Which work visas are hit by the Migration Advisory Committee’s first Temporary Shortage List report?

The MAC’s first review of shortage occupations deemed not skilled enough for work immigration routes outlines how the Temporary Shortage List may work.

9 October 2025

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) have delivered the first part of their review of how the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) may work and which occupations they will be assessing for inclusion in their final report. The second report in July 2026 will also publish their final recommendations of how the visa would work. This includes issues such as whether this should be a sponsored route if many of the roles, especially in the arts and construction are self-employed; whether there will be discounts to minimum salaries those on the list should be paid, like the discount to the Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold in the current Immigration Salary List, or the discount to the going rate for occupations in the Shortage Occupation list that preceded it. Also how long will these visas last for, will migrants be able to renew them, switch in-country to other visas and would they lead to settlement?

The independent committee has also been asked by the Home Secretary to conduct major reviews of salary thresholds and discounts for all immigration routes and a consultation on doubling the amount of years counting towards settlement in the UK which will in turn shape how the Home Office choose to draft the rules for the TSL.

Today the MAC published a list of 82 occupations (see below) which they are assessing for inclusion on the TSL next July. To help them determine which of these are ultimately recommended for inclusion on the list of temporary immigration stopgaps for priority skills shortages, the MAC will be engaging with stakeholders via a call for evidence from sectors affected, so keep your eyes peeled!

The first report published today explains that jobs below the skill level of RQF3 will not in the MAC’s opinion be subject to the next stage of their review. Neither should jobs currently on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) but at skill level RQF6+ which can be sponsored as a Skilled Worker as employers currently use the ISL which is being phased out to source a few shortage occupations under the minimum Skilled Worker salary threshold (which is now £41,700).

Occupations are currently only on the TSL and ISL until a date listed as 31 December 2026. As there are no more new visas for carers and senior carers from abroad from 22 July, there are transitional measures for those in these adult social care roles already in the UK up to the end of 2028.

Which RQF 3-5 jobs has the MAC suggested no longer qualify for the TSL?

The MAC’s first review suggests sixteen occupation codes should not feature in the next stage of their review. Most are skilled enough to be sponsored as Skilled Workers. These are the six that aren’t and would no longer qualify for work visas after December 2026 (unless the Home Secretary decides to remove them earlier).

6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants – all jobs

6129 Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders

5119 Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry

3212 Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs

5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers

5233 Vehicle paint technicians

Which occupations has the MAC added to its Temporary Shortage List review?

The MAC has added 26 occupation codes to its review of the Temporary Shortage List which, subject to the Home Secretary’s response to the next stage of its review, may make it onto the list of occupations under skill level RQF6 (degree-level in skills rather than educational attainment) that employers will be able to find on the TSL.

1257 Hire services managers and proprietors

3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

3213 Medical and dental technicians

3413
Actors, entertainers and presenters

3421
Interior designers

3534
Financial accounts managers ‡

3543
Project support officers

3556
Sales accounts and business development managers ‡

3581
Inspectors of standards and regulations

3582
Health and safety managers and officers

4159
Other administrative occupations n.e.c.

4214
Company secretaries and administrators

5211
Sheet metal workers

5212
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

5221
Metal machining setters and setter-operators

5224
Precision instrument makers and repairers

5234
Aircraft maintenance and related trades

5243
TV, video and audio servicers and repairers

5246
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers

5250
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors

5321
Plasterers

5441
Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers

8113
Chemical and related process operatives

8134
Water and sewerage plant operatives

8143
Routine inspectors and testers

9249
Elementary sales occupations n.e.c.