The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) just released its Stage 2 report recommending 28 middle-skilled (RQF 3–5) roles for temporary, 18-month visa sponsorship on the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
If you’re a mid-level tech professional, data worker, or engineer looking at UK opportunities, this update lays out exactly where the sponsorship doors are open, and where they’re closing.
What Is the TSL and Why Does It Matter?
The TSL replaces the old Immigration Salary List (ISL). When the UK government raised the bar for standard Skilled Worker visas to degree-level roles (RQF 6+), it left a gap for critical mid-level jobs. The TSL fills that gap for roles tied directly to the UK’s industrial strategy and key infrastructure.
Here’s the catch: access isn’t permanent. Sectors had to submit “Jobs Plans” showing how they plan to train more domestic workers. Because those plans were a mixed bag, the MAC put every approved role on a tight 18-month timer. Zero occupations received full 3-year approval.
The 28 Roles That Made the List
Out of 82 roles considered, only 28 passed. Generic office roles like marketing associates and sales account managers were cut because the domestic job market can fill them.
Here are the key technical and specialized roles that made the cut:
- Data & Digital: Data analysts, database administrators, web content technicians, telecoms/network installers.
- Engineering & Tech: Engineering technicians, CAD/architectural technicians, electrical/electronics technicians, process technicians, chemical operatives.
- Trades & Construction: Electricians, plumbers, civil engineering technicians, joiners, plasterers, roofers, bricklayers, construction supervisors.
- Specialized Manufacturing: Welders, fitters, sheet metal workers, pipe fitters, shipbuilders.
Pay and Career Upgrades
- Salary Rules: You’ll need to be paid the median full-time salary for your specific occupation, with a general baseline around £30,900. There are no salary discounts for TSL roles.
- Moving Up: The best part of this route is flexibility. You’re fully allowed to switch in-country into higher-level RQF 6+ roles or unsponsored talent visas as you build experience in the UK.
Common Questions
What happens after 18 months?
The MAC will review if sectors actually followed through on their domestic training plans. If a role gets dropped from the list, employers won’t be able to hire new offshore candidates under the TSL route.
Will this affect current visa holders if a role is dropped?
No, it mainly restricts new sponsorships coming from outside the UK. But if you’re on a TSL visa, you should aim to progress to an RQF 6+ role before your visa expires.
Can I switch from a TSL visa to the Global Talent Visa?
Yes. Working in the UK gives you a great base to build open-source contributions, present at tech events, and lead projects that could qualify you for unsponsored routes like the UK Global Talent Visa.
Why did the MAC shorten the list?
The UK job market has loosened up compared to 2022–2023. The government wants businesses to hire locally first unless there’s a clear, unavoidable shortage in a priority sector.
Are these the only roles that can be sponsored?
It is a common misconception that UK employers can only sponsor roles listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) or under a specific shortage occupation code. While a shortage code allows employers to recruit at a lower salary threshold to fill immediate middle-skilled (RQF 3–5) gaps, other highly skilled roles are still sponsored every day. The standard Skilled Worker visa remains the primary pathway; these roles simply require the employer to meet the higher general salary threshold or the standard going rate for that specific occupation.
The Real Takeaway
The TSL is a short-term entry door, not a long-term parking spot. If your role is on the list, use that 18-month window to get your foot in the door, build your UK track record, and position yourself for higher-level or unsponsored visa pathways.
Helpful eMigr8 Resources
Want to see where your profile fits or map out an unsponsored migration strategy?
Check out the free eMigr8 resources here:
- Free Visa Assessment: See how your skills measure up to UK and US visa requirements.
- Free Community: Join other tech builders, engineers and founders moving globally.
- Free Open Day: Our coaches will demystify policy changes such as the TSL update in live, interactive sessions.
- Free One-to-One Coaching Session: Book a direct call with our team to map out your long-term visa strategy.