SOC 2020 code 2111: Chemical scientists

Can chemical scientists still be sponsored in 2027?

Chemical scientists (SOC 2111): on the Immigration Salary List in Scotland until 31 December 2026. Sponsorship can continue, but the lower ISL rate ends.

Last reviewed 11 November 2026

General information, not immigration or legal advice

These results come from public announcements and the current Immigration Rules. They do not say whether you or anyone else qualifies for a visa or settlement. Most 2027 changes are announced but not yet law, and details can change. Before acting, check with a regulated immigration adviser (OISC-registered) or a solicitor.

Check thisIn forceIn RulesMAC recommendation

ISL / TSL deadline

On the ISL until December 2026. The role stays degree level, but the lower ISL threshold ends.

What changes

On the current Immigration Salary List (jobs in the nuclear industry only), in Scotland only. The row is removed on 31 December 2026; a certificate must be issued before that date.
The last day to issue a certificate under the current lists is 30 December 2026.
The ISL and the interim TSL are separate lists. Neither rolls over automatically, and not every ISL occupation is on the MAC's recommended list.
This occupation is not among the 28 the MAC recommended for a new Temporary Shortage List from January 2027.

What to do

If a certificate depends on the current lists, it needs to be issued by 30 December 2026.
Watch for a Statement of Changes setting out the list that applies from 1 January 2027.

Sources:Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker Immigration Rules: Appendix Immigration Salary List gov.uk: Temporary Shortage List gov.uk: Immigration Salary List MAC: Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report

At a glance

Immigration Salary List: Yes (jobs in the nuclear industry only), in Scotland only. Removed on 31 December 2026, so the last day to issue a certificate is 30 December 2026.
Interim Temporary Shortage List: No
MAC's recommended list for 2027: No
Standard salary threshold today: £41,700 a year for a 37.5-hour week: the higher of the £41,700 general threshold and the £39,900 occupation rate.
ISL threshold today: £39,900, for certificates issued before 31 December 2026.
Example job titles: Analytical chemists, Industrial chemists, Nuclear and radiochemists, Research and development chemists. From Appendix Skilled Occupations; the duties decide the code, not the title.
2027 salary figures: Not published. Occupation rates are to move to the 25th percentile of pay and the general threshold is to be uprated.

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Questions about chemical scientists

Are chemical scientists on the Temporary Shortage List?

Not the current interim Temporary Shortage List. The job is on the separate Immigration Salary List instead. The job is not among the 28 occupations the Migration Advisory Committee recommended for a new Temporary Shortage List from January 2027.

Are chemical scientists on the Immigration Salary List?

Yes (jobs in the nuclear industry only), in Scotland only. The row is removed on 31 December 2026, and a certificate must be issued before that date to use the lower ISL threshold, so the last day is 30 December 2026.

What salary do chemical scientists need for a Skilled Worker visa?

The occupation rate is £39,900 and the general threshold is £41,700, for a 37.5-hour week. The higher of the two applies, so today's standard threshold is £41,700. Certificates that use the ISL rate can go down to £39,900 until the row ends. From spring 2027 occupation rates are to move to the 25th percentile of pay and the general threshold is to be uprated, but no 2027 figures have been published.

Which job titles come under SOC code 2111?

Appendix Skilled Occupations lists job titles for 2111 chemical scientists including: Analytical chemists; Industrial chemists; Nuclear and radiochemists; Research and development chemists. The code on a certificate depends on the duties of the job, not only its title.

Related occupations

See every occupation on the lists