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How do I sponsor a migrant?

An interview panel

How to employ migrants to do jobs on the shortage occupation list

This page describes the procedure for employing migrants under Tier 2 (General) if they will be doing skilled work that is on the shortage occupation list.

If an occupation is on the shortage occupation list, it means there are not enough resident workers to fill the available jobs in that particular occupation. If a migrant comes to the UK under Tier 2 (General) to do skilled work that is on the shortage occupation list, they will get all the points they need to apply (except the points for English language and maintenance) - they will not need to prove their prospective earnings or qualifications.

You cannot assign a certificate of sponsorship for a job on the shortage occupation list unless the migrant is going to work for at least 30 hours a week.

You can download the shortage occupation list from the right side of this page. The main list covers the whole of the UK, and there is an additional list for Scotland only. If you are filling a vacancy that is listed only on the shortage occupation list for Scotland, the vacancy must be in Scotland.

If the job you are recruiting for is not on the shortage occupation list, you must complete a resident labour market test. For more information, see the resident labour market test page.