UK Need Skilled Workers Under New Temporary Shortage 2026

The UK’s Temporary Shortage List (TSL), introduced in July 2025, lets medium-skilled (RQF Level 3–5) roles be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route until 31 December 2026. Certificates of Sponsorship for these roles must be assigned before that deadline, and — unlike graduate-level Skilled Worker roles — TSL roles do not allow dependants.

For the standard route that sits above the TSL, read our UK skilled worker visa process 2026 guide.

Skilled professionals from around the globe have a unique chance to advance their careers in the UK under advantageous visa conditions and alluring compensation packages thanks to this new list, which was released by UK Visas and Immigration.

The list covers a wide range of industries, from data analysts and IT operations technicians to welding trades, financial technicians, fashion designers, and even choreographers. Each position has a set salary threshold that can support your application for a skilled worker visa, entry clearance, or even an extension if you’re already employed in the UK.

What’s New and Why It Matter?

Specifically covering medium-skilled occupations, this Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL), which was released on, 2026, offers a golden avenue for job seekers in the UK who were previously outside the highly skilled band.

You can now easily apply for a skilled worker visa, switch to this route, or prolong your stay if your job is on the updated list and you meet the minimum wage criteria.

Better still? The process is now more accessible than ever thanks to salary cuts offered to PhD holders, new hires, and those with continuous visas.

Read Also: Kitchen Helper Jobs in UK Visa Sponsorship

New Jobs and Salaries (Standard Rate):

See which new jobs are now eligible for UK skilled workers under recent rule changes.

• Engineering Technicians – £42,500/year
• Database Administrators – £34,600/year
• Dancers and Choreographers – £33,400/year
• Insurance Underwriters – £36,500/year
• Vehicle Technicians – £35,500/year
• IT User Support Technicians – £33,400/year
• Financial Technicians—£48,700/year
• Electricians and Fitters – £38,800/year
• Business Systems Analysts – £33,400/year
• Construction Supervisors – £41,800/year
• And More can be found here on the new list: https://www.gov.uk/government/

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you meet the visa and occupation requirements, regardless of whether you are currently in the UK or not.

1. International Applicants from Abroad

• Trying to get a job in the UK
• must possess a verified employment offer from a sponsor with a UK license.
• The role needs to be listed under “Skilled Occupations.”
• English language and salary criteria must be met.

2. Current Skilled Worker Visa Holders

• If they continue to work for the same company, they can extend their visa.
• Or change jobs (with a new Sponsorship Certificate)
• After five years, one may eventually apply for permanent residency (ILR).

3. Applicants Switching Visa Categories Within the UK

• For instance, from Temporary Worker to Skilled Worker, Graduate Route, or Student Visa
• must fulfill the new employment and pay requirements.

4. Eligible Professions Include (but not limited to):

• STEM Fields – Engineering, IT, Data Science, Cybersecurity
• Construction Trades – Bricklayers, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians
• Healthcare – Nurses, Care Workers, Radiographers
• Creative & Arts – Designers, Architects, Animators
• Media & Communications – Broadcast engineers, Journalists
• Technical Services – Quantity surveyors, Civil technicians

Standard vs Lower Rates

Standard Salary Rate

• Applies to: Most new applicants
• The higher salary level, which is typically £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour for most jobs, must be met.

Lower Salary Rate (Transitional Rate)

• Applies to: Skilled Worker visa holders
• Condition: You must have:
  • worked consistently, under the Skilled Worker path.
  • maintained a continuous, valid visa under this route
• Benefit: Depending on your job, you may be eligible for a lower pay level, such as about £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour.

Where to Start?

Step 1: Check if Your Job Is Eligible

• Use the CASCOT coding tool or go to the official UK Shortage Occupation List.
• Make sure:
  • The New Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) contains your occupation code and job title.
  • The salary criteria is met by the position (lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations).

Step 2: Find a Licensed Sponsor

• Your employer in the UK must possess a sponsor license.
• Verify whether the business is on the UK government’s list of authorized sponsors.

Step 3: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• The employer must:
  • Offer you a job
  • Assign you a CoS number (unique reference)
  • Confirm job title, duties, salary, and work location
• This certificate proves the job is genuine and meets immigration criteria

Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

• Submit your application online via the UK Home Office portal
• Required documents:
  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Proof of qualifications or relevant work experience
  • English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or UK-recognized qualifications)
  • Salary confirmation
  • TB test (if applicable, for certain countries)
  • Criminal record check (for sensitive occupations)

Conclusion:

For qualified professionals around the world, the UK’s 2026 qualified Worker Temporary Shortage Occupation List is revolutionary. The UK is actively attracting talent from around the world by lowering pay limits for particular groups and extending eligibility to medium-skilled roles.

Whether you work as a construction supervisor in the Philippines, a database administrator in India, or a car mechanic in Nigeria, you now have a genuine opportunity to establish a fulfilling career in the UK—legally, safely, and with a route to permanent residency.

Dependants and Settlement Rules for TSL Workers

Start your search with skilled worker jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship.

For the broader picture, read our UK skilled worker visa 2026 overview.

Compare roles in our roundup of UK high-demand work visa sponsored jobs.