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What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
The Immigration Salary List consists of various occupations that are subject to a lower salary threshold for applications on the Skilled Worker route. Essentially, if your occupation is included in the Immigration Salary List, you (or your employee) can meet the criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa by earning a salary below the standard general requirement set for the Skilled Worker route.
What is the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List is a crucial tool for employers looking to recruit skilled workers under the Skilled Worker route. It outlines the specific salary thresholds that must be met for different occupations, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and following UK immigration regulations. By understanding and adhering to the requirements set out in the Immigration Salary List, employers can successfully navigate the recruitment process and secure the right talent for their business needs.
Comprehending the Immigration Salary List
Employers aiming to hire under the Skilled Worker route must provide their skilled workers with a salary that meets or surpasses both a general salary threshold and the occupation-specific threshold or 'going rate' for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code. The Immigration Salary List features occupations with a lowered general salary threshold specifically tailored for the Skilled Worker route. If a position is listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary requirement is set at 80% of the standard minimum rate for Skilled Worker roles. This streamlined approach simplifies the recruitment process for employers seeking ISL roles and offers skilled workers in the UK the opportunity to excel in ISL occupations.
Skilled Worker Visa: For occupations on the Immigration Salary List, applicants must be paid a general salary threshold of £30,960 (rather than £38,700) or the occupation-specific threshold / going rate, whichever is higher;
Health and Care Worker visa: For occupations on the Immigration Salary List, applicants must be paid a general salary threshold of £23,300 (rather than £29,000) or the occupation-specific threshold / going rate, which is higher.
The key advantage of having an occupation on the Immigration Salary List is the ability for employers to hire migrants at a salary below the general threshold, with a discount of up to 20%. Additionally, roles listed on the Immigration Salary List may also benefit from a slightly reduced visa application fee for a Skilled Worker Visa, saving around £60 annually.
Roles on the Health and Care Worker Visa already have lower associated visa fees and therefore do not benefit from the Immigration Salary List visa fee reduction.
Employers must confirm job listings on the Immigration Salary List in the Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure criteria are met. Specific occupation codes have eligibility criteria, and salaries are based on a 37.5-hour workweek.
Employers must choose the correct SOC code to avoid visa application issues. The 2024 Immigration Salary List includes occupations eligible for 80% of the general salary threshold.
For expert advice and assistance with a Sponsor Licence application or Skilled Worker visa application, including applications for roles on the UK Immigration Salary List, contact 01403 801801 or [email protected]