ArticleUK Immigration Salary List 2025: What You Need to Know

On 4 December 2023, the Home Secretary announced a groundbreaking change to the UK’s Skilled Worker immigration system: the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) would be replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. This transition marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to managing labour market demands, aiming to balance the need for skilled workers with economic priorities.

In this article, we delve into the details of the ISL, its purpose, and its potential implications for employers, migrants, and the UK labour market.

What Is the Immigration Salary List?

The Immigration Salary List, first introduced in Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List on 4 April 2024, identifies specific occupations eligible for a reduced general salary threshold under the Skilled Worker route. Unlike its predecessor, the SOL, which focused on occupations facing labour shortages, the ISL targets roles where reduced salary thresholds are deemed economically sensible.

The Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules (HC 590) clarifies the ISL’s scope, stating it is not merely a list of shortage occupations but one aligned with broader economic objectives.

The Role of the Migration Advisory Committee

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which published its “Rapid Review of the Immigration Salary List” on 23 February 2024, has sought clarity from the government on the ISL’s long-term purpose. Is the ISL designed to address immediate labour shortages, or does it serve a broader goal, such as supporting priority sectors and policies?

While these questions remain, the MAC has committed to conducting a full review of the ISL later in 2024, promising extensive stakeholder engagement and a renewed labour market assessment.

Understanding the ISL Salary Thresholds

The ISL offers significant financial benefits to employers and workers alike. For Skilled Worker Visa applicants in ISL-listed occupations, the general salary threshold is reduced by 20%:

• General threshold: £30,960 (from £38,700)
• Health and Care Worker Visa threshold: £23,200 (from £29,000)

However, the ISL does not affect the occupation-specific threshold, also known as the ‘going rate.’ This requirement ensures workers are compensated fairly according to their industry’s standards, limiting the real-world salary discount in some cases.

For instance, while the reduced general salary threshold for an archaeologist is £30,960, their occupation-specific threshold is £36,400. As a result, the practical salary reduction for this role is just under 6%.

Benefits for Employers and Migrants

The ISL provides employers with a streamlined pathway to recruit skilled workers by lowering salary requirements, making the UK a more attractive destination for global talent. Additionally, ISL-listed roles enjoy marginally reduced visa application fees for Skilled Worker Visas, though the MAC has rightly pointed out that these savings are minimal in the context of increased immigration fees.

Key Occupations on the 2024 Immigration Salary List

The ISL includes a diverse array of occupations, divided by sector:

Fishing

• Fishing boat masters (Scotland only)
• Fishing trades (UK wide)

Science and Engineering

• Chemical scientists in the nuclear industry (Scotland only)
• Archaeologists (UK wide)

Creative Sector

• Dancers and choreographers (UK wide)
• Musicians (UK wide)

Construction

• Bricklayers (UK wide)
• Retrofitters (UK wide)

Health and Care

• Care workers and home carers (UK wide)
• Senior care workers (UK wide)

Each role may have specific eligibility criteria. For example, dancers must meet the standards of internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers recruiting for ISL-listed occupations must:

• Confirm the role’s ISL eligibility in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Ensure compliance with salary thresholds, including the occupation-specific rate.
• Accurately select the appropriate SOC 2020 code to avoid delays or compliance issues.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the ISL provides much-needed flexibility, its narrower scope compared to the SOL has drawn criticism. Some fear that it may overlook genuine labour shortages in favour of government-defined priorities. Additionally, the lack of a discount on occupation-specific thresholds may limit its effectiveness in reducing recruitment costs.

Final Thoughts

The Immigration Salary List represents a pivotal evolution in UK immigration policy, designed to attract skilled workers while addressing economic imperatives. However, its ultimate success depends on how well it balances the needs of employers, migrants, and the broader labour market.

As we await the MAC’s full review later this year, stakeholders should remain engaged, providing feedback to shape this policy for the benefit of all.

For further details on the ISL and its implementation, consult the official Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List or seek professional legal advice.