The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is a major element of the UK Government’s 2025 immigration reforms, specifically designed to address critical skills shortages in sub-degree level occupations. This represents a targeted move away from the broader Immigration Salary List (ISL) that previously governed many aspects of Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for non-graduate roles. The TSL was first outlined in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper and formalised with the Statement of Changes HC 997 issued on 1 July 2025.

What Is the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?

The TSL is a government-managed list detailing select occupations that, while not requiring a university degree (typically RQF Level 3–5), are considered essential to the UK’s economic performance and national infrastructure. These are roles that require technical or vocational skills, often acquired through apprenticeships or professional training, but face demonstrable and acute domestic labour shortages.

Unlike the previous ISL, the TSL focuses strictly on well-defined, sector-specific shortages. Sectors commonly represented include construction, logistics, manufacturing, IT, and other infrastructure-related roles.

Temporary and Conditional Access to the Skilled Worker Route

Roles included in the TSL offer temporary and conditional access to the Skilled Worker visa, but with several important restrictions:

• No Salary Discounts: All sponsored workers must receive at least the full minimum salary required by immigration rules—there are no reduced thresholds or fee discounts for shortage roles.
• Strict Employer Conditions: To access the TSL, employers must demonstrably invest in domestic recruitment and training, supported by sector-wide workforce strategies developed in cooperation with industry organisations and public bodies, such as Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Ongoing Monitoring and Restrictions

The TSL is actively managed and regularly reviewed. Job roles may be added or removed depending on current labour market data and UK workforce capacity. Additional occupation-specific constraints may include:

• Limitations on the allowable duration or renewal of sponsored visas, further underlining the list's temporary scope.
• Numerical caps on the number of foreign hires in particular roles.
• Restrictions on dependants, potentially limiting the ability for workers to bring family members to the UK.

These measures are intended to keep the TSL a controlled, responsive solution against over-reliance on overseas recruitment.

Policy Timeline and Changes

• July 22, 2025: Minimum skill levels for Skilled Worker visas rise from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, restricting most visa sponsorships to graduate-level jobs.
• Critical exception: Certain sub-degree occupations (RQF Level 3–5) remain eligible for sponsorship only if listed on the TSL or the revised ISL.
• This system enables pivotal sectors with verified shortages to recruit internationally, but under stricter, evidence-based terms than previous policies.

Why Was the Temporary Shortage List Created?

The TSL was introduced to deliver a sector-driven, evidence-based immigration policy, focusing tightly on roles with a clear, validated need for international recruitment. Where the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and ISL allowed much broader occupation access, the TSL subjects each entry to stricter oversight, sector collaboration, and clear exit criteria—aligning with the government’s objective to cultivate a resilient, self-sufficient domestic workforce over time.

Which Occupations Are on the TSL?

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) includes roles across several industries, all subject to regular review and potential removal as the domestic labour supply improves.

Below is the complete list of eligible occupations under the TSL (as of July 2025), organised by standard occupation codes: