EIN explains Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List risks
08 Oct 2026
If you're on a Skilled Worker visa in a shortage role, the list your job sits on matters. The Employment Immigration Network (EIN) published a guide on 7 October 2026 comparing the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). It is written for employers, but the points affect workers too.
The two lists work differently on pay. The ISL lets workers in qualifying jobs be sponsored "at a salary that is 20% below the standard general salary threshold". The TSL gives no such discount. TSL workers "must generally meet the standard Skilled Worker salary requirements."
Timing is a risk. EIN says "some occupation codes will be removed on 31 December 2026", and TSL jobs are typically included "only until 31 December 2026, unless the government decides to extend them." If your role is removed before your extension or settlement application, EIN says you "will need to look at alternative roles or routes."
Dependants are also affected. EIN says new applicants sponsored in RQF level 3-5 roles on either list "will not be able to bring dependants". It says this does not apply to RQF 6+ jobs or to people already on the Skilled Worker route before these changes took effect.
What to do: check whether your job's occupation code is on either list, and when it may be removed. Plan your extension or ILR timing with that in mind. This is a commentary article, so check the official Immigration Rules before you decide anything.
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