Is My Job Still Eligible? What Indians & Pakistanis Need to Know About the UK’s New Immigration Salary List

 For Indian and Pakistani professionals eyeing the UK’s Skilled Worker visa, the rules of the game have changed—dramatically. With the abolition of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and the introduction of the more selective Immigration Salary List (ISL), the visa landscape has narrowed. Where the SOL once offered a 20% salary discount and broad access to roles across various sectors, the ISL now provides a trimmed-down alternative, with fewer qualifying jobs and a renewed emphasis on high-demand, high-impact positions.

The ISL, effective from April 4, 2024, allows certain roles to qualify for a reduced salary threshold—£30,960 for most Skilled Worker visas and £23,200 for Health and Care Worker routes—provided the job is explicitly listed. However, the revised list is far more exclusive than its predecessor. Former SOL mainstays like architects and veterinarians have been removed, leaving some sectors scrambling while others gain prioritization. Roles that remain on the ISL include targeted positions in construction, healthcare, welding, and certain orchestral arts. For many professionals who previously counted on relaxed salary rules, this represents a new barrier: a minimum salary of £38,700 or more unless they meet exemptions through academic credentials or “new entrant” classifications.

For Indian and Pakistani applicants, this change necessitates a sharper approach to job selection and career planning. First and foremost, it’s important to review the latest ISL directly on the UK government’s official site. If your job isn’t listed, you’ll need to secure a high-paying offer that meets or surpasses both the general threshold and the occupation-specific “going rate.” In sectors where wages historically fall below these figures, such as mid-level IT or early-career engineering, this could mean targeting senior roles or upskilling to stay competitive. For those in qualifying ISL roles, the advantage of a slightly reduced salary threshold remains, though the path is narrower than before.

Visa costs and eligibility logistics are also impacted. Positions on the ISL typically enjoy reduced visa fees, giving listed roles a financial edge. But the broader message is clear: the UK is steering immigration policy toward fewer applicants, with higher salaries and tighter labor alignment. For Indian and Pakistani professionals, success in this new system will depend on strategic specialization, active networking with UK-licensed sponsors, and a laser-focused alignment between skills and job market demand.

Staying updated is more vital than ever. The ISL will evolve over time, driven by recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee and shifting national priorities. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new entrant with niche expertise, knowing where your career fits in the UK’s new visa matrix could be the difference between opportunity—and an overlooked application.