If you’ve been tracking UK immigration updates lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz about the Shortage Occupation List—now temporarily upgraded to the Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) in 2025. But what exactly is it?
Key Takeaways
What Is the UK’s Temporary Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage Occupation List is essentially the UK government’s way of saying, “We need help in these jobs—please apply!” It’s part of the broader Skilled Worker Visa program, which allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK if they’ve got a job offer in a qualifying role. The shortage list identifies specific occupations that are critically understaffed in the UK, allowing employers in these fields to hire foreign workers more easily. As a result, applicants often benefit from lower salary thresholds and visa fees.
Now, with the new Temporary version of the list introduced in July 2025, the government’s focus has shifted to short-term fixes for acute labor shortages. This means more opportunities, faster application processing, and some very relieved employers.
What’s Changing in 2025?
The big news this year? The UK Home Office has added over 70 new occupations to the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, making it one of the most expansive updates in recent years. These changes are part of a strategic pivot from the older shortage system, and they’re designed to close critical employment gaps across multiple sectors.
Also Read: What Are the Latest Changes to Skilled Occupation Lists in Australia and NZ?
Launched officially on 22 July 2025, the TSOL will remain active only until end-2026, after which a completely new framework—guided by the Migration Advisory Committee—is expected to take over. Until then, it’s a golden window for skilled professionals looking to make the move to the UK.
So, what’s behind this change? It’s all about filling vacancies quickly and efficiently in key industries. From construction and healthcare to creative and tech sectors, this revamped list reflects the UK’s evolving labor market—and the urgent need for hands-on help.
Which Jobs Have Been Added This Year?
Let’s get into the good stuff—what roles will cut in 2025?
The TSOL additions cover a broad spectrum of medium-skilled jobs. You’ll find roles that cater to traditional industries as well as emerging sectors. Here’s a glimpse of some of the job categories now eligible under this fast-track route:
- Healthcare & Social Care: Care workers, senior care assistants, dental nurses, and laboratory technicians are now included.
- Construction: Welders, roofers, bricklayers, and civil engineering technicians—trades that have seen chronic shortages—are finally being prioritized.
- STEM Fields: IT support technicians, web developers, science technicians, and environmental specialists are now eligible.
- Creative Industries: Designers, audio-visual technicians, and even some niche artistic roles made the list.
- Admin & Business Support: Project coordinators, HR assistants, and business development officers have been added to support the growing demand in back-office operations.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it signals a clear shift in how the UK plans to keep its economy running smoothly by welcoming skilled talent across the board, not just in elite or senior roles.
What Are the Salary Thresholds and Visa Benefits?
One of the biggest perks of being on the TSOL is the reduced salary threshold. This change can make a real difference, especially for younger applicants, early-career professionals, or those switching from a different visa category.
Here’s how it works in 2025:
- Standard salary thresholds vary depending on the role, but many TSOL positions now start at around £25,000 to £33,400 per year.
- Senior or technical roles (like certain engineering or IT roles) may range from £29,500 to £46,000, depending on experience and job level.
- Lower thresholds apply if you’re a “new entrant” (usually under 26, switching from a student visa, or recently graduated), or if you hold a PhD or a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4 April 2024.
And that’s not all. TSOL positions benefit from lower visa fees and priority processing, making the entire experience faster and more affordable.
Can You Apply if You’re Already in the UK?
Absolutely—and that’s one of the smartest moves many migrants are now considering. If you’re already in the UK under a different visa (like a Graduate Route, Student Visa, or even a Dependent Visa), this update could be your ticket to a long-term stay.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa is allowed from within the UK, as long as:
- You have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- The job matches one of the TSOL codes.
- You meet the salary and English language requirements.
This is especially useful for recent graduates who’ve struggled to land jobs that meet the traditional Skilled Worker thresholds. With this update, the door has opened a bit wider, especially for those already familiar with UK work culture and life.
Also Read: What Are the New Rules for the Québec Skilled Worker Program?
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025
The process remains largely the same, but the new TSOL simplifies a few things:
- Get a Job Offer: The employer must be a licensed sponsor, and the role must appear on the TSOL (with the correct occupation code).
- Meet Salary Criteria: Make sure your offered salary meets the required threshold for your specific role and category (standard, new entrant, or PhD-level).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once your employer assigns a CoS, you can begin your visa application online.
- Submit Your Application: Pay the visa fee (which is lower for TSOL roles), prove your English proficiency, and submit biometric information.
- Wait for a Decision: Thanks to the TSOL, many applicants can expect a faster turnaround, often within 3–8 weeks.
It’s not quite as breezy as a tourist visa, but for a skilled worker visa, this streamlined process is a significant improvement, especially for roles in high demand.
Is This a Good Time to Move to the UK for Work?
In a word: yes. The 2025 TSOL update marks one of the most applicant-friendly phases in recent UK immigration policy. If you’re qualified in one of the listed roles, now’s your chance to secure a visa before the system shifts again in late 2026.
That said, it’s not just about ticking boxes—you still need a credible employer, a valid offer, and the right documentation. But the broader message is clear: the UK is hiring, and it’s more open than it has been in years.
Whether you’re a mid-career welder, a newly trained IT technician, or a care worker with experience, this policy refreshes and levels the playing field and gives many professions long-overdue recognition and access.
Final Thoughts: Time to Rethink Your UK Work Plans?
This isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a structural shift in how the UK manages skilled migration. By expanding the list to over 70 new roles, the Home Office is acknowledging the real-world labor shortages that industries are facing—and making a practical move to fix them.
So if you’ve been waiting for the right time to apply for a UK work visa, consider this your green light. Just make sure to act before 2026, because this temporary system won’t be around forever. And with the Migration Advisory Committee cooking up a long-term replacement, it’s better to jump in now than get caught in the next wave of changes.
Reference: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/update-your-visa-if-you-change-job-or-employer
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
