Uk shortlist 82 jobs for first stage of temporary work visas

1️⃣ The Background: Why the UK Created the Temporary Shortage List

Over the past few years, the UK government has tightened its skilled-worker immigration rules, raising the minimum skill threshold to RQF Level 6 (degree level). While this protects higher-skilled professions, it left thousands of mid-skilled jobs (RQF 3–5) — such as construction supervisors, lab technicians, or manufacturing engineers — outside the visa system.

However, employers across the country are struggling to fill essential roles. Sectors like construction, logistics, energy, healthcare, and engineering have all warned that domestic labour supply alone cannot meet current demand.

To tackle this, the Home Office proposed a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) — a visa category for mid-skilled workers that can temporarily plug workforce gaps, while allowing industries to train more UK staff.

In October 2025, the MAC published Stage 1 of its TSL review, listing 82 occupations recommended for further evaluation. These jobs could soon become eligible for the new Temporary Work Visa route.

2️⃣ What the Stage 1 Report Reveals

The MAC’s Stage 1 report outlines both the design and the initial shortlist of occupations.

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Proposed Design of the Temporary Visa

Visa Duration: 3 to 5 years, depending on occupation and sector need.
No automatic settlement: The TSL visa would not lead directly to permanent residency, but holders could switch to higher-skilled roles later.
English Language Requirement: Minimum B1 level to ensure workers can integrate and perform safely.
Sector “Jobs Plans”: Each industry must submit a workforce strategy explaining how it will recruit, train, and retain both domestic and foreign workers responsibly.
Protection Measures: Employers must prove fair pay and ethical recruitment practices to prevent exploitation.

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The 82 Shortlisted Occupations

While the full list is still under review, occupations span a wide range of industries:

Construction & Engineering: welders, pipefitters, bricklayers, civil-engineering technicians.
Manufacturing & Maintenance: mechanical technicians, production supervisors, electrical fitters.
Healthcare Support: dental technicians, medical lab assistants, care coordinators.
Creative & Digital: photographers, translators, graphic designers.
Logistics & Infrastructure: HGV drivers, warehouse supervisors, transport managers.

This shortlist isn’t final — each role will undergo deeper analysis in Stage 2, where inclusion on the final Temporary Shortage List will depend on solid evidence of genuine labour need.

3️⃣ What Happens Next: Stage 2 Evaluation (2025–2026)

Stage 2 of the MAC review will run through mid-2026, focusing on evidence gathering and impact assessment. Here’s what to expect:

Call for Evidence: Employers, trade bodies, and unions will be invited to provide data showing recruitment difficulties, vacancy trends, and skill shortages.
Sector Engagement: Industries must present detailed “Jobs Plans” outlining how they’ll use migration responsibly while building domestic talent pipelines.
Economic Analysis: The MAC will examine wage levels, productivity impacts, and training capacity for each job category.
Final Recommendations: By July 2026, the MAC will submit a Stage 2 report to the Home Office, which will decide the final occupations to be included in the new TSL visa scheme.

Until then, the Immigration Salary List and the interim TSL remain in effect — providing temporary flexibility for employers who rely on mid-skilled workers.

4️⃣ What This Means for Foreign Jobseekers

For thousands of aspiring migrants, the UK’s shortlist represents a renewed doorway of opportunity.

If your profession is among the 82 shortlisted:

✅ You may soon qualify for a UK Temporary Work Visa under the new TSL route.
✅ You can switch to a higher-skilled job later, which could open longer-term prospects.
✅ You’ll gain UK experience — boosting your CV and employability across Europe and globally.

However, it’s important to note:

❌ The TSL visa is not a settlement visa — it’s designed for temporary labour mobility.
❌ You’ll need to meet English and salary requirements once the Home Office finalizes the policy.
❌ Competition will be tough — so keep your documentation, qualifications, and experience ready.

Tip: Follow official UK government channels (gov.uk) and credible immigration news sources to stay updated when applications open.

5️⃣ What This Means for Employers and Industry Leaders

For UK employers, this shortlist offers hope — but also responsibility.

You now have a chance to:

Shape policy outcomes by submitting strong evidence during the Call for Evidence phase.
Demonstrate shortage severity using recruitment data, vacancy lengths, and local training gaps.
Build credible Jobs Plans that show long-term investment in domestic skills.
Secure early access to the first wave of approved TSL roles by participating proactively.

Employers who ignore the process risk losing the ability to hire from abroad in these roles once the final TSL narrows down in 2026.

This stage is not just about filling vacancies — it’s about balancing economic growth with ethical migration practices.

6️⃣ Why This Move Matters for the UK Economy

Labour shortages have been affecting UK productivity for years — especially since Brexit reduced access to European workers. The new TSL system represents a strategic middle ground:

It supports industries that need urgent staffing.
It protects the local labour market by keeping the scheme temporary.
It promotes growth without compromising control.

By identifying 82 key mid-skilled roles, the UK signals a pragmatic approach — welcoming talent that drives construction, healthcare, digital innovation, and national infrastructure, all while building a stronger domestic workforce for the future.

7️⃣ What You Should Do Now

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If You’re a Job Seeker

Visit the official MAC Temporary Shortage List page on gov.uk.
Find out if your occupation is on the 82-job shortlist.
Prepare your certificates, language test results, and work experience records early.
Follow updates from trusted immigration advisers or platforms like LodPost, where opportunities and discussions are shared.
👉 You can also visit https://lodpost.com/ref/Oheezfit for related work and content-writing opportunities.

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If You’re an Employer

Join your industry’s submission to the MAC Call for Evidence.
Highlight your vacancy rates and domestic training efforts.
Monitor Home Office updates for when applications officially open.

Conclusion

The UK’s shortlist of 82 mid-skilled jobs under the proposed Temporary Work Visa scheme marks a crucial milestone in shaping a smarter, fairer immigration policy. It bridges the gap between labour demand and national interest — offering hope to skilled workers worldwide while giving UK businesses a sustainable path to growth.

Though still at the shortlist stage, this report sets the stage for a rebalanced migration framework that rewards skill, ethics, and ambition.

Stay tuned, stay prepared — and if your job is on the list, your next career step might just lead you to the UK.