Over the past two years, the UK has seen significant shifts across various visa categories, reflecting the impact of evolving immigration policies. A particularly sharp change has been observed in the Health and Care Worker visa route. After reaching a peak of 18,300 main applicants in August 2023—driven largely by the addition of care workers to the Shortage Occupation List—the number of applications dropped steeply to just 1,700 by April 2025. This decline followed increased enforcement actions against non-compliant employers and the tightening of eligibility rules in early 2024. Dependent applications in this category mirrored the trend, falling from a high of 23,300 to 4,100 during the same period.
The general Skilled Worker visa has shown more stability but is not immune to the downturn. Monthly application numbers held steady at around 6,000 between early 2022 and early 2024, before jumping to 10,100 in April 2024—a likely response to anticipated rule changes. By April 2025, the figures had fallen again to 3,500, and applications from dependents declined to around 4,000. These changes reflect a more rigorous and competitive application environment, emphasizing the need for applicants and sponsoring employers to ensure full compliance and precision in documentation.
In the area of temporary work, demand continues to follow seasonal patterns. The number of applications for Seasonal Worker visas rose sharply in April 2025 to 10,400, consistent with annual spring peaks. Over the year ending April 2025, a total of 39,200 such visas were issued—representing a 4% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Youth Mobility Scheme, including the India Young Professionals Scheme, received 22,100 applications, an 11% decline year over year. Despite the drop, this visa route remains a popular choice for eligible young adults seeking short-term work and living experiences in the UK.
Student visa trends are also undergoing noticeable change. In the year leading up to April 2025, 422,200 main applicant study visas were issued—a 10% reduction compared to the previous year. However, the most dramatic impact has been on dependent applications. New regulations introduced in January 2024 restricted most international students from bringing family members, except in limited cases such as those pursuing postgraduate research or on government-funded scholarships. As a result, dependent applications plunged by 87%, with only 1,000 filed in April 2025 compared to 25,100 in August 2023.
Family visas have also experienced fluctuations. When the UK government announced in December 2023 that the minimum income requirement for sponsoring family members would be raised, applications spiked to 12,700 in April 2024 as applicants rushed to file before the new rules came into force. Following the change, numbers dropped to 6,900 in May 2024. As of April 2025, applications have edged back up to 7,100, partly due to an increase in Refugee Family Reunion applications, which permit spouses and children of those granted refugee status in the UK to join them.
Across all visa categories, the data points to a more controlled and policy-driven immigration system. Applicants are increasingly required to meet stricter eligibility standards and should stay informed about upcoming regulatory changes to avoid disruptions in their application process.
UK Visa Applications – April 2025 Overview
| Visa Category | Main Applicants | Dependants | Total Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 3,500 | 4,000 | 7,500 |
| Health and Care Worker | 1,700 | 4,100 | 5,800 |
| Sponsored Study | 14,800 | 1,000 | 15,800 |
| Family (All Types) | – | – | 7,100 |
| Seasonal Worker | 10,400 | N/A | 10,400 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | 2,800 | N/A | 2,800 |
