Skilled Worker Visa 2024: Essential Jobs and Criteria on the UK Shortage Occupation List

In-demand positions for qualified foreign workers are highlighted on the UK Shortage Occupation List, which also offers visa opportunities with lower income requirements. Find out what occupations are available, what kinds of visas are needed, and how to apply to work in the UK.

For talented people from all over the world, the UK is a dream destination because it is a land of opportunity. One excellent resource that may lead to new job opportunities is the UK Shortage Occupation List.

Overview: Shortage Occupation List

The government maintains a list of occupations where skilled workers are in low supply, which is called the UK Shortage Occupation List or Immigration Salary List. You might qualify for a skilled worker visa, which would enable you to work in the UK if your profession is on this list.

What Makes It Important?

The following are some benefits of being on the Shortage Occupation List:

• Faster Visa Processing: Your visa application may be handled more quickly.
• Reduced income Threshold: Compared to other skilled worker visa applicants, you can qualify for a reduced income threshold.
• More Employment Opportunities: A greater variety of employment options become available.

Minimum Salary Requirements

Positions eligible for a minimum pay threshold, set at 80% of the typical minimum salary for skilled workers or health and care workers with visas, are highlighted on the Shortage Occupation List. Foreign candidates’ prospects of finding employment in the UK can be greatly increased by this subsidy, particularly in fields where local hiring is difficult for UK firms.

• Wages must be modified according to an employee’s weekly hours since they are computed for a typical 37.5-hour workweek.
• There are two pay rates for each job:
  • Standard Rate: For applications submitted after April 4, 2024, and accompanied by a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
  • Reduced Rate: Relevant to specified occupations for Health and Care Worker visas or to skilled worker visas granted before April 4, 2024.

UK Shortage Occupation List 2024

Here are some of the most important positions on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), along with information on job categories, shortage areas, and pay scales. You might qualify for a work visa with a lower wage requirement if your job fits one of these categories.

Eligible Jobs for Visa Applications

1. Chemical Scientists (Nuclear Industry) (Occupation Code: 2111)

• Job Types: Only jobs in the nuclear industry
• Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
• Annual Salary: £18.05 per hour, Lower Rate: £15.18 per hour

2. Fishing Boat Masters (Occupation Code: 1212)

• Job Types: Only “fishing boat masters”
• Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: £12.92 per hour

3. Archaeologists (Occupation Code: 2115)

• Job Types: Only archaeologists
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £18.67 per hour, Lower Rate: £12.92 per hour

4. Biological Scientists (Occupation Code: 2112)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £19.49 per hour, Lower Rate: £14.41 per hour

5. Laboratory Technicians (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 3111)

• Job Types: Jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

6. Graphic and Multimedia Designers (Occupation Code: 2142)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: £12.87 per hour

7. Artists (Occupation Code: 3411)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £16.82 per hour, Lower Rate: £13.28 per hour

8. Pharmaceutical Technicians (Occupation Code: 3212)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: £12.00 per hour

9. Skilled Orchestral Musicians (Occupation Code: 3415)

• Job Types: Leaders, principals, sub-principals, or numbered string positions in orchestras
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £18.10 per hour, Lower Rate: £15.59 per hour

10. Classical and Contemporary Dancers (Occupation Code: 3414)

• Job Types: Skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers meeting specific standards
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £16.00 per hour, Lower Rate: £15.38 per hour

11. Agricultural and Fishing Trades (Occupation Code: 5119)

• Job Types: Only jobs in the fishing industry
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: £11.90 per hour

12. Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors (Occupation Code: 3416)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £19.23 per hour, Lower Rate: £16.05 per hour

13. Boat and Ship Builders and Repairers (Occupation Code: 5235)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: Scotland only
• Annual Salary: £17.49 per hour, Lower Rate: £13.49 per hour

14. High Integrity Pipe Welders (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 5213)

• Job Types: Jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £16.26 per hour, Lower Rate: 13.54 per hour

15. Bricklayers (Occupation Code: 5313)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 13.30 per hour

16. Stonemasons (Occupation Code: 5312)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £16.62 per hour, Lower Rate: 13.44 per hour

17. Carpenters and Joiners (Occupation Code: 5316)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

18. Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters (Occupation Code: 5314)

• Job Types: All jobs
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

19. Care Workers and Home Carers (Occupation Code: 6135)

• Job Types: All jobs, with specific conditions in England
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

20. Construction Retrofitters (Occupation Code: 5319)

• Job Types: Only retrofitters
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

21. Animal Care (Specific Roles) (Occupation Code: 6129)

• Job Types: Racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers, and work riders.
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: 15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: £11.90 per hour

22. Senior Care Workers (Occupation Code: 6136)

• Job Types: All jobs, with specific conditions in England
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

23. Fishing Deckhands (3+ Years’ Experience) (Occupation Code: 9119)

• Job Types: Deckhands on large fishing vessels requiring 3+ years’ full-time experience
• Areas of Shortage: UK-wide
• Annual Salary: £15.88 per hour, Lower Rate: 11.90 per hour

Key Requirements for Applicants on the Shortage Occupation List

For applicants to be eligible for a work visa based on the Shortage Occupation List, they must:

• Verification of Job Code: Use the CASCOT occupation coding tool to make sure the job title corresponds to a code on the Shortage Occupation List.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: A current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an authorized employer.
• Salary Threshold: Depending on whether your position qualifies for the standard or reduced rate, meet the minimum salary criterion.

How to Check Your Occupation Code

You can use the CASCOT occupation coding tool to find out your occupation code and whether it’s on the shortage list. By using this online tool, candidates may make sure they meet eligibility requirements by matching their job title to the relevant occupation code.

Visa Options for Working in the UK

1. Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants who have an offer in a shortage occupation are eligible for the skilled worker visa. You can remain in the UK with this visa for a maximum of five years, following which you can apply for permanent residence.

Qualifications for Eligibility:

• An offer of employment from a UK-licensed company.
• Fulfilling your job’s wage standards.
• Evidence of fluency in English.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

Only healthcare workers who have received a job offer from an authorized healthcare business are eligible for this visa. Faster processing times, reduced visa costs, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge are among the advantages.

Qualifications for Eligibility:

• An offer of employment in a qualified healthcare position.
• Reaching the pay cutoff.
• Proficiency in the English language.

3. Graduate Visa

After earning a degree or other qualifying credential, international students in the UK can work or look for work thanks to the Graduate Visa. It has a two-year validity period (three years for PhD grads).

Qualifications for Eligibility:

• A degree from an accredited UK university and a current student visa.

Conclusion

For qualified professionals seeking employment in the UK, the Shortage Occupation List is a great place to start. Your chances of getting a work visa and relocating to the UK successfully are increased if your position and pay align with the requirements. The UK continues to be a popular destination for talented individuals from around the world due to its numerous visa choices and alluring advantages.