On December 4, 2023, the Home Secretary announced significant changes to the UK’s immigration policy, particularly regarding the Skilled Worker visa route. Effective April 2024, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) will replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The ISL introduces a reduced general salary threshold for specific occupations, facilitating the recruitment of international talent and offering skilled workers more opportunities to work in the UK under these designated roles.
Launched through the Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List on April 4, 2024, the ISL shifts focus from addressing labour shortages to supporting occupations that align with broader government policies and societal benefits.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has called for further clarity on the ISL’s long-term goals and benefits and is set to conduct a comprehensive review later in 2024. This review will involve stakeholder engagement and an evaluation of the labour market conditions.
For jobs listed on the ISL under the Skilled Worker route, the general salary requirement is reduced by 20%, lowering it to £30,960 from the standard £38,700. It’s crucial to note that each listed occupation must also meet the specific ‘going rate’ or occupation-specific threshold, which may reduce the actual salary benefit.
Health and Care Worker Visa positions also benefit from the ISL, with non-pay scale occupations listed on the ISL having a reduced general salary threshold of £23,200, instead of the usual £29,000.
The ISL’s primary advantage is the potential 20% salary reduction when hiring international employees, which can significantly aid recruitment efforts. However, the visa fee reduction associated with the ISL is minimal, overshadowed by increases in the Skilled Worker salary thresholds and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Employers must confirm the inclusion of job roles on the ISL within the Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure compliance with specific criteria detailed in the Immigration Salary List appendix. For instance, the occupation code ‘3111– Laboratory technicians’ is restricted to jobs that require 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience.
Choosing the correct Sector Occupation Code – SOC code is crucial to avoid application delays or refusals. Employers can utilise the CASCOT occupation coding tool or consult the Office for National Statistics for accurate job classifications.
The Home Office may conduct compliance visits to verify the authenticity of the job vacancy and the accuracy of the SOC code used. Such inspections can impact the status of the sponsor’s license.
The ISL represents a strategic pivot in the UK’s immigration approach, focusing on economic and policy-driven objectives rather than direct labour shortages. Employers and potential migrants should stay informed about these updates to navigate the complexities of international recruitment and employment in the UK effectively.
For a comprehensive list of occupations on the Immigration Salary List and additional details, please refer to the official Immigration Rules Appendix and the Home Office’s Immigration Salary List Guidance.
As always at Five Star, our expert team is here to answer any of your queries and assist in any matters relating to sponsorship.
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