1. Introduction
Staying updated with UK immigration rules is crucial for businesses relying on international talent. In April 2024, the UK Home Office transitioned from the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) to the Immigration Salary List (ISL), introducing new salary thresholds and requirements for the Skilled Worker visa. The ISL 2025 update further refines this framework, detailing which roles benefit from reduced salary requirements under UK immigration rules.
Understanding this list is essential for employers looking to navigate the immigration system effectively and remain compliant while filling critical skills gaps in their workforce. This guide breaks down the ISL 2025, explaining what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts employers and Skilled Worker visa applicants.
2. What Is the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List outlines specific occupations that allow employers to hire skilled foreign workers at a reduced salary threshold—typically 80% of the standard requirement under the Skilled Worker route.
These occupations are identified not solely by shortage but based on the government’s strategic criteria, including economic importance and workforce sustainability. The ISL aims to balance labour market needs without driving down wages for domestic workers.
3. Immigration Salary List 2025 Minimum Salary Thresholds
Under the Skilled Worker visa:
● The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year.
● For jobs on the Immigration Salary List, the reduced threshold is £30,960, or the role-specific "going rate," whichever is higher.
● Health and Care Worker visas benefit from even lower thresholds, “lower rate” is now £25,000.
However, there's a critical rule: the salary offered must meet whichever is higher between:
- The discounted general threshold (£30,960).
- The specific occupation 'going rate' for that job.
The next section shows the official ISL table lists the actual minimum salary required for each specific job on the list. This listed salary already takes the 'going rate' into account. You will often see salaries listed that are higher than the base £30,960 threshold – this is because the occupation-specific going rate for that role is higher.
Key Points from the ISL Table:
● Standard Rate:
If the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned on or after 4 April 2024, you generally need to meet the minimum salary listed in the 'Standard rate' column of the ISL table. This is the applicable rate for most new hires.
● Lower Rate:
A 'Lower rate' column exists for specific circumstances. An applicant may qualify for this lower rate if they are applying for certain Health and Care Worker Visa roles OR if they received their first Skilled Worker CoS before 4 April 2024 and have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa since then.
● Going Rate Application:
For example, the role of Archaeologist (SOC 2115) is on the ISL. While the discounted general threshold is £30,960, the required minimum salary listed under the 'Standard rate' is £36,400. This is because the specific 'going rate' for Archaeologists is higher than the base discounted threshold, and employers must meet this higher rate.
● Pro-rating:
Remember, the annual salaries listed are based on a 37.5-hour working week. They must be correctly pro-rated if the employee's working pattern differs.
Therefore, when checking if a salary meets the requirement for an ISL occupation, employers must consult the official ISL table and ensure the offered salary meets or exceeds the specific figure listed for that job code under the relevant rate column ('Standard' or 'Lower').
4. Immigration Salary List 2025 Table
| Occupation code | Job types included on the immigration salary list | Areas of the UK which qualify | Standard rate | Lower rate |
| 1212 | Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services – only “fishing boat masters” | Scotland only | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 2111 | Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry | Scotland only | £35,200 (£18.05 per hour) | £29,600 (£15.18 per hour) |
| 2112 | Biological scientists – all jobs | UK wide | £38,000 (£19.49 per hour) | £28,100 (£14.41 per hour) |
| 2115 | Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists | UK wide | £36,400 (£18.67 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 2142 | Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,100 (£12.87 per hour) |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 3212 | Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 3411 | Artists – all jobs | UK wide | £32,800 (£16.82 per hour) | £25,900 (£13.28 per hour) |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. The company must be endorsed as being internationally recognised by a UK industry body such as the Arts Councils (of England, Scotland or Wales). | UK wide | £31,200 (£16.00 per hour) | £30,000 (£15.38 per hour) |
| 3415 | Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals or numbered string positions, and who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras. The orchestra must be a full member of the Association of British Orchestras. | UK wide | £35,300 (£18.10 per hour) | £30,400 (£15.59 per hour) |
| 3416 | Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs | UK wide | £37,500 (£19.23 per hour) | £31,300 (£16.05 per hour) |
| 5119 | Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 5213 | Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | UK wide | £31,700 (£16.26 per hour) | £26,400 (£13.54 per hour) |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers – all jobs | Scotland only | £34,100 (£17.49 per hour) | £26,300 (£13.49 per hour) |
| 5312 | Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs | UK wide | £32,400 (£16.62 per hour) | £26,200 (£13.44 per hour) |
| 5313 | Bricklayers – all jobs | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,600 (£13.13 per hour) |
| 5314 | Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 5316 | Carpenters and joiners – all jobs | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,200 (£12.92 per hour) |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,500 (£13.08 per hour) |
| 6135 | Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. Private households or individuals (other than sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business) cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants. | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 6136 | Senior care workers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 6129 | Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
| 9119 | Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years’ full-time experience in using their skills. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | UK wide | £30,960 (£15.88 per hour) | £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) |
