Update on Shortage Occupation List for Educational Organisations

The shortage occupation list comprises of skilled jobs which the UKVI consider there to be a shortage of workers in the UK. The benefit of a sponsored role falling on the shortage occupation list is that the applicant can qualify for a lower salary threshold and lower visa application fee when applying for their Skilled Worker visa.

To meet the eligibility requirements of the Skilled Worker route, an applicant must obtain at least 70 points across the sponsorship, skill, language and salary requirements contained in the Immigration Rules. 20 points must be awarded under the salary requirement and if the role is listed on the shortage occupation list, an applicant can take advantage of the tradeable points rules. This means they can be paid less than the job’s usual going rate.

The shortage occupations in the education sector can be found here. Secondary education teachers of maths, physics, science (where an element of physics will be taught), computer science and modern foreign languages are all included as well as primary and secondary education teachers of Gaelic based in Scotland.

If your school is struggling to recruit, the shortage occupation list may be a useful tool for organisations seeking to sponsor overseas teachers.

If you would like further information on sponsoring under the Skilled Worker route, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Head of Immigration, Julie Moktadir at juliemoktadir@stoneking.co.uk.