If you are hiring international talent or applying for a UK work visa, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) matters: it sets out occupations that qualify for a lower salary threshold and reduced visa fees. This guide explains what the ISL is in 2026, how it works, and an important change coming at the end of the year.
What is the Immigration Salary List?
The ISL is the Home Office's list of shortage occupations that qualify for a lower going-rate-based salary than the standard Skilled Worker minimum, and for reduced visa application fees. It replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024. Unlike the old Shortage Occupation List, it does not give a blanket 20% salary discount. To sponsor a role you still need a sponsor licence and to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
The salary rules in 2026
Two figures matter. The general Skilled Worker minimum is £41,700 a year, which rose from £38,700 on 22 July 2025. Each occupation also has its own going rate. The higher of the two applies, unless the role is on the ISL, in which case a lower listed rate can apply. There is an absolute floor of £25,000 a year that no role can go below. Check your offer with our minimum salary calculator.
Which roles are on the ISL?
The ISL covers a limited set of occupations at RQF levels 3 to 5, such as certain laboratory and pharmaceutical technicians, some skilled trades, specific creative roles, and care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136). Because the list and its rates are reviewed at each rules change, and were last updated on 22 July 2025, always check the current Immigration Salary List on gov.uk for the live roles, qualifying areas and salary rates before you rely on them.
Important date: the Immigration Salary List is due to be withdrawn at the end of December 2026. After that, the below-degree-level roles that rely on it may no longer be sponsorable for new overseas hires, so do not leave a planned ISL hire late.
A note on care workers
Care workers and senior care workers appear on the ISL, but a separate change applies: since 22 July 2025 they can no longer be sponsored from overseas, only in-country. See our Health and Care Worker visa guide.
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How to use the ISL
For employers: find the right SOC code for the role, check whether it is on the current ISL and what rate applies, make sure your offer meets the higher of the going rate and the general minimum, and keep your records in order in the Sponsor Management System.
For applicants: check that your job offer meets the threshold for your role and SOC code, and that your employer can evidence the salary and duties.
What the ISL gives you
A role on the ISL can qualify for a lower salary threshold than the standard minimum, and for reduced visa fees. The benefit is narrower than under the old Shortage Occupation List, which gave a 20% discount that no longer exists. Health and Care Worker visa roles already pay lower fees, so the ISL adds little there.
How Borderless helps
We help employers check eligibility, get a sponsor licence, run the visa process and stay compliant with Home Office rules. Get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What if my salary does not meet the threshold? The visa is likely to be refused. Check the going rate and the ISL before you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Is there still a Shortage Occupation List? No. The Shortage Occupation List was abolished in April 2024 and replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
How often is the ISL updated? It is reviewed at immigration rules changes. It was last updated on 22 July 2025 and is due to be withdrawn at the end of December 2026.
Do bonuses count toward the threshold? Usually not. Base salary is what counts.
