UK Immigration Salary List to Close on 31 December 2026: What Sponsored Workers Need to Know

Publication date: 1 October 2026

The UK Home Office has confirmed how the planned closure of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 31 December 2026 will affect certain workers sponsored under the Skilled Worker route.

The change is particularly important for sponsored workers in roles below degree level, classified at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) levels 3 to 5, who currently rely on the ISL to qualify for their visas.

According to the guidance outlined by NHS Employers, a worker’s ability to extend their visa or change employment after the list closes will depend largely on the skill level of their role and when their first Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned.

Affected occupations may include healthcare support workers in nursing auxiliary and assistant roles (SOC 6131), pharmaceutical technicians (SOC 3212) and certain laboratory technicians (SOC 3111).

Key Changes at a Glance

• Closure date: The Immigration Salary List is due to close on 31 December 2026.
• Relevant sponsorship date: The date the Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned determines which transitional arrangements apply, rather than the date the visa application was submitted or granted.
• Workers first sponsored before 22 July 2025: Transitional arrangements allow eligible workers in affected RQF 3–5 roles to continue applying for visa extensions, changes of employment and settlement under the stated conditions.
• Workers first sponsored on or after 22 July 2025: They can continue applying for extensions or changes of employment in qualifying RQF 3–5 roles while the ISL remains in place. Once it closes, those options will no longer be available in those roles under the arrangements described.
• New sponsorship: Employers will no longer be able to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship for roles that rely on ISL eligibility after the closure date. Visa applications may still be submitted after that date where a valid CoS was assigned before closure, subject to the applicable rules.
• Settlement: The guidance states that settlement remains available under the current £25,000 salary threshold, or any updated equivalent threshold, subject to eligibility and future rule changes.

The position may change if the government introduces further immigration reforms, including changes linked to its proposals for an earned settlement system.

What the Changes Mean for Sponsored Workers

The impact will differ depending on when a worker was first sponsored and the skill level of their occupation.

1. Workers First Sponsored Before 22 July 2025

Workers first sponsored in affected RQF levels 3–5 roles before 22 July 2025 are covered by transitional arrangements.

Under the current position described by NHS Employers, eligible workers in this group can continue to apply for:

• Extensions of their existing visa.
• Changes of employment.
• Settlement, where they meet the relevant requirements.

Applications remain subject to the stated salary threshold of £25,000 or any updated equivalent threshold introduced in the future, alongside other applicable immigration requirements.

Workers in this category should retain their sponsorship records and confirm that their individual circumstances fall within the transitional provisions.

2. Workers First Sponsored on or After 22 July 2025

A different position applies to workers first sponsored in affected RQF levels 3–5 roles on or after 22 July 2025.

Until the ISL closes on 31 December 2026, eligible workers can continue to apply for visa extensions or changes of employment in qualifying roles under the current arrangements.

After the closure date, however, they will no longer be able to extend their permission or change employment in those RQF 3–5 roles under the arrangements described.

To continue on the Skilled Worker route through a future extension or change of employment, they would need to move into a qualifying role at RQF level 6 or above, subject to the relevant immigration requirements.

Settlement may remain an option under the current rules, including the stated £25,000 salary threshold or any updated equivalent, provided the worker meets all applicable eligibility criteria.

Important: Moving into a higher-skilled role does not automatically guarantee a visa extension or a change of employment. The new role must meet the relevant sponsorship and immigration requirements.

3. Workers Sponsored in RQF Level 6 Roles

Workers sponsored in RQF level 6 roles using the Immigration Salary List are treated differently under the guidance.

They can continue to apply for:

• Visa extensions.
• Changes of employment.
• Settlement, subject to eligibility.

This applies regardless of when they were first sponsored, according to the information outlined by NHS Employers.

The stated salary threshold remains £25,000 or any updated equivalent threshold, alongside the other applicable rules.

What the Changes Mean for NHS Employers

The closure of the ISL has important implications for NHS organisations that rely on international recruitment to fill healthcare and support roles.

Employers may need to identify sponsored staff working in affected occupations and review how the changes could affect future visa extensions, recruitment and workforce planning.

Key considerations include:

• Reviewing sponsorship records: Establish when each affected worker’s first CoS was assigned.
• Identifying roles at risk: Determine which positions rely on ISL eligibility and fall within RQF levels 3–5.
• Planning for future recruitment: New CoS assignments for roles that rely on ISL eligibility will no longer be possible after the closure date.
• Supporting affected staff: Provide clear information about the transitional arrangements and encourage workers to obtain appropriate immigration advice where necessary.
• Considering workforce needs: Assess whether suitable higher-skilled roles may be available for workers who will no longer qualify for extensions or changes of employment in their current roles after the ISL closes.

Employers should avoid assuming that every sponsored worker will be affected in the same way. The outcome depends on the role, the relevant sponsorship date and the rules in force when an application is made.

How the Rules Apply

Two main factors determine how the arrangements affect an individual:

1. The skill level of the occupation: Whether the role is at RQF level 3–5 or RQF level 6 or above.
2. The date the first CoS was assigned: Whether the worker was first sponsored before 22 July 2025 or on or after that date.

The relevant date is the date the Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned, not the date the worker submitted their visa application or received a visa decision.

Workers should check their sponsorship records and seek confirmation from their employer or a qualified immigration adviser if they are unsure which transitional provisions apply.

Uncertainty Over Earned Settlement Proposals

Although the current guidance describes how settlement applications may be assessed under the existing arrangements, the wider immigration framework could change.

The government has been considering proposals relating to earned settlement, which could affect the qualifying period and criteria for obtaining settlement in the UK.

These proposals should not be treated as final rules unless and until they are formally adopted and brought into effect. Any future changes could affect workers who are planning to settle in the UK after completing the required period of residence.

NHS Employers has indicated that no additional Home Office guidance on this specific issue had been published at the time of its update.

What Sponsored Workers Should Do Now

Workers in affected occupations may wish to take the following steps:

• Check the occupation code and skill level associated with their sponsored role.
• Confirm the date their first Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned.
• Review their visa expiry date and discuss future sponsorship plans with their employer.
• Ask their employer whether their role relies on Immigration Salary List eligibility.
• Obtain professional immigration advice before making decisions about changing jobs, extending a visa or pursuing settlement.

Keeping Up to Date

The closure of the Immigration Salary List could have significant implications for some sponsored workers and employers, particularly those relying on below-degree-level roles to support essential services.

However, the impact will not be identical for everyone. Transitional arrangements remain important, and future changes to the Immigration Rules could alter the position.

Workers and employers should monitor official Home Office announcements and updates from NHS Employers as further information becomes available.

Disclaimer: This article summarises the information supplied from NHS Employers’ update dated 1 October 2026. Immigration rules can change, and individual outcomes depend on the applicable rules and personal circumstances. Check the latest official guidance or seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser before making decisions.

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