The United Kingdom Home Office has released provisional statistics on visa applications, focusing on individuals intending to enter the UK for work and study purposes. These figures provide an early insight into the trends shaped by recent policy changes.
The number of visa applications to work and study in the UK fell sharply by 42%, or nearly 400,000, after the implementation of migration restrictions aimed at reducing legal arrivals. Between April and December 2024, the Home Office recorded 547,000 applications, down from 942,500 during the same period in 2023, according to provisional data.
On December 4, 2023, the Home Office announced revisions to the Immigration Rules. Detailed updates followed on December 21, with the changes coming into effect after additional releases on February 19 and March 14. These modifications aim to streamline immigration processes but also influence application numbers.
Work Visas
Applications from main applicants for Sponsored Study visas totaled 407,900 between January and December 2024, a 14% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This decline comes amid policy adjustments aimed at refining the student visa process.
Meanwhile, sponsored study visas fell by 29%, from 546,100 in 2023 to 389,800 in 2024, raising financial concerns among universities already dealing with frozen domestic tuition fees.
Applications from dependents of students saw a sharp ..
Starting 1 January 2024, international students can no longer bring dependents unless enrolled in postgraduate research courses or programs with government-funded scholarships.
Effective 11 March 2024, social care workers from overseas will not be allowed to bring dependents, including partners and children, on their visas.
From 4 April 2024, the baseline general salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa has increased from £26,200 to £38,700. The “going rate” for specific job. Finally, from 11 April 2024, the minimum income required to sponsor a spouse or partner visa has risen from £18,600 to £29,000, making family reunification under this visa category more stringent.
Source: https://search.app/NdipfrPKTCtitbyX6
