UK Migration: How Many Come to Work and Study?
The number of people granted visas to work, study, or join family in the UK dropped in the year to June 2025, according to new Home Office figures.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that net migration to the UK fell by almost 50%, reaching 431,000 in 2024, compared with 860,000 in 2023. Provisional estimates suggest that 948,000 people arrived in the UK in 2024 intending to stay at least a year, while 517,000 left.
Of those who moved to the UK during the 12 months to December 2024:
- 60,000 (6%) were British nationals
- 122,000 (13%) were from the EU and associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland)
- Around 766,000 (81%) were from non-EU countries, with Indians forming the largest group coming for work or study
The data also shows a net outflow of 96,000 EU nationals and 17,000 more British citizens leaving than returning.
Government Measures to Cut Immigration
In May 2025, the government outlined further steps to reduce immigration, including:
- Mandatory English language tests for all visa applicants and adult dependents
- Higher qualification and salary thresholds for skilled worker visas
- Reducing the post-study work period for international graduates to 18 months (down from two years)
- Increasing the residency requirement for permanent settlement from five to 10 years
- Encouraging employers to invest in domestic talent
- Tougher measures to deny entry or asylum to those who break immigration rules
Salary Thresholds and the Points-Based System
Since April 2024, most skilled worker visa applicants must meet a salary threshold of at least £38,700, up from £26,200. Health and social care roles remain exempt.
Under the UK’s points-based system, applicants must score 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa, which is typically valid for up to five years. A job offer at the required skill level and English proficiency accounts for 50 points, while the remaining 20 can come from higher salaries, shortage occupations, or a relevant PhD.
Visa fees range from £719 to £1,639, with applicants also required to pay a healthcare surcharge.