If you’ve heard there’s a new “short visa” for menial jobs in the UK—especially for trades like carpentry or bricklaying—hit pause. There isn’t a special short-term visa for construction workers. What does exist, and what thousands of tradespeople successfully use, is the Skilled Worker visa, plus a handful of alternative routes that can fit certain circumstances. This guide cuts through the noise, explains the actual options, shows what you can expect to pay, what you can earn and benefit, and how to navigate the process step-by-step with live, official references.
Bottom line up front: Carpenters and bricklayers can qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa if they have a licensed sponsor and meet salary and English requirements. There is no dedicated short-term construction visa; the UK’s Seasonal Worker route does not cover construction.
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## What changed—and why people are confused
Over the past two years, the UK changed a lot of immigration plumbing:
– The old Shortage Occupation List was replaced in April 2024 by the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which still gives limited salary discounts for a smaller set of roles. Many people heard “new list, new temporary visas,” and the rumour mill did the rest.
– In 2025, the government further increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas and updated what’s allowed for dependants, with new rules taking effect from 22 July 2025. Confusion about “temporary shortage” proposals added to the myth of a new short visa.
Despite headlines, construction is still routed through the Skilled Worker visa (or other established routes—not a newly created short visa).
## Are carpenters and bricklayers eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?
Yes—if your exact occupation code is on the eligible list and your job offer meets the rules. On the UK government’s “Your job” page for the Skilled Worker route, the Home Office explicitly notes that bricklayers, roofers and carpenters are eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, while general construction labourers are not. The full table of eligible SOC codes is published and updated on GOV.UK.
What that means for you: your job title and duties must match the relevant occupation code (for example, carpenters/joiners; bricklayers/masons). Sponsors will assign that occupation code on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If your duties don’t match, your application can be refused.
## The current salary landscape (2025)
The Skilled Worker route sets:
1. A general salary threshold (the minimum many applicants must meet), and
2. A “going rate” for each occupation code—your offered salary must be at least whichever is higher, unless an ISL discount or “new entrant” provisions apply.
As of mid-2025, the general threshold has risen (e.g., announcements and guidance point to increases from £38,700 to around £41,700 in some contexts, with transitional arrangements). Always check the latest official page—the threshold and going rates can move.
If your construction trade appears on the Immigration Salary List, a limited discount can apply to the salary requirement (generally 80% of the usual minimum, pro-rated to a 37.5-hour week). Not all construction roles are on the ISL; you must check your code.
Key takeaway: Don’t rely on hearsay. Verify your occupation code in the official Eligible Occupations table and compare the going rate and general threshold on GOV.UK before negotiating or accepting an offer.
## What you can do in the UK on the Skilled Worker visa
With a Skilled Worker visa you can work for your sponsor in the eligible job, study, travel, and—subject to meeting all rules—eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after a qualifying period (currently typically five years, though policy proposals and future changes can affect routes to settlement). You may also take supplementary work in certain circumstances.
Important note on dependants: The rules changed in 2024–2025. Care workers lost the ability to bring dependants (with narrow exceptions), and new restrictions now apply to “medium-skilled” roles sponsored after 22 July 2025 (transitional protections exist for those already in the route). Check the GOV.UK page “Your partner and children” and the latest policy notes before planning to relocate with family.
## Fees and costs you should budget for
You’ll need to plan for three main categories: visa application fee, healthcare surcharge, and maintenance funds.
### 1) Application fee
The standard Skilled Worker application fee ranges roughly from £769 to £1,751 depending on your circumstances (length of sponsorship, where you apply, whether your job is on the ISL). There’s a reduced fee if your job is on the Immigration Salary List. Exact fee tables are published by the Home Office and in the live visa-fee calculator.
### 2) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most Skilled Worker applicants pay £1,035 per year of the visa. The surcharge grants access to NHS services, similar to a UK resident. Some routes (e.g., Health & Care) are IHS-exempt; Skilled Worker construction roles are not.
### 3) Maintenance funds
Unless your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS (or you qualify through long-residence in the UK), you’ll usually need at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself on arrival, plus additional amounts for dependants if eligible.
Pro tip: Don’t forget priority or super-priority processing fees if you need speed; these can add £500 or £1,000 respectively on top of your application cost.
## What about a “short” or seasonal visa for builders?
The UK Seasonal Worker route is not for construction. It covers horticulture and poultry work and is time-limited (often up to six months for horticulture), with an entirely different sponsor system. Applying for a construction job under the seasonal route will fail. If someone is advertising a “short seasonal construction visa,” be extremely cautious.
There has also been discussion of a Temporary Shortage List in policy papers—this is not a live “short visa” you can apply for today. It’s part of ongoing policy consultations about how to manage shortages, and any such route would have strict conditions and finite eligibility if implemented. Always check the current Home Office rule changes rather than blog rumours.
## Citations
– https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
– https://www.gov.uk/immigration-salary-list
– https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations
– https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
