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This Article highlights the Best 25 In-Demand Occupations for UK Skilled Worker Visas on the 2025 Immigration Salary List
The United Kingdom released the 2025 Immigration Salary List (ISL), which has created new opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide to join and strengthen its economy. Replacing the previous Shortage Occupation List, this recent development has broadened the scope of professionals eligible for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK.
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The ISL now includes more job types, covering areas like science, technology, arts, and skilled trades. Each job on the ISL has a set minimum salary, ensuring that only skilled workers are hired for these roles. Some jobs are specific to certain areas to help meet local skill needs.
What is the Immigration Salary List and Why Does it Matter?
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) helps the UK government fill job shortages in certain areas. It lists jobs and their salary requirements, ensuring the UK brings in skilled workers to meet its needs.
Important Points to Remember:
- Eligibility: To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need a job offer from an occupation on the ISL and must meet the salary requirement.
- Regional Focus: Some jobs are only available in specific regions like Scotland.
- Salary Requirements: The listed salaries are the minimum for each job, but employers can offer more based on your skills and market trends.
Steps for Applicants
1. Get Your Visa Application Ready: Once you have a job offer, gather all required documents and apply for the Skilled Worker visa.
2. Check for Relevant Jobs: Go through the ISL to see if your job is listed and if you meet the criteria.
3. Secure a Job Offer: Reach out to UK employers in your field to get a job that meets ISL requirements.
Jobs Included in the ISL
SOC Code 1212: Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only “fishing boat masters” in Scotland.
SOC Code 2111: Chemical scientists
Minimum Salary: £35,200
Notes: Only jobs in the nuclear industry in Scotland.
SOC Code 2112: Biological scientists and biochemists
Minimum Salary: £38,000
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 2115: Social and humanities scientists
Minimum Salary: £36,400
Notes: Only archaeologists UK-wide.
SOC Code 2142: Graphic and multimedia designers
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 3111: Laboratory technicians
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only jobs requiring 3+ years of related experience UK-wide.
SOC Code 3212: Pharmaceutical technicians
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 3411: Artists
Minimum Salary: £32,800
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 3414: Dancers and choreographers
Minimum Salary: £31,200
Notes: Only skilled classical ballet or contemporary dancers meeting the standard of recognized UK companies.
SOC Code 3415: Musicians
Minimum Salary: £35,300
Notes: Only skilled orchestral musicians in specified positions meeting UK orchestra standards.
SOC Code 3416: Arts officers, producers, and directors
Minimum Salary: £37,500
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 5119: Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only jobs in the fishing industry UK-wide.
SOC Code 5213: Welding trades
Minimum Salary: £31,700
Notes: Only high-integrity pipe welders with 3+ years of related experience UK-wide.
SOC Code 5235: Boat and ship builders and repairers
Minimum Salary: £34,100
Notes: All jobs in Scotland.
SOC Code 5312: Stonemasons and related trades
Minimum Salary: £32,400
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 5313: Bricklayers
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 5314: Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 5316: Carpenters and joiners
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide.
SOC Code 5319: Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only retrofitters UK-wide.
SOC Code 6135: Care workers and home carers
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide, with specific conditions for roles in England.
SOC Code 6136: Senior care workers
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: All jobs UK-wide, with specific conditions for roles in England.
SOC Code 6129: Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only for roles like racing grooms, stallion handlers, and work riders UK-wide.
SOC Code 9119: Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified
Minimum Salary: £30,960
Notes: Only for deckhands on large fishing vessels (9m+), with 3+ years of experience UK-wide.
For the most up-to-date process and changes to the ISL, visit the UK Government’s website.
The UK’s 2025 Immigration Salary List is a great chance for skilled workers worldwide to build their careers in a vibrant, diverse environment. By understanding the ISL, you can plan your path toward a successful career in the UK.
