September 17th, 2024 at 04:13 am

Surge in UK Immigration: Spike in Work, Study, and Family Visa Applications

New immigration statistics for the year ending in June 2024 have been made public by the UK government, and they show adjustments to the number of work, study, and family visas granted. Learn about the changes in visa trends, including a decline in health worker visas and an increase in citizenship applications.

The United Kingdom has released its most recent immigration data, which includes visas granted for family, work, and study purposes in the year that ends in June 2024. This extensive research identifies important patterns in the issuance of visas, including notable modifications to particular visa categories.

Overview of UK Visa Grants

1.16 million visas were granted by the UK for employment, study, and family (including dependents) purposes in the year that ended in June 2024. These numbers include temporary and permanent visas, as well as modifications, extensions, and grants of settlement or citizenship for individuals who are already in the UK.

Work Visa Trends

Although there has been an increase in the total number of work visas issued, there are noticeable variations among particular categories. There was a notable decrease of 26% in the ‘Health and Care Worker’ visa category as compared to the prior year. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of other work visas, like “Skilled Worker” and “Temporary Worker.”

1. The overall decrease in work visas

In all, 286,382 work visas were awarded to primary applicants across a range of categories, an 11% drop from the year prior. This number is still 109% greater than 2019 levels, though.

2. Visas for Health and Care Workers See Large Drop

The number of visas awarded under the “Health and Care Worker” category dropped dramatically to 89,095—a 26% decrease from the previous year. Comparing the most recent quarter (April to June 2024) to the same period in 2023, there was an 81% decrease.

3. Visa Numbers for Skilled Workers

Since 2021, the number of visas granted to primary applicants under the more general “Worker” category—which encompasses visas for skilled workers—has more than doubled. But with 88,653 visas issued in this category over the previous year, there has been a tiny 3% decline.

4. Dependents of Work Visa Holders

A total of 260,392 work visas were granted to dependents of visa holders; dependents of healthcare workers received 69% of these visas.

5. Temporary Workers and Seasonal Labor

A total of 77,419 temporary worker visas were issued by the UK, comprising 24,091 under the Youth Mobility Scheme and 34,332 grants for seasonal workers.

Study Visa Trends

The UK’s educational institutions continue to attract a substantial number of international students. Over the previous year, the number of sponsored study visas granted to international students rose by 13% to 432,225. For these students, master ‘s-level courses continue to be the most popular option.

1. Fewer Study Visas Issued in 2024

International students received 432,225 sponsored study visas in the year that ended in June 2024. Although this is a 13% drop from the year before, the number is still 61% greater than it was in 2019.

2. Masters-Level Courses Dominate

Sixty-five percent of student visas were granted for master’s degree programs. Furthermore, in the first half of 2024, the number of visas for dependent students fell precipitously by 81%, while the number of visas for primary applicants fell by 23% during the same period.

Family Visas Are Growing Significantly

Family-related visa applications have increased significantly—by 40% over the previous year. This suggests that immigration and family reunions are on the rise.

1. Surge in Family Visa Applications

With 98,906 visas issued, family-related visa applications witnessed a significant 40% increase in the year ending in June 2024. Those with family visas typically remain in the UK for longer than those on work or study visas.

2. Higher Likelihood of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

According to the Migrant Journey 2023 report, the likelihood of acquiring ILR is significantly higher for persons who are on family visas. 62% of individuals who arrived in 2007 on family visas were able to obtain permanent residence after five years, and 83% after ten.

Settlement and Citizenship Grants

• Settlement Grants on the Risel: In the year ending in June 2024, the UK issued 137,020 settlement visas, a 17% rise from the year before.
• Increase in British Citizenship Applications: Compared to 180,243 the previous year, a remarkable 37% more individuals were awarded British citizenship, totaling 246,488.

Conclusion

The UK immigration scene underwent several shifts in the year that ended in June 2024, including significant drops in several types of work and study visas but an increase in family visas and awards of British citizenship. These numbers show the continuous changes in the immigration laws of the United Kingdom as well as the rising desire for permanent residency and settlement possibilities.