UK Temporary Shortage List 2026: 28 Occupations Recommended for New Visa Access
Migration Advisory Committee Recommends 28 Occupations for the New Temporary Shortage List
The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published the second-stage review of the Government’s new Temporary Shortage List (TSL), recommending 28 occupations for temporary access to overseas recruitment through the UK’s immigration system.
The recommended occupations would be added to the Temporary Shortage List for an initial period of 18 months, helping employers fill critical workforce shortages while encouraging long-term investment in the domestic workforce.
No occupation was considered eligible for the full three-year access period, with all recommendations set to be reviewed before the 18-month period expires.
What Is the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?
The Temporary Shortage List is a new immigration measure introduced by the UK Government to provide temporary migration access for selected middle-skilled occupations that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy and major infrastructure projects.
Unlike previous shortage occupation routes, inclusion on the TSL depends on employers and industries demonstrating clear plans to:
- Recruit more UK workers
- Improve staff retention
- Increase training opportunities
- Reduce long-term reliance on overseas recruitment
These workforce strategies are assessed through what the MAC refers to as Jobs Plans.
Why the Review Was Conducted
The MAC assessed 82 occupations identified during its first-stage review published in October 2025.
Its evaluation considered:
- Labour shortages
- Vacancy levels
- Salary data
- Working hours
- Employer evidence
- Industry feedback
- Government submissions
- Trade union input
- Workforce planning
Following the assessment, 28 occupations were recommended for temporary inclusion on the TSL.
The 28 Recommended Occupations
The occupations recommended for 18-month Temporary Shortage List access include:
- Electrical and electronics technicians
- Engineering technicians
- Sheet metal workers
- Metal machining setters and setter-operators
- Metalworking, manufacturing and maintenance fitters
- Welding trades
- Boat and ship builders and repairers
- Planning, process and production technicians
- Metal plate workers, smiths and moulders
- Overhead line workers (Electrical and electronic trades)
- Web content technicians and database administrators
- Data analysts
- Telecommunications and network installation technicians
- Construction and civil engineering technicians
- Ship and hovercraft officers
- Piping fitters
- Electricians and electrical fitters
- Bricklayers
- Roofers, slaters and roof tilers
- Heating, ventilation installers, plumbers and repairers
- Joiners and carpenters
- Construction envelope specialists and curtain wall installers
- Plasterers
- Floor and wall tilers
- Painters and decorators
- Construction and building trade supervisors
- Chemical and associated process operatives
- CAD, drafting and architectural technicians
Why These Jobs Were Selected
According to the MAC, these occupations demonstrated credible evidence of current or future labour shortages.
The Committee also found that most sectors submitted relevant workforce plans showing commitments to:
- Increase domestic recruitment
- Improve employee retention
- Expand workforce training
- Reduce long-term dependence on migrant workers
Some occupations were also prioritised because they are critical to the UK’s housing programme, infrastructure development and wider industrial strategy.
Expected Impact
The MAC estimates that the recommended occupations accounted for approximately 4,000 Skilled Worker visas per year between 2022/23 and 2024/25.
By comparison, the 82 occupations reviewed accounted for around 10,000 visas annually during the same period.
The Committee believes its recommendations are likely to result in a modest reduction in overall migration while having limited impact on economic growth, public finances and business confidence.
What Happens Next?
The UK Government will now consider the MAC’s recommendations before making any final decisions on implementing the new Temporary Shortage List.
Occupations approved for inclusion will receive 18 months of temporary migration access and will be reviewed again before that period expires.
Future reviews are expected to place greater emphasis on whether industries have successfully improved domestic recruitment and training, reducing the need for overseas workers over time.
What This Means for Overseas Workers
If your occupation appears on the recommended list, it could improve future opportunities to secure a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa.
However, inclusion on the Temporary Shortage List does not automatically guarantee a visa. Applicants must still meet all relevant immigration requirements, including sponsorship by a licensed UK employer.
Conclusion
The Migration Advisory Committee’s latest review marks an important step in reshaping the UK’s approach to skilled migration. By recommending 28 occupations for temporary inclusion on the Temporary Shortage List, the Government aims to address immediate labour shortages while encouraging employers to invest in the UK’s long-term workforce.
International workers in engineering, construction, manufacturing, technology and related sectors should closely monitor future Government announcements, as these recommendations could create new visa sponsorship opportunities in the coming months.
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