UK to Reduce Jobs Leading to Skilled Worker Visa

The UK is considering a major reduction in the number of mid-skilled jobs that employers can use to sponsor new overseas workers from 2027.

The Migration Advisory Committee, or MAC, has recommended that only 28 occupations remain eligible under a future Temporary Shortage List.

That would be down from 52 occupations currently included on the Interim Temporary Shortage List.

The MAC published the second stage of its review on July 23, 2026. However, the UK government has not yet confirmed whether it will accept the recommendations.

Only 28 Mid-Skilled Jobs Could Remain Eligible

The Temporary Shortage List allows selected mid-skilled occupations to remain eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship despite tighter immigration rules.

The UK now generally limits the Skilled Worker route to jobs at RQF Level 6, broadly equivalent to graduate-level roles.

However, occupations on the Temporary Shortage List can qualify even if they fall between RQF Levels 3 and 5.

Under the latest MAC recommendations, 20 occupations from the existing list would remain eligible.

Another eight occupations that are not currently on the Interim Temporary Shortage List would also be added.

The recommended occupations include roles in data analysis, digital infrastructure, engineering, manufacturing and construction, among other sectors.

Several Business and Creative Jobs Could Lose Access

The MAC also recommended removing several occupations from the future list.

These include certain roles in business sales, human resources, legal services, advertising and marketing.

Some creative-sector occupations could also lose access, including authors, writers and photographers.

If the government accepts the recommendations, employers may no longer be able to sponsor new overseas workers for affected RQF Level 3-5 jobs through the Skilled Worker route.

This could create recruitment challenges for businesses that rely heavily on overseas workers to fill these positions.

New List Would Initially Last 18 Months

The MAC recommended keeping all 28 occupations on the new Temporary Shortage List for only 18 months.

The proposed period is expected to run from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.

Importantly, the 18-month period refers to how long the occupations would initially remain on the shortage list. It does not necessarily mean visa holders would only receive an 18-month visa.

The MAC did not recommend any occupation for the standard three-year inclusion period.

Instead, it wants industries to demonstrate that they are taking steps to address labour shortages by recruiting and training more workers within the UK.

Why the UK is Reviewing the Temporary Shortage List

The Home Secretary asked the MAC in July 2025 to review which mid-skilled occupations should continue receiving access to overseas workers.

The review followed immigration reforms aimed at reducing reliance on foreign labour in lower-skilled and mid-skilled jobs.

The first stage of the review, published in October 2025, identified 82 occupations for further assessment.

During the second stage, the MAC examined industry plans and assessed whether each occupation faced a genuine labour shortage.

It also considered whether employers had credible plans to increase domestic recruitment, whether risks of worker exploitation could be controlled, and whether immigration remained an appropriate way to address shortages.

What It Means for Employers

The proposed changes could make overseas hiring more difficult for employers filling mid-skilled positions.

If an RQF Level 3-5 occupation is removed from the Temporary Shortage List, employers may lose the ability to sponsor new overseas workers for that role through the Skilled Worker route.

As a result, companies relying on international recruitment may need to expand domestic hiring or adjust workforce plans.

However, no changes have taken effect yet.

The UK government still needs to decide whether to adopt the MAC recommendations and what transitional arrangements will apply.

What About Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders?

The MAC report focuses on which occupations should qualify for the future Temporary Shortage List.

It does not recommend removing immigration status from workers who are already sponsored.

Under the current rules, existing sponsored workers may remain eligible to extend their permission and eventually qualify for settlement if they continue to meet the relevant requirements.

However, the government has not yet announced how any future changes would apply to existing workers, pending applications or employers that have already started recruitment.

Until the government confirms its final policy, the proposed reduction from 52 to 28 occupations remains a recommendation rather than a confirmed immigration rule.