The United Kingdom continues to face skill shortages across several industries ranging from healthcare and engineering to IT and education. As the economy grows and older professionals retire, the UK government has identified specific job roles that need qualified foreign workers to fill critical gaps. These positions make up what is known as the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
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For international job seekers, especially those in developing countries, this list represents an excellent opportunity to move to the UK through visa sponsorship. Employers who are registered with the UK Home Office can sponsor skilled workers under the Skilled Worker Visa or the Health and Care Worker Visa routes.
What Is the UK Shortage Occupation List?
The UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is an official document published by the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It identifies specific professions where there are not enough qualified workers in the country allowing employers to hire skilled professionals from abroad more easily.
Benefits for International Job Seekers
Being on the Shortage Occupation List means you can apply for UK jobs that are in high demand with a smoother visa process. For example:
- You can qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa even if your salary offer is slightly below the standard threshold.
- You are more likely to find employers with sponsorship licenses willing to hire overseas candidates.
- You can bring your dependents (spouse and children) to the UK on the same visa route.
Visa Routes for Shortage Occupations
To work in a shortage occupation role in the UK, you must apply through one of the approved visa routes that allow sponsorship by licensed UK employers. These routes are designed to help skilled workers legally enter, live, and work in the country for an extended period — often leading to permanent residency.
The Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is the main pathway for foreign professionals applying for jobs listed on the UK Shortage Occupation List.
Key Features:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Sponsor Licence.
- The employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a digital document containing job details and your sponsorship reference.
- The job must meet the eligible occupation code and salary threshold.
- You must demonstrate English language proficiency (usually IELTS UKVI or equivalent).
Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa:
- Allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years.
- You can bring dependents (partner and children).
- Offers a pathway to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years.
- Enables switching to other visa types once in the UK.
The Health and Care Worker Visa
If your profession is in healthcare or social care, this special route offers faster processing and reduced visa fees.
Eligible Roles Include:
- Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and radiographers.
- Care assistants, senior carers, and home support workers (depending on sponsorship availability).
- Occupational therapists, paramedics, and medical technicians.
Benefits of the Health & Care Worker Visa:
- Exempt from paying the NHS Health Surcharge, saving hundreds of pounds per year.
- Priority visa processing (often within 3–8 weeks).
- Offers full dependents’ rights and access to public healthcare.
Top In-Demand Jobs on the 2026 UK Shortage Occupation List
The UK Shortage Occupation List 2026 highlights jobs where there is high demand for skilled workers, allowing foreign professionals to apply for roles with visa sponsorship. Below are the main sectors and examples of in-demand jobs.
Healthcare and Nursing Roles
Healthcare remains the most critical sector on the Shortage Occupation List. The NHS and private care providers are constantly seeking skilled staff to fill vacancies.
Available Roles:
- Registered Nurses (adult, mental health, children)
- Senior Care Workers and Care Assistants
- Physiotherapists, Radiographers, and Paramedics
Responsibilities:
- Providing patient care and monitoring health conditions
- Administering medications and maintaining medical records
- Supporting patients with daily living and rehabilitation
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Relevant healthcare qualifications (e.g., RN registration, NVQ Level 2/3 for care assistants)
- Strong communication and empathy
- Experience in patient care
Average Salary: £24,000 – £38,000 per year (varies by role and region)
Sponsoring Employers: NHS Trusts, Bupa, Elysium Healthcare, Care UK
Engineering Jobs
The UK has a high demand for qualified engineers across multiple disciplines due to ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects.
Available Roles:
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Structural Engineers
Responsibilities:
- Designing, developing, and maintaining engineering projects
- Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
- Collaborating with project teams and stakeholders
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering
- Professional certifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer)
- Experience with project management and technical software
Average Salary: £30,000 – £50,000 annually
Sponsoring Employers: Arup, Balfour Beatty, Amec Foster Wheeler, Atkins
IT & Technology Occupations
The UK technology sector faces skill shortages in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and systems engineering.
Available Roles:
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Data Analysts and Data Scientists
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Systems and Network Engineers
Responsibilities:
- Developing, testing, and maintaining software applications
- Analyzing data to provide actionable insights
- Securing networks and IT infrastructure
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or higher in Computer Science or IT
- Proficiency in programming languages and security protocols
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
Average Salary: £28,000 – £55,000 per year
Sponsoring Employers: Capgemini, IBM UK, Deloitte, Accenture UK
Education and Teaching Roles
Secondary school teachers, particularly in STEM subjects, are in high demand across the UK.
Available Roles:
- Secondary School Teachers: Maths, Science, Computing, English
- Further Education Lecturers in vocational skills
Responsibilities:
- Planning and delivering lessons to students
- Assessing progress and providing guidance
- Supporting school programs and extracurricular activities
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for England or equivalent
- Classroom management and communication skills
Average Salary: £28,000 – £42,000 annually
Sponsoring Employers: Local Authority Schools, Academy Trusts, Independent Schools
Construction and Skilled Trades
The UK continues to face labor shortages in skilled trades, driven by large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
Available Roles:
- Welders and Fabricators
- Electricians and Plumbers
- Bricklayers and Carpenters
Responsibilities:
- Carrying out construction or maintenance work
- Following safety regulations and quality standards
- Reading technical drawings and specifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Trade certifications (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Hands-on experience in the relevant trade
- Knowledge of UK safety standards
Average Salary: £25,000 – £40,000 per year
Sponsoring Employers: Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, Laing O’Rourke
Agriculture and Food Production
The UK faces shortages in agriculture, food processing, and seasonal work. Certain skilled roles on the SOL allow for sponsorship under specific visa schemes.
