UK Work Visa and Family Visa Applications Decline After 2025 Changes - Study Visas Unaffected

UK Work and Family Visa Applications Fall After Rule Changes; Study Visas Remain Steady

Health and Care Worker Visas See Steep Decline

One of the most significant changes in 2025 has been the decline in Health and Care Worker visa applications. According to provisional Home Office data, applications from main applicants dropped drastically from 18,300 in August 2023 to just 1,300 in July 2025. The decline began in March 2024, when compliance checks on employers were tightened, and international recruitment restrictions were introduced.

Dependants mirrored this trend, with numbers falling from a peak of 23,300 in August 2023 to 4,900 in July 2025. The new rules announced on 12 May 2025 officially ended overseas recruitment for care workers. However, those already in the UK on this route may still switch to another visa category until July 2028.

Skilled Worker Visas Face Stricter Requirements

The Skilled Worker visa category has also been affected. Applications for main applicants remained steady at around 6,000 per month until early 2024, before peaking at 10,100 in April 2024. Since then, numbers have gradually declined to 4,900 in July 2025, with dependants recording 5,300 applications.

From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill threshold was raised to RQF level 6 (graduate-level roles), and the salary requirement increased from £38,700 to £41,700. While certain positions on the Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List are exempt, the overall trend points to reduced accessibility for many applicants.

Temporary Work Visas: Mixed Outcomes

Temporary visa categories showed mixed patterns. Applications for the Youth Mobility Scheme fell 10% year-on-year, reaching 22,200 by July 2025. This includes the India Young Professionals Scheme, launched in February 2023.

By contrast, Seasonal Worker visas grew by 9% year-on-year, with 38,600 applications, staying within the typical quota range of 30,000–40,000. These visas remain popular but do not allow dependants.

Study Visas Hold Steady, But Dependants Drop

Despite tighter rules on dependants, UK study visas have remained stable. Sponsored study visa applications from main applicants stood at 428,900 in the year ending July 2025, just 3% lower than the previous year. Application peaks continue in August and December, aligning with academic cycles.

However, dependant applications have fallen sharply to 20,200, an 86% drop from December 2023 levels. This is due to the January 2024 restriction preventing most international students from bringing dependants, except for postgraduate researchers and those on government-funded scholarships.

Family Visa Applications Fluctuate

The UK family visa category has seen fluctuations linked to income requirements. After rising from 7,500 in December 2023 to 12,700 in April 2024, applications dropped to 5,100 in June 2024. Numbers have since partially recovered, reaching 8,100 in July 2025.

The Home Office’s decision to increase income requirements has made it harder for many families to reunite in the UK, sparking criticism from migrant rights groups.

Conclusion: Stricter Immigration Policies Reshape UK Visa Trends

The UK government’s Restoring Control over the Immigration System white paper, published in May 2025, has significantly reshaped migration patterns. With stricter compliance checks, higher skill and salary thresholds, and restrictions on dependant applications, overall visa numbers have fallen across several categories. While study visas remain steady, the sharp decline in Health and Care Worker visas highlights the challenges posed by the new system.

For prospective applicants, understanding these UK immigration rule changes in 2025 is essential before planning a move. Whether for work, study, or family reunification, staying updated on the latest requirements will be key to navigating the UK’s evolving visa system.