The Immigration Salary List replaced the old Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, and it works differently. The ISL provides reduced salary thresholds for specific occupations that the UK government considers in shortage — but the reductions are less generous than the old SOL, and the list is shorter. For UK employers, the ISL is a strategic tool: if your role is on it, sponsorship becomes financially viable at salary levels that wouldn't otherwise qualify. This guide explains how the ISL works in 2026, which roles are on it, and how employers use it.
How the ISL Works
ISL Benefits
• Reduced salary threshold — the minimum salary is the higher of £30,960 or 80% of the going rate for the SOC code, instead of the standard £38,700
• Reduced visa application fee — the worker pays a lower visa fee than standard Skilled Worker rates
The ISL does not exempt employers from the Immigration Skills Charge, the CoS fee, or the IHS. The benefit is purely the lower salary floor and reduced worker visa fee.
The Salary Maths — An Example
Take a care worker role (SOC 6135) with a going rate of £23,200:
The ISL drops the minimum from £38,700 to £30,960 — a reduction of £7,740 per year. For care providers and hospitality businesses where margins are tight, this makes sponsorship viable.
Which Roles Are on the ISL in 2026?
The ISL is reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee. Key occupations that have appeared include (always verify on gov.uk):
Commonly Listed Occupations
• Care workers and home carers (SOC 6135) — via the Health and Care Worker route
• Senior care workers (SOC 6136)
• Some construction trades (check specific SOC codes)
• Some engineering roles
• Certain healthcare roles
• Some food processing and manufacturing roles
The ISL changes. Roles can be added or removed following MAC review. Do not assume a role listed last year is still listed. Check the current gov.uk page before building your business case.
ISL vs Health and Care Worker Route
There's an important overlap for care sector roles:
If your role qualifies for both the ISL and the H&C route, always use the H&C route — the IHS exemption alone makes it dramatically cheaper.
Strategic Use of the ISL
How Employers Use the ISL
1. Check the list before setting salary bands
If the role is on the ISL, you can set salary at £30,960 rather than £38,700 — expanding the pool of roles you can sponsor.
2. Model the total cost at ISL rates vs standard
The salary saving of £7,740/year × 3 years = £23,220 in payroll savings. This often more than covers the sponsorship fees.
3. Use ISL status in job advertising
Candidates know ISL roles have lower visa fees — it's a selling point for international talent.
4. Monitor MAC reviews
If a role is at risk of removal, consider accelerating hires before the change.
How Recruitroo Uses the ISL
Recruitroo's platform automatically checks every role against the current ISL and calculates the applicable salary threshold. When a role is ISL-eligible, we flag it and model the cost saving. Our UK clients never miss an ISL opportunity or over-budget on salary thresholds.
Want to know if your role is on the Immigration Salary List?
Send us the role title and SOC code. We'll confirm ISL eligibility, calculate the threshold, and model the total cost saving.
Get a QuoteSee Client StoriesThis guide reflects the UK Immigration Salary List as of May 2026. The ISL is reviewed periodically by the Migration Advisory Committee — always verify the current list on gov.uk.