Construction & Temporary Shortage List
How construction workers and skilled tradespeople can get visa sponsorship in the UK through the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) — the route for mid-skilled roles until December 2026.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Temporary Shortage List?
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was introduced on 22 July 2025 as part of the UK government's Immigration White Paper reforms. When the skill threshold for Skilled Worker visas was raised to RQF Level 6 (degree level), approximately 180 mid-skilled occupations lost their eligibility for sponsorship.
The TSL is a temporary exemption that allows around 52 occupations at RQF Levels 3-5 to continue being sponsored. These are roles identified by the Department for Business and Trade as critical to the UK's Industrial Strategy and national infrastructure — particularly in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and technical services.
Official source: GOV.UK — Temporary Shortage List
Construction trades on the TSL
The following construction and building trade occupations are currently eligible for visa sponsorship under the TSL:
Official source: GOV.UK — Eligible occupations and codes
Key restrictions for TSL workers
Salary expectations
Construction salaries in the UK vary significantly by role, experience and location. Remember that the visa salary must meet the £41,700 general threshold or the specific going rate.
| Role | Typical salary range | Meets threshold? |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | £35,000 — £65,000+ | Senior roles yes |
| Project Manager | £45,000 — £85,000 | Most roles yes |
| Quantity Surveyor | £32,000 — £70,000 | Mid/senior yes |
| Electrician | £30,000 — £50,000+ | Experienced yes |
| Plumber | £28,000 — £45,000+ | Senior/London yes |
| Welder | £28,000 — £45,000+ | Specialist yes |
| Steel Erector | £30,000 — £50,000 | Experienced yes |
| Site Manager | £40,000 — £65,000 | Most roles yes |
Why the UK needs construction workers
The UK construction sector faces a severe and growing skills shortage. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the industry needs over 250,000 additional skilled workers by the end of the decade. Several factors are driving demand:
- Major infrastructure projects including HS2 (high-speed rail), nuclear energy expansion, and renewable energy facilities
- Government housing targets requiring significant new residential construction
- Post-Brexit reduction in EU workers previously filling construction roles
- An ageing domestic construction workforce with insufficient new entrants
- Cladding remediation programmes following the Grenfell Tower tragedy
- Net-zero carbon commitments requiring retrofitting and green construction skills
What happens after December 2026?
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is conducting a two-stage review of the TSL. Stage 1 was published in October 2025, identifying 82 occupations for further review. The Stage 2 final report with recommendations is due in July 2026.
After December 2026, construction occupations will only remain sponsorable if the MAC recommends their inclusion and the government accepts the recommendation. Sectors must submit credible "Jobs Plans" demonstrating they are investing in domestic training alongside international recruitment.
Official source: GOV.UK — MAC Temporary Shortage List Stage 1 Report
Find construction jobs with sponsorship
JobWizard AI scans Reed.co.uk, NHS Jobs, and 5 other sources for construction and engineering roles. Every match is verified against the COS sponsor register and checked against the £41,700 salary threshold.
Start matching jobsDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. UK immigration rules change frequently. Always refer to GOV.UK and consult a qualified immigration advisor before making decisions.