The UK Home Office has released its uk visa issuance data for March 2025, offering insights into recent trends in work, study, and family visa applications. These trends reflect the impact of recent policy changes on migration patterns.
Work Visas: Health and Care Worker Applications Decline
Applications for the Health and Care Worker visa experienced a sharp decline. Between February 2022 and August 2023, applications soared from 4,100 to 18,300, as care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List. However, following policy changes in 2024 that restricted dependants for social care workers, applications dropped significantly to 2,400 by March 2024 and stabilized at 1,900 in January 2025, showing an 81% decrease compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, Skilled Worker visa applications remained relatively stable, averaging around 6,000 per month from January 2022 to March 2024, with a brief increase to 10,100 in April 2024. By January 2025, applications had decreased to 4,000, reflecting a 10% drop compared to the previous year.
Study Visas: A Major Decline in Dependant Applications
Applications from dependants of student visa holders plummeted by 84%. In the year ending January 2025, only 21,500 dependant applications were recorded, a stark contrast to the previous year. This significant decline followed the January 2024 rule change that restricted most students—except postgraduates in research courses or government-funded scholars—from bringing dependants.
Family Visas: Shifts in Response to Policy Changes
Family visa applications saw notable fluctuations. Applications surged from 7,500 in December 2023 to 12,700 in April 2024, driven by expectations around a new income requirement policy. However, after the policy took effect, applications dropped significantly, returning to 2023 levels in the latter part of the year. February 2025 saw 6,600 applications, reflecting the effects of stricter financial thresholds.
Policy Changes Impacting the Trends
Several key policy updates have influenced these trends. In January 2024, most international students lost the ability to bring dependants. In March 2024, dependants were banned for overseas social care workers. Additionally, in April 2024, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas was raised from £26,200 to £38,700. These policy shifts aim to manage migration levels while promoting economic sustainability in the UK.
