Recruiting into a Shortage Occupation - Immigration Salary List

The Immigration Salary List has replaced the Shortage Occupation List. The Immigration Salary List contains a list of jobs that are in high demand in the UK, with not enough UK workers are available to fill them. The list only includes roles which the Home Office consider suitable for a reduction of the general salary threshold. The list is updated periodically by the government, based on the recommendations of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent body of experts.

The Immigration Salary List can make it easier and cheaper for you to sponsor overseas nationals for certain jobs. If the job is on the list, you can benefit from:

• Lower salary thresholds: you can pay 80% of the usual general threshold for the job. For new Skilled Worker applicants, this will be £30,960. There is no reduction in the going rate threshold, and the minimum hourly rate for new applicants is still £15.88
• Lower immigration skills charge
• Lower visa application fees

How to check if your job is on the immigration salary list?

You can check if your job is on the list by using the ONS occupation coding tool. You need to enter the job title, and the tool will give you  the corresponding Standard Occupation Classification code (SOC code). You can then compare this with the Immigration Salary List published by the Government. 

How our immigration solicitors can help

Sponsoring overseas nationals can be a complex and time-consuming process. You need to ensure that you comply with all the rules and regulations and avoid any mistakes or delays that could jeopardise your licence or workers’ visas.

Our specialist immigration solicitors can offer support with any immigration licence matters and visa matters for overseas nationals. We can help you with:

• Advising on whether your job is on the shortage occupation list and what are the benefits and requirements
• Secure and assign the required certificates of sponsorship for you
• Providing training and guidance to you and your HR team on how to use the SMS and fulfil your sponsorship duties
• Assist your workers with their visa applications and extensions
• Represent you in any communications with the Home Office

We have extensive experience and expertise in helping employers and workers with immigration matters.

If you need any assistance with the Immigration Salary List or any other aspect of sponsoring overseas nationals, please contact us today. We offer a free initial consultation and a fixed fee quote for our services.