Huge Drop In Uk Visa Applications

22nd August 2024

Figure 1 shows that monthly numbers of Health and Care Worker visa applications from main applicants increased from 4,100 to 18,300 between February 2022 and August 2023, following the addition of care workers to the skilled worker visa. Applications have decreased since August 2023, falling to 2,900 in July 2024.

There were 10,800 applications between April and July 2024, following the policy changes affecting social care workers and their family members - an 81% decrease compared to the same 4 months in 2023.

Applications for dependants on the Health and Care Worker route increased in-line with main applicants, peaking at 23,300 in August 2023. Applications for dependants have decreased since December 2023, falling to 5,100 in July 2024.

There were 22,200 applications for dependents on the Health and Care route between April and July 2024 - a 71% decrease compared to the same 4 months in 2023.

In contrast, the monthly number of Skilled Worker visa applications from main applicants were broadly stable between January 2022 and March 2024 at around 6,000 applications per month. Applications increased to 10,100 in April 2024, before reducing again to 6,000 in July 2024.

There were 28,600 applications for Skilled Work visas between April and July 2024 - a 23% increase compared to the same 4 months in 2023.

Applications for dependants on the Skilled Worker route were broadly in-line with main applicants, peaking at 8,100 in January 2024, but were at 5,800 in July 2024. There were 23,400 applications between April and July 2024, a 26% increase compared to the same 4 months in 2023.

Read the full report HERE