UK Announces Temporary Worker Visa for 82 Jobs Which Will Not Lead to Permanent Residency

LONDON Oct 12: The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has released a new report listing 82 medium-skilled jobs that could qualify foreign workers for temporary visas under the migration pathway. This move is aimed at addressing the country’s labor shortages.

According to the Home Office, the report identifies key roles that are essential to strengthening the UK economy. It’s part of the government’s ongoing efforts to manage migration while promoting economic growth.

The 82 jobs mentioned in the MAC report form part of the UK’s Temporary Shortage Occupation List, marking the first stage of the review process.

Foreign workers applying for these roles are required to have at least a B1 level of English language proficiency.

This new program is designed to allow foreigners to work in the UK for a short period and does not lead to permanent residency, as the visa will only last between three to five years.

The UK government believes that the Temporary Shortage List will help attract immigrants with specific skills needed to fill labor gaps in certain occupations.

The MAC has recommended that this temporary visa scheme should last for only three to five years and not exceed that period. However, there will be opportunities for workers to transition into higher-skilled (RQF level 6 and above) positions under the Skilled Worker route to encourage career growth.

Among the jobs recommended by the MAC are roles such as engineering technicians, welders, photographers, translators, managers, carpenters, and others. Social care roles are not included on the list as the government is determined to stop recruiting workers from overseas in the care sector.

This is just the first stage of the review process. The second stage is expected to begin in July 2026, when a final decision will be made on which jobs will appear on the permanent list.

For now, this list represents the positions included in the first stage of the review.

For immigrants applying under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) visa, the stay is fixed for a period of three to five years. After qualifying for the visa, holders will not be eligible for welfare benefits during their stay.

The main fees under the Skilled Worker Route include the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and the Immigration Skills Charge. These fees cover the processing costs of visa applications and help fund broader immigration and border management services.

Although these charges are partly meant to discourage employers from hiring foreign workers, the government explained that the key purpose of the TSL is to reduce structural dependence on the visa system. Therefore, TSL fees may be lower than those under the regular Skilled Worker Route.

The Home Secretary is expected to review the salary threshold for TSL occupations in December 2025.

English language proficiency is one of the major requirements for this visa. If applicants later wish to transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, they must meet the B2 level English language requirement. Scroll down to view the list or click the link below:

Click To View Full list of 82 jobs in line for UK visa under new immigration scheme