The United Kingdom has unveiled the Immigration Salary List (ISL) for 2025, a strategic initiative to attract skilled professionals worldwide and enhance its dynamic economy.
This new list replaces the former Shortage Occupation List, broadening the scope of eligible professions for the Skilled Worker visa.
Key Features of the Immigration Salary List (ISL):
- Expanded Opportunities:
The ISL covers a wider range of professions, including science, technology, arts, and skilled trades, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce. - Updated Salary Thresholds:
Each profession on the ISL has a specified minimum salary requirement, ensuring roles are filled by adequately qualified professionals. - Regional Specificity:
Some roles are region-specific to address localized skill shortages effectively.
Comprehensive List of Occupations on the ISL:
- Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services: £30,960 (Only “fishing boat masters” in Scotland).
- Chemical scientists: £35,200 (Only jobs in the nuclear industry in Scotland).
- Biological scientists and biochemists: £38,000 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Social and humanities scientists: £36,400 (Only archaeologists UK-wide).
- Graphic and multimedia designers: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Laboratory technicians: £30,960 (Jobs requiring three or more years of related on-the-job experience UK-wide).
- Pharmaceutical technicians: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Artists: £32,800 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Dancers and choreographers: £31,200 (Skilled classical ballet or contemporary dancers meeting standards of recognized UK dance companies UK-wide).
- Musicians: £35,300 (Skilled orchestral musicians meeting recognized UK orchestra standards UK-wide).
- Arts officers, producers, and directors: £37,500 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified: £30,960 (Only jobs in the fishing industry UK-wide).
- Welding trades: £31,700 (High-integrity pipe welders with three or more years of related on-the-job experience UK-wide).
- Boat and ship builders and repairers: £34,100 (All jobs in Scotland).
- Stonemasons and related trades: £32,400 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Bricklayers: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Carpenters and joiners: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide).
- Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified: £30,960 (Only retrofitters UK-wide).
- Care workers and home carers: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide, with specific conditions for England).
- Senior care workers: £30,960 (All jobs UK-wide, with specific conditions for England).
- Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified: £30,960 (Only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, and work riders UK-wide).
- Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified: £30,960 (Only deckhands on large fishing vessels with at least three years of full-time experience UK-wide).
Understanding the ISL:
The ISL aims to address skill shortages across various sectors, ensuring the UK attracts qualified professionals to sustain its economic growth.
- Eligibility: Applicants must secure a job offer in one of the listed professions and meet the specified salary threshold.
- Regional Specificity: Some roles are limited to certain regions, such as Scotland.
- Salary Requirements: The listed salary thresholds are minimum annual salaries. Employers may offer higher salaries based on qualifications and market demand.
Next Steps for Applicants:
- Identify Suitable Roles: Review the ISL to check if your profession is eligible.
- Secure a Job Offer: Engage with UK employers in your field to meet the ISL requirements.
- Prepare Visa Documentation: Gather necessary documents for the Skilled Worker visa application.
For the latest information and guidance, refer to the official UK Government website. The ISL presents a pathway for skilled professionals to advance their careers in the UK’s vibrant and diverse economy.