UK Jobs in Demand 2027 for Skilled Workers
Discover which jobs can still get a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2027, the degree-level rule, the shortage list changes, and how to check if your job qualifies.
Sara Ahmadi
Last updated
The UK Still Needs Skilled Workers
The UK continues to hire skilled workers from abroad, especially in healthcare, engineering, technology and science. But the rules changed a lot in 2025 and 2026, so a job that qualified a few years ago may not qualify today. Since 22 July 2025, most new Skilled Worker visas are only for jobs at degree level or above, and the salary must usually be at least £41,700 a year. Knowing which jobs are still eligible is the first step to planning your move.
Degree-Level Jobs With Strong Demand
Most graduate-level professional jobs can still be sponsored, as long as the employer has a sponsor licence and pays the right salary. In-demand fields include engineering, software development and IT, data science, research and science, and teaching in subjects like maths and physics. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals can use the Health and Care Worker visa, which has lower fees and its own salary rules. For these jobs, the main challenge is finding an employer who is willing to sponsor you.
Mid-Skilled Jobs and the Shortage Lists
Some jobs below degree level can still be sponsored if they are on the Temporary Shortage List. This list currently includes trades and technician roles, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, engineering technicians and data analysts. The current lists end on 31 December 2026, and the government’s advisers have recommended keeping only 28 mid-skilled jobs on the list from 2027, for 18 months. Most workers in these roles also can’t bring family members, so always check the latest list before you apply.
Jobs That No Longer Qualify
Since July 2025, more than 100 jobs below degree level lost eligibility for new Skilled Worker visas. These include chefs, care workers, teaching assistants, dental nurses and many hospitality and retail manager roles. The care worker route for new overseas applicants closed on 22 July 2025. If your job is on this list, you may need to look at other options, such as studying in the UK or the Global Talent visa if you are a leader in your field.
How to Check If Your Job Qualifies
Each job in the UK has an occupation code, called a SOC code. First, find the code that matches your real daily duties on the official list of eligible occupations on GOV.UK. Then check the job’s skill level, the minimum salary for that code, and whether it is on a shortage list. Finally, look for UK employers who hold a sponsor licence, because only they can offer you a Skilled Worker visa.
Do You Need a Job Offer for a UK Work Visa?
For the Skilled Worker visa, yes, from an employer with a sponsor licence. The Global Talent visa is one of the few work routes that doesn’t need a job offer.
What English Level Do You Need?
Since 8 January 2026, most new Skilled Worker applicants need English at B2 level. You can prove it with an approved test or a degree taught in English.
Can Care Workers Still Get a UK Visa?
Not as new applicants from overseas. The route closed on 22 July 2025. Care workers already in the UK on this route may have some options to extend or switch.
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