Britain is charting a new direction in immigration policy. On October 9, 2025, the UK government unveiled a list of 82 mid-skilled occupations that may become eligible for temporary work visas under a fresh migration route aimed at easing worker shortages across critical sectors.
This move represents a balancing act for Prime Minister Keir Starmer—maintaining a stricter immigration stance while acknowledging that certain industries desperately need skilled labor. The roles span across sectors like engineering, logistics, technical trades, and creative fields, giving hope to professionals from India and beyond who earlier lacked access to UK visa pathways for non-graduate jobs.
Below, we explore what this new scheme is, who it affects, the road ahead, and what it means for prospective workers and employers in India and elsewhere.
What Is the “Temporary Shortage List” (TSL)?
Background & Policy Shift
The Temporary Shortage List is part of the UK’s broader Immigration White Paper, titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System.
Under this White Paper, the government raised the threshold for the Skilled Worker visa—limiting it to occupations equivalent to degree-level skills (RQF Level 6) and above. That means many middle-skill jobs previously eligible for sponsorship are no longer qualified under the standard route.
To avoid creating severe labour gaps in vital sectors, the TSL was proposed as a temporary, targeted route to allow mid-skilled foreign workers (RQF Levels 3–5) to fill critical roles—provided those roles cannot be filled domestically.
So far, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has completed Stage 1 of its review and shortlisted 82 occupations for further assessment. The final version of the list will be decided by July 2026, after a public Call for Evidence and sector consultations.
The 82 Jobs: What Kinds of Roles Are Included?
The occupations moving forward into Stage 2 include a mix of technical, trade, creative, and administrative roles. Some highlights:
- Engineering & Technical Trades: engineering technicians, building & civil engineering technicians, quality assurance, production and planning roles
- Creative & Cultural Fields: musicians, artists, translators, writers, photographers, dancers
- Office / Managerial & Logistic Roles: logistics managers, service managers, administrative roles, support professionals
- Technical Support & IT Adjacent Roles: IT support, database admins, technical operations roles
It’s important to note that inclusion in this shortlist does not guarantee final placement on the TSL. Each job must pass further tests — such as evidence of labour shortage, sector “Jobs Plans,” and risk of exploitation mitigation — before being approved for visa access.
Key Rules & Conditions Under the Proposed TSL
The MAC’s Stage 1 report lays out several guiding principles for how the TSL visa route might function:
| Feature | Proposed Approach |
|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 3 to 5 years (no extensions beyond 5 years if the route doesn’t lead to settlement) GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2 |
| English Language | Minimum requirement: B1 level GOV.UK+2Howes Percival+2 |
| Dependents | Under current proposals, dependents will not be allowed for new TSL visa holders. GOV.UK+2Howes Percival+2 |
| Employer Obligations | Employers must submit Jobs Plans showing how they intend to train and recruit local workers before using foreign labour Howes Percival+3GOV.UK+3Newland Chase+3 |
| Review & Renewal | Occupations granted access may be reviewed every 3 years. Some may be granted fewer than 3 years initially if their sector plans are less mature. GOV.UK+1 |
| Settlement / Path to PR | Under current rules, TSL roles do not automatically lead to settlement. If the government changes policy later, that might be re-examined. GOV.UK+2Howes Percival+2 |
Because the TSL is meant to be a temporary, targeted fix, it’s unlikely to become a route for long-term migration unless policy evolves.
What’s Next? Stage 2 & Final Decision
The Stage 1 report is just the beginning. Over the next months leading up to July 2026, the MAC will evaluate which of the 82 occupations:
- Truly face labour shortages that cannot be met through domestic recruitment.
- Justifiably benefit from migration, rather than being alternatives to investing in local workforce development.
- Have credible “Jobs Plans” — sector-led strategies to reduce future reliance on migrant labour.
- Mitigate risks of exploitation and ensure fair conditions for migrant workers. GOV.UK+3GOV.UK+3Newland Chase+3
By July 2026, the MAC will present its final recommendations to government. The Home Office will decide which roles actually make it onto the TSL, which are adjusted, and which are dropped. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2
In parallel, salary thresholds, visa fees, and route mechanics will be refined. Some existing occupations on the interim Immigration Salary List (ISL) or interim TSL may be retained until December 31, 2026, when the current lists expire. Newland Chase+3GOV.UK+3GOV.UK+3
What This Means for Indian and Other Foreign Applicants
New Access to Mid-Skill Roles
For workers from India who do not qualify for degree-level visas, the TSL could open doors to roles previously inaccessible through UK sponsorship. Fields like engineering technicians, welders, translators, photographers, and logistics are now under review. infomigrants.net+3India Today+3GOV.UK+3
No Guarantee of Settlement
Under current proposals, TSL visa holders cannot bring dependents or automatically transition to permanent residency. This limits long-term migration incentives. GOV.UK+2Howes Percival+2
If your goal is to remain permanently, you’ll likely need to switch to a Skilled Worker or other route, if eligible. That means planning early and aiming for roles that are transferable to degree-level categories.
