Why do people move to the UK? Key insights from the latest 2025 immigration statistics

People move to the UK for a variety of reasons, from those wanting to pursue employment and study opportunities to those seeking family reunion and humanitarian protection.

Data published by the Home Office states that in the year ending June 2025 there were 134.8 million arrivals to the UK, with around 56% of these being returning British citizens.

Study-related reasons for moving to the UK

Among the non-British citizen and visitor arrivals, student visa holders took the top spot. Indeed, around 436,000 sponsored study visas were granted in the year ending June 2025. This represents around a 4% drop on the number of student admissions in the previous year, ending June 2024. The reduced numbers may be a reflection of the recent changes in the law regarding dependants, who may no longer travel to the UK with the majority of student visa holders.

Work-related reasons for moving to the UK

Work visas comprised the second biggest category of visas issued in 2025, with around 182,000 of those being granted to main applicants. This figure represents a 36% decrease from last year, with the fall most likely due to a recent overhaul of the Health and Care visa sub-category. Figures for Temporary Work categories, however, such as the Creative Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme visas, have remained relatively stable.

Family-related reasons for moving to the UK

Next were family visas: in the year ending June 2025, the UK saw a total of 76,327 such applications, with around 71,000 of those being ultimately granted. The figures reflect a surge in applications ahead of the rise of the minimum income requirement from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024.

Other reasons for coming to the UK

Under 0.5% of arrivals to the UK came on safe and legal humanitarian routes. Irregular arrivals accounted for 49,000 people in the year ending June 2025.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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