The latest Home Office statistics on UK visa applications up to February 2025 provide insight into key trends across work, study and family visa routes. These provisional figures reflect the evolving immigration landscape, shaped by government policies and compliance measures.
Skilled Worker visas
Applications for the Health and Care Worker visa saw a rapid rise after care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List in 2022 and 2023, but have since declined due to increased scrutiny on employers and new policy measures, including restrictions on bringing dependants to the UK. A similar pattern was observed for dependants, with a peak followed by a significant drop in applications.
In contrast, Skilled Worker visa applications remained relatively stable over time, with a temporary spike before a gradual decrease. Applications for dependants followed a similar trend.
Temporary work routes
The Youth Mobility Scheme and Seasonal Worker visa routes follow seasonal trends. Applications for the Youth Mobility Scheme have decreased slightly compared to the previous year, while Seasonal Worker visa applications have remained steady, reflecting the impact of the annual quota system.
Study visas
The sponsored study visa category continues to follow a seasonal application pattern, peaking annually in August and December. However, overall applications declined in 2024 compared to the previous year.
A notable shift occurred in applications for dependants of students, which dropped sharply following new rules introduced in January 2024. These changes restrict dependants to postgraduate research students and those on government-funded scholarships.
Family visas
The number of Family visa applications increased after the announcement of higher income requirements in December 2023. However, following the implementation of these new rules, applications dropped significantly. By the latter half of 2024, numbers stabilised, largely due to an increase in Family Reunion visa applications, which allow partners and children of refugees to join their families in the UK.
Looking ahead
The evolving visa landscape highlights the impact of recent policy changes on UK immigration. The next update, scheduled for 10 April 2025, will provide further insights into these trends. As the UK government continues adjusting immigration policies, applicants and employers should stay informed to navigate the changing regulatory environment effectively.
Updated: 18 March 2025
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