The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report on the first stage of its review of new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) occupations.
Background
In July 2025, following the government’s May 2025 immigration white paper, changes came into force increasing skills and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas and the implementation of a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) to replace the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The TSL allows access to the Skilled Worker visa for certain occupations that do not meet the new higher skills thresholds.
On July 2, 2025, the Home Secretary commissioned the MAC to carry out an in-depth review of salary requirements for work visas and to also advise on the new TSL.
The MAC’s latest report includes recommendations on which RQF 3-5 occupations are potentially crucial to delivering the UK’s Industrial Strategy and critical infrastructure. MAC’s final report in July 2026 will include final recommendations for which occupations should be on the new TSL.
Interim arrangements
While the MAC carries out its review of the TSL, interim arrangements have been implemented by the Home Office via the July 2025 rule changes. This consists of both an expanded ISL and interim TSL, both of which will expire on December 31, 2026.
The expanded ISL contains occupations which were already on the ISL prior to the rules changes, as well as occupations at RQF Level 3-5 which MAC identified as being in shortage in its October 2023 review of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and its February 2024 review of the ISL. Occupations on the ISL continue to receive discounted salary thresholds and other benefits such as reduced visa fees.
The interim TSL contains occupations at RQF 3-5 which the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) have identified as being important to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Placement on the interim TSL serves to provide extended but time-limited access to the immigration system for those RQF 3-5 occupations.
Recommendations
- The MAC recommends a default duration of three years for an occupation to be added to the Temporary Shortage List, although occupations may initially be added for a shorter period if Jobs Plans are lacking in detail but likely subject to rapid improvements.
- The MAC does not recommend renewals beyond five years if the government decides that the Temporary Shortage List should not be a route to settlement, but supports in-country switching to higher-skilled (RQF 6+) roles within the Skilled Worker route to encourage progression.
- The MAC recommends English language requirements no lower than B1.
- The MAC has identified 82 occupations as potentially crucial to prioritized sectors. Of these 82 occupations, 45 occupations are on the Interim TSL only, six are on the ISL only and five are on both the interim TSL and the ISL.
Stage 2 of the MAC review will focus on the development of Job Plans that outline plans for maximizing the use of the domestic workforce and investment in training and skills. These will be developed by sector experts in government in collaboration with industry.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.