UK’s Work, Study, and Family Visas Issuance Clearance Report Issued in March 2025

The UK Home Office has released its latest monthly monitoring report on entry clearance visa applications for February 2025, highlighting key trends in work, study, and family visa applications. If you are planning to apply for a UK visa, understanding these updates is crucial for a smoother process.

Work Visas: Declining Numbers and Increased Scrutiny

1# Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker Visas

• • The Health & Care Worker visa category saw a major decline. Applications peaked at 18,300 in August 2023 but have now dropped to just 1,700 in February 2025 due to stricter employer compliance measures and new policy restrictions introduced in Spring 2024.
  • Applications for Skilled Worker visas also dropped significantly, from 10,100 in April 2024 to 3,500 in February 2025.
  • Dependents of Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker applicants saw a similar decline following 2024 policy restrictions limiting their eligibility.

2# Temporary Work Visas (Youth Mobility & Seasonal Worker Visas)

• • Youth Mobility Scheme visa applications dropped by 8% compared to the previous year, despite the introduction of new initiatives such as the India Young Professionals Scheme.
  • Seasonal Worker visas remained stable, with 36,800 applications in February 2025, marking a 7% increase from 2024. This suggests continued demand for temporary agricultural and hospitality sector roles.

Study Visas: Sharp Decline Following Policy Changes

• • The number of Sponsored Study Visa applications decreased by 12% compared to February 2024.
  • A dramatic 86% drop was recorded in applications for dependants of international students following the January 2024 rule change, which now only allows dependants for students enrolled in postgraduate research or government-funded programs.
  • The policy changes appear to be discouraging international students who previously relied on the ability to bring family members while studying in the UK.

Family Visas: Income Requirement Changes Impact Applications

• • Family visa applications surged in early 2024 before the UK government’s income requirement increase took effect in April 2024.
  • Applications peaked at 12,700 in April 2024 but declined significantly to 6,600 by February 2025.
  • Family Reunion visas (for spouses and children of refugees) saw an increase in late 2024, helping offset the overall decline in standard family visa applications.

What UK Visa Seekers Should Know About March 2025 Update?

• • Skilled workers and healthcare professionals should prepare for more scrutiny on employer compliance and potential delays.
  • International students must consider the impact of dependent restrictions before applying for a UK study visa.
  • Families applying for visas must ensure they meet the new financial thresholds and prepare for fluctuating processing times.

Next UK Visa Clearance Update Will Announce in April 2025

The UK Home Office will release its next visa monitoring update on April 10, 2025.

March 2025 update: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/monthly-entry-clearance-visa-applications-february-2025/monthly-monitoring-of-entry-clearance-visa-applications-february-2025.