5. Why is the ISL Important for Employers?
Understanding and correctly applying the ISL is vital for compliance when sponsoring overseas workers. Key considerations include:
✔ Salary Compliance:
You must ensure the offered salary meets both the relevant general threshold (standard or discounted ISL rate) and the specific occupation-going rate, using whichever is higher.
✔ Correct Occupation Codes (SOC):
Using the right SOC code is essential. Misclassification can lead to visa refusal or sponsor licence issues. Refer to the CASCOT occupation coding tool if unsure.
✔ Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
If recruiting for a role on the ISL, this must be explicitly stated on the CoS. Ensure any additional eligibility criteria mentioned in the official list (e.g., specific experience levels, industry body endorsements) are met.
✔ Regional Variations:
Some ISL roles are specific to certain UK nations (e.g., Scotland only). Verify the job's working location against the list.
✔ Dynamic List:
The ISL is subject to review and change based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and government policy. Employers must stay informed about updates.
Failure to adhere to these rules can result in refused visa applications, penalties, and damage to your sponsor licence status.
6. How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?
Navigating the complexities of the Skilled Worker route and the Immigration Salary List can be challenging. WorkPermitCloud (WPC), as an innovative Legal and HR-tech company specializing in UK Business Immigration, can provide expert guidance and support. We can assist with:
✔ Confirming if a role qualifies for the ISL.
✔ Determining the correct minimum salary requirements.
✔ Selecting the appropriate SOC code.
✔ Managing the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) process.
✔ Ensuring overall compliance with Home Office regulations.
✔ Providing integrated HR tech solutions for managing sponsored workers.
Whether you’re updating your recruitment strategy or applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, our expert team ensures you stay compliant and competitive.
Contact us to handle the immigration complexities so you can focus on hiring the best talent for your business.
7. Conclusion
The Immigration Salary List 2025 marks a significant step in the UK’s evolving immigration landscape. By understanding the roles listed and their corresponding thresholds, employers can better plan their hiring strategies, maintain compliance, and reduce costs.
WorkPermitCloud is here to support your journey—from understanding the ISL to securing and managing Skilled Worker sponsorships with confidence.
8. Glossary
| Term | Definition |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | A list of specific occupations where UK employers can sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker route at a reduced general salary threshold (currently £30,960). |
| Skilled Worker Visa | The main UK immigration route for eligible overseas workers sponsored by a licensed UK employer to fill specific skilled jobs. |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | A specific visa category within the Skilled Worker route for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health/adult social care professionals, often with lower salary thresholds. |
| Shortage Occupation List (SOL) | The previous list of occupations deemed to be in shortage in the UK labour market, replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. |
| General Salary Threshold | The overall minimum salary required for a visa route, such as the standard £38,700 for the main Skilled Worker route or the £30,960 discounted rate for ISL roles. |
| Occupation-Specific Threshold | Often referred to as the 'going rate', this is the minimum salary level set for a specific job type based on its SOC code. Must be met alongside the general threshold. |
| Standard Rate (ISL) | The minimum salary listed in the ISL table applicable to most new applicants whose Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned on or after 4 April 2024. |
| Lower Rate (ISL) | A reduced minimum salary listed in the ISL table applicable only to specific applicants (e.g., some Health & Care Workers, or those with continuous Skilled Worker visas from before 4 April 2024). |
| SOC Code | Standard Occupational Classification code. A system used by the UK government to classify jobs based on skill level and job content. Essential for visa sponsorship. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record assigned by a licensed sponsor to a migrant worker, containing job and personal details. It's required for a Skilled Worker visa application. |
| Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) | An independent public body that advises the UK government on migration issues, including providing recommendations for the Immigration Salary List. |
| Pro-rata | A method of adjusting a salary proportionally. Used to calculate the required salary if working hours differ from the standard 37.5-hour week base for ISL salaries. |
| Sponsor Licence | Authorisation granted by the Home Office allowing a UK employer to sponsor overseas workers under routes like the Skilled Worker visa. |
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | The department within the UK Home Office responsible for managing immigration control and visa applications. |