English & Sponsorship Requirements
You’ll need to meet B1-level English proficiency, even for these mid-skill roles. And you’ll need a sponsoring employer who is willing to submit a Jobs Plan and go through regulatory compliance. The employer must demonstrate that they are investing in the UK workforce first. Howes Percival+3GOV.UK+3GOV.UK+3
Timing & Uncertainty
Because the policy is still in review, nothing is final yet. Jobs that are shortlisted aren’t guaranteed to survive the final cut. Those who plan to apply must watch the Stage 2 Call for Evidence and final announcements in 2026 closely. GOV.UK+2Howes Percival+2
You should also keep an eye on salary floors, visa fees, and updated English or eligibility criteria once the final TSL design is confirmed.
What This Means for UK Employers & Industry
The TSL is not just for foreign applicants — employers will feel its impact too.
- Accountability to prioritize local training: The requirement for Jobs Plans forces employers to demonstrate how they’re investing in domestic workforce development before hiring overseas labor. GOV.UK+2Newland Chase+2
- Short-term relief, not long-term reliance: The pathway is designed to be temporary. Employers must prepare for the possibility of losing overseas access if sectors fail to deliver on their training goals. GOV.UK+1
- Uncertainty in visa cost & structure: Salary thresholds, visa fees, and structural details are still under negotiation. Employers should be cautious in committing to long-term hiring based solely on provisional rules.
- Possible sunset of interim lists: The ISL and interim TSLs are set to expire in December 2026. Employers relying on them should plan for a transition to the new system—or lose their access. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2
In essence, the TSL aims to encourage employers to build domestic capacity, with migration as a fallback, rather than a long-term substitute.
Challenges, Risks & Criticisms
While the idea is promising, several challenges loom:
- Selective job inclusion
Not all 82 shortlisted roles will make the final cut. Some sectors may fail to present credible workforce plans, eliminating certain occupations entirely. GOV.UK+1 - No path to settlement
The lack of a route to permanent residency and the exclusion of dependents may discourage some applicants or push them toward countries with friendlier long-term policies. - Risk of exploitation
Mid-skilled migrant workers are sometimes vulnerable to poor working conditions or underpayment. The policy must include safeguards to avoid exploitation. The MAC explicitly mentions this risk in its review. GOV.UK+1 - Sector divergence in readiness
Some industries have well-developed training plans; others lag behind. Those laggards may get shut out entirely, even if they have worker shortages. - Political backlash & immigration pressure
Starmer’s government is already under scrutiny for immigration issues and public sentiment. The TSL must deliver results without triggering backlash over perceived lax controls.
Big Picture: What It Signals for UK Immigration Policy
- Targeting over blanket liberalization
The TSL is a shift toward targeted, evidence-based immigration, rather than broad work visa access. - Emphasizing domestic workforce development
Employers now have a built-in incentive to train and hire locals — migration is positioned as a last-resort lever. - Recalibrating migration expectations
The policy suggests that the UK is seeking to reduce net migration by tightening traditional routes while allowing limited flexibility in critical areas. - Precedent to other systems
Countries like Australia and Canada already use similar shortage list systems to manage migration in line with labour needs. ein.org.uk+3Reuters+3GOV.UK+3
How to Use This Information: Tips for Prospective Applicants
- Monitor the MAC’s Stage 2 Call for Evidence
Stakeholders and individuals will likely have opportunities to submit feedback or support their sectors. This may influence which jobs make the final list. - Build credentials in inclusion sectors
If your skills align with roles like technicians, logistics, creative design, or technical support, continue building experience, certifications, and English proficiency. - Explore bridging strategies
Even if a job does not qualify under TSL, check if there is a path into degree-level roles (RQF Level 6) or plan to switch visas later. - Stay updated on policy changes
The UK immigration landscape is in flux. Salary thresholds, eligibility criteria, and visa terms may shift before final implementation. - Engage industry partners in India
If you’re in a trade or sector that hopes for inclusion, lobby or network with industry bodies and government agencies to advocate for inclusion in Jobs Plans.
Final Word
The UK’s new Temporary Shortage List is a bold experiment: balanced migration with domestic responsibility. If implemented thoughtfully, it could unlock new career pathways for thousands of mid-skilled professionals – including from India – while encouraging employers to invest in local talent.
But the path isn’t guaranteed. Only roles with credible workforce plans, verified shortages, and protections against abuse are likely to make it through. And the fact that TSL visas do not grant permanent residency or family rights means this is a temporary bridge, not a permanent solution.
If you’re considering applying under this route, now’s the time to track updates, build relevant qualifications, and engage with your sector’s roadmap. The doors may open soon—but only for those who are ready.
