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SOC 2020 code 5213: Welding trades

Can welding trades still be sponsored in 2027?

Welding trades (SOC 5213): certificates under the ISL and the TSL must be issued by 30 December 2026. The MAC recommends it for 2027.

Last reviewed 11 November 2026

Check thisIn forceIn RulesMAC recommendation
ISL / TSL deadline

Relies on a list that ends in December 2026. The MAC recommended it for the new list, but that is not yet law.

What changes

  • On the current Immigration Salary List (high integrity pipe welders with 3+ years' experience only). The row is removed on 31 December 2026; a certificate must be issued before that date.
  • On the current interim Temporary Shortage List. The rules only count a certificate issued before 31 December 2026.
  • 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.
  • The MAC recommended this occupation for its new Temporary Shortage List, for 18 months from January 2027 to June 2028, with no salary discount. That is a recommendation, not yet in the Immigration Rules.

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 WorkerImmigration Rules: Appendix Immigration Salary Listgov.uk: Temporary Shortage Listgov.uk: Immigration Salary ListMAC: Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report

At a glance

Immigration Salary List
Yes (high integrity pipe welders with 3+ years' experience only). Removed on 31 December 2026, so the last day to issue a certificate is 30 December 2026.
Interim Temporary Shortage List
Yes. The last day to issue a certificate is 30 December 2026.
MAC's recommended list for 2027
Yes, for 18 months from January 2027 to June 2028. A recommendation, not yet in the Immigration Rules.
Standard salary threshold today
£41,700 a year for a 37.5-hour week: the higher of the £41,700 general threshold and the £34,900 occupation rate.
ISL threshold today
£34,900, for certificates issued before 31 December 2026.
Example job titles
Braziers and solderers, Pipe welders, Plate welders. 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 welding trades

Are welding trades on the Temporary Shortage List?

Yes, welding trades (5213) are on the interim Temporary Shortage List. The rules only count a certificate of sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026, so the last day is 30 December 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended the job for a new Temporary Shortage List from January 2027 to June 2028. That is a recommendation, not yet in the Immigration Rules.

Are welding trades on the Immigration Salary List?

Yes (high integrity pipe welders with 3+ years' experience 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 welding trades need for a Skilled Worker visa?

The occupation rate is £34,900 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 £34,900 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 5213?

Appendix Skilled Occupations lists job titles for 5213 welding trades including: Braziers and solderers; Pipe welders; Plate welders. The code on a certificate depends on the duties of the job, not only its title.

What happens to welding trades already on a Skilled Worker visa?

Workers first sponsored before 22 July 2025 may have transitional protection for extensions or job changes below degree level. Anyone sponsored later, or applying for the first time, relies on the list that applies on the date the certificate is issued. Check an individual case with a regulated immigration adviser.

Related occupations

See every occupation on the lists

Sources

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