UK Work and Study Visas Decline Sharply Amid Immigration Crackdown

In the 2024–25 period, the United Kingdom experienced a significant reduction in the issuance of work and study visas to non-immigrants. This decline reflects the impact of recent policy changes aimed at controlling immigration and reducing net migration.

Work Visas

The UK granted 192,000 work visas to main applicants in the year ending March 2025, marking a 39% decrease compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of Health and Care Worker visas granted fell by 85%, from a peak of 23,000 in 2023 to just 3,500 in 2025. This sharp decline is attributed to stricter eligibility criteria and limitations on dependents accompanying workers.

Study Visas

The number of sponsored study visas issued to international students decreased to 403,000 in the year ending March 2025, a 10% drop from the previous year. A significant factor contributing to this decline was the restriction on student dependents. In the year ending March 2025, only 18,000 student dependent visas were granted, an 83% reduction compared to the previous year. These changes have led to a decrease in the number of international students choosing the UK as a study destination.

Family Visas

Family-related visas also saw a decline, with 76,000 grants in the year ending March 2025, a 3% decrease from the previous year. The reduction in partner visas by 17% and the increase in Refugee Family Reunion visas by 75% indicate shifting patterns in family migration.

Settlement and Citizenship

Despite the overall decline in visa grants, the number of individuals granted settlement in the UK increased by 33% to 173,000 in the year ending March 2025. This rise is primarily due to the higher number of individuals on work routes, particularly the Skilled Worker route, who transitioned to settlement status. Additionally, citizenship grants have seen a sharp increase, rising from 129,000 in the year ending March 2021 to 269,000 in the year ending March 2025.

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