Important Updates
Important Updates
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Thinking Outside the Borders: A Bridge Across the Tech Skills Gap in the UK

February 8, 2018

sheffield

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Kathleen O'Donnell, Lauren Spencer

Many UK employers within the technology sector will be familiar with the obstacles that arise when recruiting for specialist roles. The painstaking process of advertising a role only to find that no one suitable applies or, even worse, no one applies at all. In 2015, The Employer Skills Survey concluded that 33% of the vacancies advertised were considered by the employer as ‘hard to fill’. Tech Nation’s annual report revealed that the UK has 1.64 million digital jobs available and the digital sector is creating jobs 2x faster than the non-digital sector. These roles need highly skilled workers, but what happens when there are not enough highly skilled workers to go around?

The UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL), put together by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is more important than ever, mainly as it allows employers to recruit highly skilled migrants from outside the EEA both quickly and easily. Luckily for the industry, MAC is already aware that there is a skill shortage within the digital sector meaning many ‘hard to fill’ roles are already accounted for.

How employers can bridge the skill shortage gap in UK's Tech Sector

The Tier 2 visa allows skilled workers to enter the UK, on a long-term basis, to fill a skilled job vacancy or employees of multinational companies to transfer to the business’ UK branch.

Employers must first apply for a sponsor licence from the Home Office to be able to employ (“sponsor”) non-EEA nationals under the principal work permit visa routes, which are Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) –Long Term). The application process normally takes approximately 2-5 months. Once the Home Office have approved the sponsor licence application, the employer can start the process of sponsoring non-EEA nationals to work for them in the UK. Although it may seem a daunting process to apply for and maintain a Sponsor Licence, employers are glad to have the opportunity to recruit non-European nationals when they can't fill the roles from the settled labour market. At Fragomen, we have a specialist team who can support you through the licence process and then support with issuing Certificates of Sponsorship under Tier 2 for those who are eligible. 

If the role comes under a job listed on the SOL, employers can avoid the 28-day Resident Labour Market test, a big advantage when recruiting migrant workers. The benefits do not end there, if for any reason the migration cap for Tier 2 General Migrants is reached (which we have experienced recently), shortage occupations are prioritised over other highly skilled roles.

The sponsored worker will typically have to submit a visa application from their country of nationality (unless they are a recent graduate from a UK university). They will submit their application form and supply evidentiary documents to prove their eligibility for the visa.

The Tier 2 (ICT –Long Term) migrant can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years unless they are earning £120, 000 in which case they can extend to a maximum of 9 years –this route does not lead to settlement. Tier 2 (General) migrants can apply for settlement, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

SOL and tech

The SOL accounts for a number of occupations within the digital sector. It is important to note that some of these roles have additional criteria dependant on the size of the company and whether the Home Office regards the company as ‘qualifying’. In short, this means the company must have no more than 250 employees and must not have been set up solely to service one client. Furthermore, this only affects certain shortage occupations on the list below, for instance a Cyber Security Specialist must have had a minimum of five years’ relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team.

The list includes (but is not limited to);

  • Software Developer
  • Shader Writer
  • Games Designer
  • Cyber Security Specialist
  • Systems engineer in visual effects and 2D/3D computer animation for the film, television or video games sectors
  •  Data scientist
  • IT product manager
 
For the extensive list please refer here.

 

Here at Fragomen we are able to liaise with MAC when we believe a shortage occupation is missing. For example, they run consultations where they seek feedback on shortages from business.  If you are a digital company and are aware of shortages that are not on the current list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will reach out to MAC and the Home Office to arrange a consultation. Having an occupation added to the SOL never happens quickly—if at all—but it can be worth the wait when a company knows that the job is skilled, in national shortage and can sensibly be filled by non-EU workers.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kathleen O'Donnell

Kathleen O'Donnell

Practice Leader

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2010

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.