Immigration Salary List 2026/27: Common Myths About UK Salary Thresholds and Take-Home Pay

What Is the Immigration Salary List?

The immigration salary list (ISL) is a UK government list of occupations where employers can sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants at a reduced salary threshold. From April 2024, the standard general threshold is £38,700 per year, but for jobs on the ISL it can be as low as £30,960 or 80% of the occupation’s ‘going rate’ – whichever is higher. The list is reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and includes roles in health, education, engineering, IT, and social care.

Many job seekers and employees misunderstand how the ISL works. Common myths include believing the list guarantees a visa, that all listed jobs pay high salaries, or that the list is identical to the old Shortage Occupation List. This article clears up those myths using official UK salary and tax data for 2026/27.

Myth 1: The Immigration Salary List Guarantees a Visa

Being on the ISL only reduces the minimum salary your employer must offer. You still need a Certificate of Sponsorship, meet English language requirements (B1 level), and pass the suitability checks. The Home Office also considers whether the role is genuine and whether you have the necessary skills. The reduced threshold helps employers fill gaps, but it is not a fast track to a visa.

Myth 2: All Jobs on the List Pay Well

Some ISL occupations command high salaries. According to ONS ASHE 2025, the median full-time pay for software developers is around £55,000, well above the general threshold. But others, such as care workers and nursing assistants, have median full-time pay of about £24,678 – below even the reduced threshold. For these roles, employers must still pay at least the going rate (which may be lower than £30,960 for some part-time or entry-level posts).

Take-home pay after tax and National Insurance is even lower. For a nurse earning £35,000 gross (typical NHS Band 5), the take-home is about £28,720 per year (£2,393 per month) using 2026/27 rates – no pension or student loan. That’s a net effective tax rate of about 18%. For a care worker on £24,785 (full-time National Living Wage), take-home is roughly £21,400 per year (£1,780 per month).

Myth 3: The ISL Is the Same as the Shortage Occupation List

The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List in 2024. The key difference is that the ISL focuses on roles where a reduced salary threshold is justified, rather than a general shortage. Some occupations that were on the SOL, like certain engineering roles, remain on the ISL, but the criteria are narrower. The list is updated more frequently based on MAC recommendations.

How Take-Home Pay Works for ISL Occupations

Your gross salary is not what you take home. For 2026/27, the standard deductions are:

• Income Tax: 0% on first £12,570 (Personal Allowance), 20% on £12,571–£50,270, 40% on £50,271–£125,140, 45% above that.
• National Insurance: 0% on first £12,570, 8% on £12,571–£50,270, 2% above £50,270.
• Student loan: 9% on earnings above your plan’s threshold (e.g., Plan 2: £29,385; Plan 5: £25,000).
• Pension: If you contribute via salary sacrifice, it reduces your taxable income.

For a software developer earning £55,000 gross (no pension, no student loan), the take-home is about £41,357 per year (£3,446 per month). That’s a net effective rate of about 25%.

If you are a Scottish taxpayer, different Income Tax bands apply: 19% starter, 20% basic, 21% intermediate, 42% higher from £43,663, and 48% top rate above £125,140. A Scottish worker on £50,000 would take home about £1,496 less per year than someone in England.

Using the Immigration Salary List for Job Hunting

If you are a job seeker considering a Skilled Worker visa, check whether your occupation is on the ISL. You can find the current list on GOV.UK. Use our take-home calculator to see what your net pay would be after tax, NI, and other deductions. Also read our salary articles for detailed guides on NHS, teacher, and tech salaries.

Remember that the reduced threshold only applies if your employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets the going rate. Always verify with official sources and consult an immigration adviser if needed.

Summary

The immigration salary list is a useful tool for employers and skilled migrants, but it is not a magic ticket. Salaries on the list vary widely, and take-home pay depends on tax bands, pension contributions, and student loans. Understanding the difference between gross and net pay helps you make informed career and visa decisions.