Following a recent review conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), it has been suggested that the Shortage of Occupation List will be expanded to include more job sectors/titles. The recommendation comes in light of the anticipated shortage of labour in the UK post-Brexit. From 1 January 2021, EU nationals applying for jobs in the UK must apply under the same immigration system as non-EEA migrants. The expansion of the Shortage of Occupation list will make it easier for employers to access migrant labour to fill vacancies in those areas of identified shortage.
What is the Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage of Occupation List sets out jobs in the UK where employers face shortages of suitable workers. Jobs listed under the Shortage of Occupation List can be offered to migrant Tier 2 workers subject to meeting the requirements for a Tier 2 General visa. The list can be located under Appendix K of the Immigration Rules.
How does the Shortage Occupation List impact UK employers?
Free movement will come to an end on 1 January 2021 and this will change the way UK employers hire non-British or settled staff. The end of free movement is likely to result in shortages of labour in key sectors. The UK government has proposed to introduce a new immigration system which will apply to both EU and non-EU nationals. For the first time since the implementation of the famous Treaty of Maastricht in 1992, EU nationals will be subject to the same Immigration Rules as non-EEA nationals. UK employers will therefore be recruiting foreign workers under a new Points Based System.
What are the benefits of applying for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List?
There is a wide variety of jobs listed on the Shortage of Occupation List ranging from Science, Engineering, IT, Medicine, Services, Creative Sector and Trade. There are a number of benefits for migrants applying for a Tier 2 work visa for a job listed on the Shortage of Occupation List. The advantages include:
- Lower visa application fees;
- When it comes to settling (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK they will be exempt from the higher salary threshold for their job;
- Exemption from the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) this saves the employer from having to advertise the job for 28 days before offering the job to migrant worker; and
- Priority allocation of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) periodically reviews the Shortage of Occupation List and recommends to UKVI on revisions to the list.
Expansion of the Shortage of Occupation List
Following a review from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) it is anticipated that there will be some major changes to the current Shortage of Occupation List in 2021. There will be a number of new jobs added to the current list and we have listed some examples below:
- 1181 Health services and public health managers and directors;
- 1242 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors;
- 2213 Pharmacists, 3111 Laboratory Technicians, 3131 IT operations technicians;
- 3412 Authors, writers and translators;
- 3539 Business and related associate professionals n.e.c.;
- 3565 Inspectors of standards and regulations;
- 5112 Bricklayers and masons;
- 5119 Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.;
- 5212 Moulders, core makers & die casters;
- 5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters;
- 5231 Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians;
- 5241 Electricians and electrical fitters, 5249 Electrical & electronic trades n.e.c.;
- 5431 Butchers, 6131 Veterinary nurses, 6141 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants;
- 6144 Houseparents and residential wardens, 6146 Senior care workers; and
- 9119 Fishing and other elementary agricultural occupations n.e.c.
How our immigration solicitors can help with a UK work visa application?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in UK work visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful UK work visa applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using Legal Representation to submit a UK work visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a UK work visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules for UK work visa applications.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds and meets the requirements, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence in support of your application. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful UK work visa applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your UK work visa application and the merit of an application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful visa applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss the new UK work visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.