UK Issues 286,382 Work Visas and 432,225 Student Visas Over the Past Year: Official Data
The UK government recently published its immigration data for the year ending June 2024, revealing a total of 1.16 million visas granted across work, study, family, and dependent categories.
The UK government recently published its immigration data for the year ending June 2024, revealing a total of 1.16 million visas granted across work, study, family, and dependent categories. While the report highlighted significant decreases in key visa categories, it also underscored a substantial rise in the number of British citizenships granted during the same period.
Decline in Work Visas
A total of 286,382 work visas were issued to main applicants across various categories in the year ending June 2024. This figure represents an 11% decrease from the previous year, though it remains more than double the number recorded in 2019.The ‘Health and Care Worker’ category saw a notable decline, with only 89,095 visas granted—a 26% drop from the prior year. The second quarter of 2024 (April to June) saw an even sharper decline, with an 81% reduction in visas compared to the same period in 2023.The ‘Skilled Worker’ category, which has grown substantially since 2021, experienced a minor 3% drop in the year ending June 2024, with 88,653 visas issued.Dependants of workers also accounted for a significant portion of visas, with 260,392 issued in the same period. Of these, 69% were dependents of health and care workers. Meanwhile, the number of ‘Temporary Worker’ visas stood at 77,419, with 34,332 granted to seasonal workers and 24,091 issued under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Student Visa Figures
The UK granted 432,225 sponsored study visas to international students in the year ending June 2024. This represents a 13% decrease compared to the previous year, though the figure remains 61% higher than in 2019. Notably, 65% of these visas were issued for master's level courses.The issuance of visas to student dependents dropped sharply during the first half of 2024, with only 11,675 visas granted between January and June—a decline of 81% compared to the same period in 2023. During this time, main applicants also saw a 23% reduction in study visa approvals.
Rise in Family Visas
In contrast to the declines in work and study visas, family-related visa applications surged, with 98,906 granted in the year ending June 2024, marking a 40% increase from the previous year.According to the 2023 Migrant Journey report, individuals arriving in the UK through family visa routes are more likely to settle long-term. Of those entering via family routes since 2007, 62% had been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) within five years, and 83% after 10 years. In comparison, only 21% of work visa holders and 7% of student visa holders obtain ILR after a decade.
Settlement and Citizenship
The UK granted settlement status to 137,020 individuals in the year ending June 2024, a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, British citizenship was granted to 246,488 people during the same period, reflecting a 37% rise from the year ending June 2023, when 180,243 individuals obtained citizenship.
Humanitarian Routes
In terms of humanitarian efforts, 93,342 individuals were offered safe and legal routes to enter or remain in the UK during the year ending June 2024. However, this figure represents a 39% decline from the previous year, largely due to a decrease in the use of Ukraine Scheme Visas and extensions.The UK’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, with the latest data reflecting both tightening visa policies and increasing pathways to citizenship and settlement.
