Migration Advisory Committee publishes stage 1 report on temporary shortage list

The Migration Advisory Committee has published its stage 1 report on the temporary shortage list (for anyone who needs a reminder of which list is which – we have an explainer here). The letter from the Chair explains that in today’s report the committee has made recommendations for the design of the list as well as a list of 82 roles that should be considered at stage 2 because they are potentially important to delivery of the government’s industrial strategy or critical infrastructure. At the end of stage 2, the committee will make recommendations about the roles that should be included on the temporary shortage list.

The following recommendations were made:

1. The default duration for an occupation to be added to the TSL should be three years, although the MAC may initially recommend occupations are added for a shorter period if Jobs Plans are lacking in detail but likely subject to rapid improvements.
2. It could be appropriate for visa durations to be between 3-5 years. We do not recommend renewals beyond five years if the government decides that the TSL should not be a route to settlement. We support in-country switching to higher-skilled (RQF 6+) roles within the Skilled Worker route, to encourage progression.
3. We recommend English language requirements no lower than B1.
4. While we refrain from making formal recommendations on settlement rights, sponsorship models, fees, or cap mechanisms, we outline considerations to inform a Home Office decision. The Committee stresses the need for simplicity and flexibility in design, and for the Home Office to continue exploration of alternative sponsorship models, particularly for occupations which are at high risk of abuse or exploitation. The Committee have differing views on whether the reintroduction of a Resident Labour Market Test could support the government’s aims for the TSL. We also keep the option open for nation-specific additions to the TSL but would have a high bar for inclusion due to operational and policy risks.
5. The Immigration White Paper and subsequent Immigration Rules changes have ruled out dependants for TSL occupations, and we therefore do not comment further on this.

A call for evidence will go out to stakeholders for stage 2 of the review, which is expected to report in July 2026.