UK Proposes Temporary Visas for 82 Mid-Skill Jobs — Artists, HR, Carpenters Among Them

In a bold shift in immigration policy, the United Kingdom is exploring a new pathway to fill pressing labour gaps by allowing foreign nationals to take up mid-skilled jobs previously excluded from visa eligibility.

On 9 October 2025, the UK government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) released its Stage 1 report recommending that 82 occupations be considered for access to what is being called a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) of visa-eligible roles. 

What the new route would allow

Under the proposed framework:

• Workers in the selected roles would be granted temporary visas lasting 3 to 5 years.  
• Visa holders could potentially switch to higher-skilled roles (i.e. into the standard “Skilled Worker” visa route) if they meet the required criteria.  
• The minimum English language level is proposed at B1.  
• The MAC is clear that this is not a permanent path to settlement under current rules — the emphasis is on temporary relief in sectors struggling with labour shortages.  

Which jobs are on the list

Among the 82 roles advanced for further review are:

• Creative & cultural roles: artists, writers, translators, musicians, actors, photographers, designers  
• Construction, trade, technical roles: carpenters, plumbers, welders, building technicians, metalworkers  
• Office, administrative & business: HR officers, project support officers, business associate professionals  
• Technical / engineering support: electrical & electronics technicians, engineering technicians, CAD/architectural technicians  

It should be noted that inclusion in this list is not final — the MAC will require further evaluation in Stage 2, including a Call for Evidence and sector “Jobs Plans” for how domestic labour will be prioritized. 

Why the UK is doing this

Recent changes in UK immigration rules raised the required skill threshold for the standard Skilled Worker visa to degree-level (RQF 6), effectively cutting off many mid-skilled roles unless they are added to the TSL. 

The MAC’s brief is to strike a balance: prevent overreliance on migration while ensuring critical roles that domestic supply cannot fill are still staffed. 

What to watch out for

• The Stage 1 list is provisional — a smaller, final list will be published in July 2026.  
• Employers will have to demonstrate credible Jobs Plans showing how they will reduce reliance on migrant labour and invest in local training.  
• Visas under TSL are not guaranteed settlement rights, and dependants may not always be allowed.  

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