According to the UK, new figures suggest that overall new migration is falling and this downward trend is due to continue.
In 2025, there were a total of 737,100 visa applicants across all categories in 2025, a drop from 840,000 in 2024.
Below are some figures to illustrate the changes for different visa categories:
- 61,000 applied for a care worker visa in 2025, either as a main applicant or dependant, down from the 123,300 in the 12 months to December 2024.
- Number of migrants applying for skilled worker visas stood at 85,500 down 36% year on year from 132,700
- Applicants for family visas fell from 91,900 to 81,200, with numbers showing a marked drop towards the end of 2025.
- Seasonal worker and sponsored study applications increased by 8% (2,900) and 4% (17,400) respectively, but overall, more than 103,000 fewer visas were issued across all routes.
The drop in applications can be attributed to the recent changes in Immigration Rules which greatly restrict the arrival of individuals from abroad in the UK. For instance, there has been a recent increase of the English language requirements, and the minimum salary for skilled workers has risen from £38,700 to £41,700.
Is this trend a surprise? Arguably no. These changes are a continuation on some of the restrictions where were by the previous Conservative Government – it was under them we saw an increase in the salary threshold for skilled worker or family visa applicants. For instance, the financial requirement for spouse visa applications was £18,600 previously and increased in 2024 to £29,000.
Are they likely to continue? Yes, and we are already aware of further plans aimed to further reduce the level of migration, which includes doubling the time migrants must wait before applying for settlement in the UK, and the recent Part-suitability rules further deterring individuals from submitting applications in fear of refusals.
