Number of UK visa applications falls by more than a third in a year
The number of UK visa applications have dropped by more than a third (37%) to 772,200 applicants in the year to March 2025, according to Home Office data. In the preceding 12 months, nearly 1.24 million visa applications were received.
The figures reveal a significant fall in applications across major UK visa categories, including work, study, and family visas, likely reflecting the impact of stricter immigration rules introduced in early 2024.
Last year, the previous Conservative government introduced a raft of changes to the Immigration Rules that were designed to bring down peak levels of net migration. This included a ban on overseas care workers and students bringing family members to the UK with them, and a 48% increase in the Skilled Worker salary threshold, which now stands at £38,700.
The latest figures suggest that net migration will have dropped significantly by the time the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes its next update in May.
Researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, Dr Ben Brindle, said: “The tightening of immigration rules under the previous government has led to a sharp decline in visa applications over the past year.
This was driven primarily by a fall in applications from health and care workers’ and students’ family members – most of whom now cannot come to the UK.
Main applications from health and care workers also fell, possibly reflecting fewer vacancies and government focus on exploitation in the sector.”
However, Dr Brindle added that despite these declines, applications from non-EU nationals remain well above pre-Brexit levels and as of mid-2024, overall net migration was also still much higher than it had been before Brexit.
Health and Care Worker visas
The most dramatic decline was seen in applications from overseas health and care workers and their families. These applications plummeted by 78%, from 359,300 in 2023/24 to just 80,700 in 2024/25.
This decrease can be attributed to the ban on overseas care worker dependants introduced by the previous government.
Skilled Worker visas
Dr Brindle said that applications for work visas related to jobs outside of the health and care sector fell less than expected, suggesting that the higher salary threshold means that many employers are “simply paying workers more”.
The number of main applicants for Skilled Worker visas dropped by 16% year on year, while applications for their dependants decreased by 13%.
This slight decrease could be driven by some employers filling job roles through other means or leaving them unfilled altogether, in response to the higher salary requirements under the Skilled Worker route.
Student visas and student dependants
The data also highlights a drop in Student visa applications and, more significantly, student dependants.
Applications by family members of sponsored study visa holders fell by a staggering 83% compared to the previous year. Student visa applications from main applicants showed a more modest decline of just 11%.
The previous government introduced a change in January 2024 that banned international students from bringing family members with them to the UK, except for those studying postgraduate research courses or those with government-funded scholarships.
Where can I find the latest UK visa statistics?
For a more detailed look at these figures, please download the latest Home Office statistics available here. The monthly entry clearance visa data covers UK visa applications for people arriving in the country for work, study and family reasons.
These statistics will be updated on a monthly ongoing basis whilst the Home Office reviews the user need for monthly updates. The quarterly Immigration system statistics provide detailed information on visa applications and outcomes.
If you require support with any aspect of UK immigration or visa sponsorship, please contact Smith Stone Walters today.
