How does the Temporary Shortage List affect Skilled Worker visa applications?

On 22 July 2025, significant changes came into force affecting the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route, including the introduction of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). This list plays a key role in determining who can still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa under the new, higher skills threshold. If you are planning to apply for a visa or are currently sponsoring overseas workers, it is essential to understand how the TSL works, and its limitations.

1. Preserved eligibility for lower-skilled roles

Previously, Skilled Worker visas were available for roles at RQF Level 3 and above. Following the July 2025 reforms, generally only roles at RQF Level 6+ will now qualify.

However, if your job appears on the TSL, you can still be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, despite the role being below RQF Level 6.

This gives applicants for these roles temporary access to the visa route that would otherwise be closed to them under the new system.

2. No dependants allowed

A major limitation of the TSL route is that dependants are not permitted to accompany applicants. If you are sponsored in an occupation listed on the TSL, and it falls below RQF Level 6, you cannot bring your partner or children with you to the UK.

This restriction does not apply to:

• Skilled Workers already in the UK with permission granted before 22 July 2025.
• Skilled Workers in occupations at RQF Level 6 or above.

If maintaining your family unity is an important factor for you, the TSL route may not be suitable for your long-term plans.

3. No salary discount

Sponsorship via the TSL does not offer any reduction in the required salary thresholds.

This contrasts with the Immigration Salary List, which currently offers salary discounts but is due to be phased out by the end of 2026. In future, the TSL may become the sole list through which lower-skilled roles can be sponsored, but without any salary concessions.

4. Time-limited and subject to change

The TSL is not a long-term solution. The Government has made it clear that:

• The list will be reviewed and potentially withdrawn by 31 December 2026.
• Occupations may be removed earlier if compliance concerns arise.
• The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will publish a two-stage assessment, with the first stage due by October 2025.

Only occupations identified as essential to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the associated domestic workforce strategy are likely to remain on any future version of the list.

Conclusion

The TSL is a targeted and temporary mechanism to maintain UK access for critical lower-skilled roles without reopening the immigration system to unrestricted lower-skilled migration.

The MAC’s upcoming reviews will likely reshape the TSL before the end of 2026. It is therefore vital to stay informed and plan accordingly if this route forms part of your UK immigration strategy.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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