The UK Government has published a list of 82 mid-skilled occupations that will qualify for temporary work visas under its new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) scheme, aimed at addressing labour gaps across key sectors.
The list, detailed in the Temporary Shortage List: Stage 1 Report (October 2025), follows recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and marks a significant shift in the country’s post-Brexit immigration policy.
The move comes months after the government released its Immigration White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” in May 2025, which outlined plans to cut record-high net migration, reaching 906,000 in the year ending June 2023 while sustaining economic growth.
As part of that strategy, the government raised the Skilled Worker visa threshold from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level), effectively excluding many mid-skilled roles. The new TSL scheme fills that gap by temporarily allowing employers to recruit foreign workers for sub-degree roles where domestic shortages persist.
According to the Home Office, eligible workers will be granted three- to five-year visas, though they will not qualify for permanent residency under current rules.
Also, applicants must meet English language standards, while employers must show clear plans to train and recruit UK workers.
Among the roles listed are logistics managers, electrical and civil engineering technicians, plumbers, welders, data analysts, translators, entertainers, and medical technicians.
The Home Secretary directed the MAC to identify occupations vital to the UK’s industrial strategy and infrastructure needs. A second review phase will conclude in July 2026, when the final list of approved occupations and salary thresholds will be published.
The MAC is expected to release further recommendations on visa caps and wage levels for mid-skilled roles by December 2025.
