Shortage Occupation List 2024
Understanding the New Immigration Salary List
Last Updated: 1st May 2024.
- What is the Shortage Occupation List 2024 (SOL)?
- What are the benefits of hiring someone from the Shortage Occupation List?
- Is the Shortage Occupation List still relevant in 2024?
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How can I determine if my job is on the Shortage Occupation List?
- What should I do if my job is not on the Shortage Occupation List?
As of 4 April 2024, the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The ISL specifies which jobs the UK government deems to be in shortage, offering advantages for workers applying for sponsorship in such roles.
The ISL is more up-to-date and comprehensive than its predecessor, and workers in shortage occupations listed on the ISL may benefit from priority processing and a reduced visa fee.
Please refer to our article on the ISL for the latest information on sponsoring workers in shortage roles in the UK.
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is an essential tool for employers seeking to sponsor non-resident workers in the UK. It provides a list of job roles deemed to be in short supply in the UK workforce. Employers sponsoring workers for these positions benefit from lower visa application fees.
Navigating the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL) can be a complicated experience, especially for employers venturing into visa sponsorship for the first time or exploring new roles. Yet, understanding its intricacies is crucial for anyone involved in international recruitment, as errors can lead to Home Office sanctions like license suspensions and visa curtailments.
What is the Shortage Occupation List 2024 (SOL)?
The Shortage Occupation List 2024 is a list of high-demand UK jobs. Employers get lower visa fees for sponsoring workers in these roles. The SOL is changing in 2024; check below for updates.
Table of Content
- What’s the SOL?
- The Transition List
Navigating the UK’s Shortage Occupation List: – For Employers
UK Shortage Occupation List: Your Passport to Simplified Visas & Thriving Careers (2024)
What are the benefits of hiring someone from the Shortage Occupation List?
Besides the lower visa fees, hiring from the SOL can help you fill critical vacancies faster and access a wider pool of talent. It can also demonstrate your commitment to supporting the UK economy and attracting skilled workers.
What’s the SOL?
The UK has a points-based immigration system that necessitates most non-resident workers to obtain employment visas. Among the different visa pathways available, the primary route is the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa has replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) visa. To sponsor skilled non-residents for employment in the UK, there are strict criteria that need to be fulfilled, including eligibility for the offered role. This is where the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) comes into play.
The SOL is a list of roles that are considered to be in short supply within the UK workforce. This list is available in the Skilled Occupations appendix of the UK Immigration Rules. The roles listed on the SOL are those that are highly in demand but for which there is a shortage of skilled workers to fill them. Employers who sponsor non-residents for these roles enjoy lower application fees for sponsored work visas.
The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) analyses labour market needs and recommends occupations for inclusion or removal from the list, aiming to align with business needs and reflect the selective nature of the points-based system.
Is the Shortage Occupation List still relevant in 2024?
While the current SOL remains in place, it is being replaced by a new “Immigration Salary List” in April 2024. This new list will retain some features of the SOL, like lower visa fees for certain roles, but will have a different focus.
A List in Transition:
The latest SOL update was in August 2023, but significant reforms are on the horizon due to key policy developments:
- October 2023: The MAC published a report suggesting adding occupations, eliminating the going rate discount for SOL roles, and even renaming the list to the “Immigration Salary Discount List” (ISDL).
- December 2023: The government confirmed the SOL’s replacement with a new “Immigration Salary List”, retaining the general threshold discount but removing the 20% going rate discount.
- January 2024: The Home Office tasked the MAC with rapidly reviewing the soon-to-be-called Immigration Salary List, focusing on revising roles and salary thresholds.
- February 2024: The MAC report is expected on February 23, 2024.
- April 2024: As part of the Spring Immigration Rules, a new Immigration Salary List was implemented on April 4th, 2024 after a review.
How can I determine if my job is on the Shortage Occupation List?
You can check the current SOL list on our website. However, remember that the list is changing soon, so it’s best to stay informed about the upcoming “Immigration Salary List” for the latest information.
The SOL (Skilled Occupation List) has been replaced by the new Immigration Salary List. To keep up with the new landscape and its implications, it is essential to remain updated with the latest developments and adapt your recruitment strategies accordingly.
Employers and HR professionals must be aware of the ever-evolving SOL landscape to navigate international recruitment effectively while staying compliant with relevant regulations. By staying informed and proactively adapting your recruitment practices, you can ensure smooth visa sponsorship processes and attract the talent your business needs.
What should I do if my job is not on the Shortage Occupation List?
Even if your job isn’t on the list, sponsoring a skilled worker is still possible. You’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve made a genuine effort to recruit from the UK workforce and that the salary offered is competitive.
We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and the upcoming changes to it. Keep yourself updated on the latest developments, as the new Immigration Salary List is set to be implemented in April 2024.
To learn more about how the SOL can help simplify visas and boost careers, read “UK Shortage Occupation List: Your Passport to Simplified Visas & Thriving Careers (2024)”. And if you’re an employer seeking skilled talent and looking to navigate the SOL, “Navigating the UK’s Shortage Occupation List: A Bridge to Skilled Talent (2024 Update) – For Employers” has got you covered.
