Between February 2022 and August 2023, the number of Health and Care Worker visa applications from main applicants rose significantly, from 4,100 to 18,300, due to the inclusion of care workers on the Shortage Occupation List. However, applications declined after August 2023, dropping to 2,000 by December 2024.
From April to December 2024, there were 21,300 applications from main applicants for Health and Care visas, a sharp 82% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This decline followed changes in policy for social care workers and their families in March 2024, as well as increased scrutiny and compliance actions by the Home Office in the health and social care sectors.
Applications for dependants under the Health and Care Worker route mirrored trends seen in main applicants, peaking at 23,300 in August 2023. However, by December 2024, dependant applications had fallen to 3,900. From April to December 2024, there were 42,500 dependant applications, down 76% from the same period in 2023.
In comparison, Skilled Worker visa applications from main applicants remained steady between January 2022 and March 2024, averaging 6,000 per month. A temporary surge occurred in April 2024, reaching 10,100, before dropping again to 4,200 in December 2024. Between April and December 2024, 50,900 Skilled Worker visa applications were submitted, representing a 6% decrease from the same period in 2023.
Applications for dependants on the Skilled Worker route were generally consistent with main applicant trends
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