UK visa applications from Indian students & workers fall sharply due to stricter scrutiny & immigration policy changes

After the United States tightened its visa guidelines, immigration policy changes within the United Kingdom have resulted in sharp fall in applications from Indian students and workers.

In the Skilled Worker visa class, applications, which hovered at round 6,000 per thirty days till 2024, dropped to 4,900 in July 2025, information from the UK Home Office confirmed.

In the Health and Care Worker class, applications, which peaked at 18,300 in August 2023, have plunged to simply 1,300 in July 2025, whereas applications from dependants additionally plunged from 23,300 to 4,900 over the identical interval.

The steep decline in visa applications follows stricter scrutiny of employers within the well being care and different sectors, compliance checks, and policy changes carried out in Spring 2024.

Indian students migration

Indian students migration has additionally been affected due to the policy changes in January 2024.

The variety of sponsored examine visa applications from major candidates stood at 428,900 within the 12 months ending July 2025, down 3% a 12 months in the past. Applications from scholar dependants slumped 86% after the brand new guidelines restricted dependants to postgraduate analysis students or these with government-funded scholarships.

Family visa numbers

The variety of household visa applications stood at 8,100 in July 2025, up from 7,500 in December 2023, however down from 12,700 in April 2024.

Temporary work visas

Under the short-term work visa class, the Youth Mobility Scheme noticed a ten% fall in visa applications to 22,200 within the 12 months ending July 2025, whereas Seasonal Worker visas rose 9% to 38,600, constrained by annual quotas.

Visa applications could fall additional

In July, the UK authorities had printed a sweeping Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.

The new measures goal the Skilled Worker route, which is the pathway for migrant professionals.

For employers and licensed sponsors, the changes will possible have a major impression on hiring methods, visa processing, and long-term workforce planning.

According to the brand new guidelines, the minimal abilities threshold for Skilled Worker roles will rise considerably. All roles should now be at RQF Level 6 —equal to a bachelor’s diploma.

Salary thresholds have additionally been elevated throughout a number of work visa classes from £38,700 to £41,700 per 12 months.