UK Shortage Occupation List 2025 – Apply Now for Easy Visa Jobs
The UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is one of the most strategic routes to immigration for skilled professionals and tradespeople in 2025. It identifies roles where there is a national shortage of workers in the UK, allowing foreign nationals to apply for jobs in these areas with reduced salary thresholds, faster visa processing, and lower application fees.
Whether you’re a civil engineer, care worker, software developer, or secondary school teacher, being in an SOL role puts you on a direct path to the Skilled Worker Visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency (ILR) in the UK.
What is the UK Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage Occupation List is published by the UK Government and maintained by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
It contains roles across various industries that are suffering from labour shortages, allowing employers to hire qualified foreign workers without meeting the usual salary or visa sponsorship barriers.
Benefits of being in an SOL role:
- Lower salary threshold for visa eligibility (as low as £20,960)
- Reduced visa fees for both main applicants and dependents
- Employer sponsorship made easier
- Faster application processing times
- Pathway to permanent settlement
These roles are part of the Skilled Worker Visa route, which replaces the previous Tier 2 General Work Visa.
Benefits of Applying for a Job on the SOL
Here’s why targeting jobs on the Shortage Occupation List is a smart move:
✅ Lower Salary Thresholds
Most jobs require at least £26,200/year. However, SOL roles are allowed to accept salaries as low as £20,960/year or £10.75/hour, depending on the job and working hours.
✅ Reduced Visa Fees
The Skilled Worker Visa normally costs around £610 to £1,408. But for SOL roles, fees can be significantly reduced — including for your dependents.
✅ Easier Employer Sponsorship
Employers are more open to sponsoring visa candidates for SOL jobs due to simplified procedures and reduced advertising requirements.
✅ Accelerated Processing
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) often gives SOL visa applications priority processing, meaning you could receive a decision in as little as 3 weeks.
✅ Long-Term Security
After 5 years, visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), with full rights to live and work in the UK.
Top Roles on the UK Shortage Occupation List 2025 (with Job Descriptions)
Construction & Engineering
- Civil Engineers
Role: Design, manage, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and water systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting feasibility studies
- Preparing design specifications
- Overseeing construction activities
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
- Quantity Surveyors
Role: Manage project costs from planning through completion.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing tender documents and contracts
- Monitoring construction budgets
- Assessing subcontractor performance
- Advising on legal and contractual matters
- Bricklayers and Masons
Role: Lay bricks, blocks, and other types of building materials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reading blueprints
- Constructing walls and partitions
- Using hand tools and cement
- Welders
Role: Join metal parts using manual and semi-automatic welding equipment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpreting technical drawings
- Operating welding machines
- Inspecting finished welds
Information Technology (IT)
- Software Developers
Role: Design and build computer applications or systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Writing, testing, and maintaining code
- Debugging software errors
- Collaborating with product teams
- Integrating third-party tools and APIs
- Cybersecurity Specialists
Role: Protect IT systems from data breaches and cyberattacks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring systems for vulnerabilities
- Implementing firewalls and encryption
- Conducting risk assessments
- Responding to security incidents
- Network Engineers
Role: Plan, implement, and maintain networks in organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing LAN/WAN infrastructure
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Setting up routers, firewalls, and VPNs
Health and Social Care
- Nurses (All Specializations)
Role: Deliver direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and care homes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administering medications
- Monitoring patient recovery
- Assisting in surgeries or procedures
- Educating patients and families
- Care Workers and Home Carers
Role: Provide physical and emotional support to elderly or disabled individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting with daily activities like bathing, eating, dressing
- Offering companionship and emotional support
- Administering medication as needed
- Communicating with family members
- Social Workers (Children and Families)
Role: Protect vulnerable children and support families in crisis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting risk assessments
- Coordinating with schools, healthcare providers, and courts
- Advocating for child welfare
Hospitality
- Chefs (Experienced Only)
Role: Prepare meals in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing menus
- Managing kitchen teams
- Ensuring hygiene standards
- Cooking dishes to high quality standards
Note: Only senior chefs with formal training and relevant experience qualify under SOL. Fast food cooks and entry-level chefs are not eligible.
Science and Education
- Secondary School Teachers (STEM Subjects)
Subjects: Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry
Role: Deliver national curriculum to students aged 11–18.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing lesson plans
- Delivering classes and labs
- Marking assignments and exams
- Providing pastoral care and discipline
- Laboratory Technicians
Role: Support scientific experiments in research labs, schools, or medical facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing lab equipment
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Assisting lead scientists or instructors
Requirements for Applying to SOL Jobs
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa under the Shortage Occupation List, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Be offered a salary of at least £20,960/year
- Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 4.0 or CEFR level B1)
- Provide a TB test certificate (if applicable to your country)
- Submit criminal background clearance
- Possess the relevant experience, training, or qualification for the role
Where to Find UK Shortage Occupation Jobs
- NHS Jobs Portal
- Find a Job (UK Gov)
- TotalJobs
- Reed UK
- Indeed UK
Use search filters such as:
- “Visa sponsorship available”
- “Skilled Worker Visa”
- “Shortage Occupation”
- “COS jobs UK”
How to Apply
Step 1: Search and Apply
Find a role on a trusted UK job platform. Apply directly to employers who are licensed sponsors.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer
Attend interviews and receive a formal job offer.
Step 3: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
The employer issues a CoS with job details, salary, and contract duration.
Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Submit your visa application online via the UK Home Office website. Attach all required documents.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment
Submit fingerprints and photograph at a local visa application center.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Decision
Decisions typically arrive within 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch jobs while on this visa?
Yes, but you must apply for a new CoS from the new employer and update your visa.
Q: How long does the visa last?
Usually up to 5 years, renewable. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Q: Can I bring dependents?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can live, work, and study in the UK.
Q: Can I work part-time?
Your main job must be full-time, but you may take on additional work under certain conditions.
Conclusion
The UK Shortage Occupation List in 2025 offers one of the most accessible and practical routes to working and living in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a tradesperson, or someone with relevant experience in healthcare, construction, or IT — your skills are needed.
With simplified requirements, lower salary thresholds, and fast-tracked visas, now is the time to explore this opportunity.
