The number of foreign skilled workers and Health and Care Worker visas issued in the UK has declined significantly over the last ten months ending January 2025. The Home Office’s policy changes, stricter compliance measures, and new salary thresholds have all contributed to the downward trend.
Between April 2024 and January 2025, there were:
- 23,200 Health and Care visa applications, an 81% decrease from the same period in 2023.
- 54,900 Skilled Worker visa applications, 10% lower than the previous year.
- 46,700 dependant applications, marking a 7% decrease.
How Have Health and Care Worker Visa Applications Changed?
Initially, when care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List, applications surged from 4,100 in February 2022 to 18,300 in August 2023. However, this demand has now fallen.
Key declines in Health and Care Worker visa applications:
- Dropped to 2,400 in March 2024 and remained stable.
- Only 1,900 applications were filed in January 2025.
- Overall 81% decline in applications compared to 2023.
This sharp drop is largely due to new immigration rules implemented in March 2024, which banned migrant care workers from bringing dependants to the UK. This restriction has made the visa less attractive, leading to a major decline in applications.
What Factors Are Impacting Skilled Worker Visa Applications?
The Skilled Worker visa route has also been affected by policy changes, but the decline is less severe than in the health sector.
Key statistics for Skilled Worker visas (April 2024 – January 2025):
- Monthly applications were stable at 6,000 until March 2024.
- A temporary spike to 10,100 in April 2024 before returning to normal levels.
- 4,000 applications in January 2025, marking a decline.
While the 10% drop in applications is moderate, it reflects the growing financial burden on employers and stricter regulations.
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What Are the New UK Immigration Rules in 2024?
Several major immigration reforms came into effect in 2024, impacting international workers and their families.
| Policy Change | Effective Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ban on dependants for most international students | 1 January 2024 | Only postgraduate research students and those with government-funded scholarships can bring dependants. |
| Ban on dependants for social care workers | 11 March 2024 | Migrant care workers can no longer bring partners or children on their visa. |
| Increase in Skilled Worker visa salary threshold | 4 April 2024 | Minimum salary raised from £26,200 to £38,700. |
| Introduction of Immigration Salary List | 4 April 2024 | Shortage occupation list reduced and renamed. |
| Increase in spouse/partner visa income requirement | 11 April 2024 | Sponsor’s income requirement increased from £18,600 to £29,000. |
These changes have significantly impacted visa applicants and their families, contributing to the overall decline in applications.
How Have Applications for Dependants Changed?
Since December 2023, applications for dependants on work visas have also dropped sharply:
- Fell to 4,000 in January 2025.
- Dependant applications for Skilled Worker visas were 7% lower than the previous year.
The ban on dependants for social care workers and international students has directly caused this decline, making the UK less attractive for migrant families.
What’s Next for UK Immigration and Skilled Worker Visas?
While the UK government aims to control net migration, businesses in healthcare and skilled sectors are facing challenges in hiring talent.
Possible future changes to watch:
- Further adjustments to salary thresholds for sponsored visas.
- Additional restrictions on dependants for other visa categories.
- Review of shortage occupation lists to address labour market gaps.
Employers and applicants should stay updated on policy changes to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
FAQs
Why have Health and Care Worker visa applications declined?
The UK banned migrant care workers from bringing dependants in March 2024, leading to an 81% drop in applications.
What is the new salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa?
From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary increased from £26,200 to £38,700, making sponsorship more expensive for employers.
Can international students bring dependants in 2025?
Only students in postgraduate research programs or those with government-funded scholarships can bring dependants.
How many Skilled Worker visa applications were filed in 2025?
Between April 2024 and January 2025, there were 54,900 Skilled Worker visa applications, 10% fewer than the previous year.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.