Available Roles:
- Farm Workers
- Horticultural Technicians
- Butchers and Fish Processors
Responsibilities:
- Planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops
- Processing and preparing food products
- Ensuring health and safety compliance
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience in farming, food production, or processing
- Ability to operate machinery and follow safety protocols
- Physical stamina and attention to detail
Average Salary: £20,000 – £28,000 per year
Sponsoring Employers: G’s Fresh, Moy Park, ABP Food Group
Health and Social Care Managers
Management positions in healthcare and social care remain scarce, especially in residential and community care settings.
Available Roles:
- Nursing Home Managers
- Community Care Managers
- Social Work Supervisors
Responsibilities:
- Managing care teams and operations
- Ensuring compliance with regulations
- Budgeting and reporting to stakeholders
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Degree in Healthcare Management or Social Work
- Leadership and organizational skills
- Experience managing care facilities
Average Salary: £35,000 – £50,000 annually
Sponsoring Employers: NHS Trusts, Bupa, Care UK, Anchor Hanover
Salary Expectations and Benefits
Working in a UK Shortage Occupation role in 2026 comes with competitive salaries and a range of benefits, making it an attractive option for overseas professionals. Salaries vary by sector, role, experience, and region, but the shortage occupation list allows applicants to enter the UK at a lower salary threshold than other Skilled Worker Visa jobs.
| Sector | Average Salary (GBP/year) |
| Healthcare & Nursing | £24,000 – £38,000 |
| Engineering | £30,000 – £50,000 |
| IT & Technology | £28,000 – £55,000 |
| Education & Teaching | £28,000 – £42,000 |
| Construction & Skilled Trades | £25,000 – £40,000 |
| Agriculture & Food Production | £20,000 – £28,000 |
| Health & Social Care Management | £35,000 – £50,000 |
Common Benefits for Shortage Occupation Jobs
Many UK employers offer benefits beyond base salary, including:
- Visa Sponsorship: Most shortage occupation jobs provide full support for Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visas.
- Paid Holidays: Typically 28 days per year, with some employers offering additional leave.
- Pension Contributions: Employers contribute to workplace pension schemes.
- Relocation Assistance: Includes flights, temporary accommodation, and support settling into the UK.
- Training & Career Development: NVQ courses, certifications, and leadership programs.
- Healthcare Access: NHS coverage and, in some private roles, private medical insurance.
- Flexible Working: Some sectors, especially IT and care work, offer part-time or shift-based schedules.
How to Apply for Shortage Occupation Jobs in the UK
Step 1: Research Eligible Employers
Not all UK employers can sponsor overseas workers. To qualify, your potential employer must have a valid Sponsor Licence.
- Check the official GOV.UK Sponsor Licence Register for verified companies.
- Focus on employers hiring for shortage occupation roles in your field (healthcare, IT, engineering, education, etc.).
- Examples include NHS Trusts, Bupa, Capgemini, and Balfour Beatty.
Step 2: Search for Job Openings
Once you identify licensed employers, look for vacancies via trusted platforms:
- NHS Jobs (healthcare roles)
- Indeed UK
- TotalJobs
- CareHome.co.uk (care sector)
- Company career portals
Focus on jobs that explicitly offer visa sponsorship or mention eligibility for overseas applicants.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Your application should be professional, complete, and tailored to the UK job market:
- Update your CV/resume to match UK standards, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
- Write a cover letter emphasizing your qualifications and motivation for the role.
- Gather supporting documents: educational certificates, professional licenses, references, and English language proof (IELTS UKVI or equivalent).
Step 4: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Once your application is successful:
- Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Ensure the CoS includes the occupation code relevant to shortage occupations.
- Confirm all details are correct before submitting your visa application.
Step 5: Apply for Your Visa
With a job offer and CoS in hand, you can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa:
- Submit your application online via GOV.UK.
- Provide scanned copies of passport, CoS, English proficiency, and other required documents.
- Pay the visa fee (reduced or waived for Health and Care Worker Visa).
- Attend a biometric appointment if required.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Prepare to Relocate
Visa processing usually takes 3–8 weeks, depending on your country and documentation. While waiting:
- Arrange accommodation and travel plans.
- Review UK workplace culture and job expectations.
- Ensure you have sufficient funds for initial settlement if needed.
Required Documentation for Visa Sponsorship Jobs
- Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- It serves as the primary proof of identity for your visa application.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Issued by a licensed UK employer.
- Contains a reference number and job details, including occupation code.
- Job Offer Letter
- Confirms employment with the UK sponsor.
- Should include role, salary, and start date.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Usually IELTS UKVI or equivalent (CEFR B1 minimum).
- Required for all overseas applicants unless exempt.
- Educational and Professional Certificates
- Degree certificates, diplomas, or vocational qualifications relevant to the role.
- Professional licenses for regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering, teaching)
- Police Clearance Certificate / DBS Check
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- Confirms you have no criminal record.
- Mandatory for healthcare, teaching, and social care roles.
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7. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
Required if you’re applying from a listed country
8. Medical Examination Certificate
Some healthcare roles may require additional health checks.
9. Proof of Funds (if employer does not certify maintenance)
Shows you can support yourself initially in the UK.
10. References
- Letters from previous employers verifying your work experience and skills.