job is removed from the Shortage Occupation List after I receive my visa?

• If you’ve already been granted a visa, changes to the Shortage Occupation List won’t affect your current visa. However, if you apply for a visa extension or switch to a new role, the updated list may impact your eligibility.

17. What English proficiency tests are accepted for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

• Commonly accepted English tests include IELTS for UKVI, TOEFL, and certain Cambridge English exams. You can also meet the requirement if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English.

18. Is it possible to switch employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa?

• Yes, you can switch employers; however, your new employer must be licensed to sponsor and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship. The new role must also meet the salary and job requirements as specified by your visa type.