Key Takeaways
- The UK saw a significant 37% decrease in visa applications in the year ending March 2025.
- Applications for the health and care sector dropped by a dramatic 78%.
- Applications from student dependents fell 83%, following the January 2024 ban on most family members accompanying students.
- Chinese nationals overtook Indians as the top recipients of UK study visas in 2024, with 102,940 visas granted.
UK Immigration Statistics: A Year of Sharp Decline and Changing Trends
Recent Home Office data revealed by the Independent UK shows a substantial decline in UK visa applications, reflecting the tangible impact of stricter immigration policies introduced in early 2024.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, the number of visa applications submitted dropped from nearly 1.24 million to 772,200—a stark 37% decrease.
These numbers are likely to fall again in 2025 as the UK government has already started a new stricter policy from 9 April.
Stricter Rules, Lower Numbers
The UK government’s recent approach to immigration focuses on reducing overall numbers while prioritizing high-skilled migrants. The most notable changes include:
- Raising the salary threshold for skilled workers to £38,700 annually (~$50,639 or €44,506)
- Restricting dependents from accompanying students and care workers
- Banning overseas care workers, significantly impact the health and care sector
These policies are designed to tighten control over non-essential immigration, but their consequences are evident in the numbers.
Visa Application Trends by Category (2023/24 vs. 2024/25)
Student dependent applications fell by 83 per cent, whereas main student visa applications to 11 percent during the period between 2024 and 2025.
| Visa Category | 2023/24 Applications | 2024/25 Applications | % Change |
| Total Applications | 1,240,000 | 772,200 | -37% |
| Health & Care Worker Visas | 359,300 | 80,700 | -78% |
Who’s Applying – and Who’s Not?
The most significant decline in applications came from historically high-volume countries:
Countries with Declining Applications
- India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan all recorded substantial drops, averaging 37%.
- Sponsored study visas from India alone fell by 14%, contributing to India’s loss of the top spot among study visa applicants.
China: A Notable Exception
In contrast, China has experienced a surge in study visa applications. In 2024, 102,940 Chinese students received UK study visas—making them the largest cohort, ahead of India, Pakistan, and Nigeria. This shift illustrates a changing landscape in international student demographics.
Policy Shifts That Changed the Game
Several key policy changes introduced in January 2024 have contributed directly to the drop in application numbers:
- Family Restrictions: Students are no longer allowed to bring dependents unless enrolled in postgraduate research or government-funded programs.
- Skilled Worker Salary Hike: The threshold was raised to £38,700, limiting eligibility to higher earners.
- Care Worker Ban: A decisive move to stop overseas care workers has caused a 78% drop in health and care visa applications.
Net Migration Also Falls
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in November that net migration dropped to 728,000 in the year to June 2024, a 20% decrease from the record high of 906,000 the year before. This aligns with the trends in reduced visa applications and suggests a broader government effort to reduce overall migration figures.
What’s Next for UK Immigration?
The long-term impact of these immigration reforms remains to be seen. While the government aims to control migration more tightly, the evolving demographics—such as the rise of Chinese students—signal potential shifts in the UK’s global relationships and educational exports.
As the UK balances economic needs with political goals, immigration statistics will continue to reflect not just numbers, but the deeper story of global movement, policy strategy, and societal change.