Full Guide for Nigerians and Foreigners
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the UK Shortage Occupation List?
- Why the UK Maintains a Shortage Occupation List
- Changes to the UK Shortage Occupation List in 2025
- Full List of UK Shortage Occupation Jobs in 2025
- Average Salaries for Shortage Occupations
- Visa Types for Shortage Occupation Jobs
- Eligibility Requirements for Nigerians and Foreigners
- Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Jobs on the Shortage List
- How to Find UK Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
- Benefits of Being on the Shortage Occupation List
- Challenges to Expect and How to Overcome Them
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The UK remains a top destination for skilled professionals across the globe. Due to labour shortages in several industries, the UK Government publishes a Shortage Occupation List (SOL)—a list of job roles with insufficient domestic workers. If you’re a Nigerian or international job seeker looking to move to the UK in 2025, understanding this list is crucial.
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the UK’s Shortage Occupation List for 2025, highlighting the job titles, salary expectations, visa options, and how to apply from Nigeria or abroad.
2. What Is the UK Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is a part of the UK’s immigration rules. It outlines occupations that suffer from a shortage of workers in the UK and where immigration is welcomed to fill these gaps.
Being on this list means:
- Lower visa fees.
- Reduced salary thresholds.
- Faster processing times.
- Easier pathway for visa sponsorship.
3. Why the UK Maintains a Shortage Occupation List
Due to Brexit, COVID-19, and an aging workforce, the UK is struggling with shortages in several sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Engineering
- IT and Tech
- Education
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
By allowing skilled foreign workers to fill these gaps, the government ensures the smooth running of essential services.
4. Changes to the UK Shortage Occupation List in 2025
As of 2025, the UK has expanded the SOL to include more roles under growing sectors like renewable energy, AI, and data security. Additionally:
- Some roles have been removed due to improved local hiring.
- The Skilled Worker visa threshold has been adjusted.
- Some job codes now require updated certifications or licenses.
5. Full List of UK Shortage Occupation Jobs in 2025
Here is the comprehensive 2025 list, including Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, job titles, and required qualifications:
Healthcare and Social Care
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Nurses (all specializations) | 2231 | NMC registration |
| Care Workers and Home Carers | 6145 | NVQ Level 2 or experience |
| Senior Care Workers | 6146 | NVQ Level 3 |
| Paramedics | 3213 | HCPC registration |
| Medical Radiographers | 2217 | HCPC registration |
| Social Workers | 2442 | Degree in social work |
Engineering
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineers | 2121 | BEng or equivalent |
| Electrical Engineers | 2123 | Chartered status preferred |
| Mechanical Engineers | 2122 | Relevant engineering degree |
| Design and Development Engineers | 2126 | BSc/BEng |
| Engineering Technicians | 3113 | HNC or vocational diploma |
Construction
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Bricklayers | 5312 | Trade certifications |
| Roofers | 5313 | NVQ Level 2 or 3 |
| Carpenters and Joiners | 5315 | Relevant trade certification |
| Plumbers | 5314 | NVQ/City & Guilds |
IT and Technology
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 2139 | BSc, security clearance preferred |
| Software Developers | 2136 | Computer Science degree |
| Web Developers | 2137 | HTML, JavaScript, frameworks |
| Data Analysts | 2423 | Statistics or analytics degree |
| Network Engineers | 2139 | Cisco/CompTIA certifications |
Education
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computing) | 2314 | QTS in the UK or equivalent |
| Special Needs Education Teachers | 2316 | SEND qualification |
Hospitality
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Chefs (skilled, not fast food) | 5434 | At least 5 years’ experience |
| Butchers | 5431 | Vocational training or apprenticeship |
Agriculture and Food Production
| Job Title | SOC Code | Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Fishmongers | 5433 | Trade certification |
| Bakers | 5432 | NVQ Level 2 or relevant experience |
6. Average Salaries for Shortage Occupations in the UK
| Sector | Job Role | Average Annual Salary (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurse | £28,000 – £40,000 |
| Engineering | Mechanical Engineer | £35,000 – £50,000 |
| IT | Software Developer | £40,000 – £70,000 |
| Construction | Bricklayer | £25,000 – £35,000 |
| Education | Secondary Teacher | £30,000 – £45,000 |
| Hospitality | Chef | £26,000 – £34,000 |
7. Visa Types for Shortage Occupation Jobs
The primary visa route is the Skilled Worker Visa. Key features:
- Sponsored by a UK employer.
- Lower salary threshold (£23,200 in 2025).
- Lasts up to 5 years with the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Other Visas:
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa (for tech/academia)
- Graduate Visa (for recent UK grads)
8. Eligibility Requirements for Nigerians and Foreigners
To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent).
- Show proof of qualifications or experience.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge (discounted for shortage jobs).
9. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply from Nigeria
- Update Your CV to UK format.
- Apply to UK employers listed on the Home Office’s licensed sponsors list.
- Attend interviews online or via agencies.
- Once selected, get your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Prepare your documents:
- Passport
- Educational certificates
- IELTS test results
- Police clearance
- Tuberculosis test (required for Nigerians)
- Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa online.
- Schedule biometrics appointment at TLScontact in Lagos or Abuja.
- Wait for a decision (approx. 3–8 weeks).
- Travel to the UK once approved.
10. How to Find UK Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Trusted Job Portals:
11. Benefits of Being on the Shortage Occupation List
- Lower salary threshold than other visa categories.
- Discounted visa application fees.
- Faster processing times.
- Long-term job security.
- Potential for permanent residence (after 5 years).
- Family members (spouse & kids) can join and work/study.
12. Challenges to Expect and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| High competition | Apply early, customize your CV, use agencies |
| Credential verification | Have your documents evaluated via Ecctis |
| Language proficiency | Take IELTS early and prepare thoroughly |
| Employer trust | Use only verified sponsor employers |
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Nigerians apply for shortage occupation jobs in the UK?
Yes, Nigerians are eligible to apply, provided they meet the visa and skill requirements.
How long does it take to get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Standard processing takes 3–8 weeks, depending on workload and completeness of documents.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply as your dependents and work or study in the UK.
Can I switch from a Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements and find a sponsor.
14. Conclusion
The UK Shortage Occupation List 2025 presents a golden opportunity for Nigerians and other foreign professionals to secure high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship. With roles in healthcare, tech, engineering, and education in high demand, preparing your documents and targeting the right employers can pave the way for your UK dream.