Newly released Home Office data reveals that in 2024, the number of visas issued for work, study, family, and other routes dropped by 460,000. This decline was largely due to a significant decrease in health and care work visas and student dependant visas.

 

However, the data highlights decline across multiple work visa categories, likely reflecting the impact of restrictions introduced in April 2024. Notably, visa grants under the Skilled Worker route (excluding the health and care sector) dropped by 39% between July and December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

 

Family visas for partners of British citizens or permanent residents fell by 8% in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, following the increase in the minimum income requirement from £18,600 to £29,000.

Link to UK government website – Immigration system statistics, year ending December 2024 – GOV.UK

 

If you have any questions about your UK visa options—whether for sponsored work, family, study, or other routes—or if you’re unsure how the recent restrictions might affect you, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.