Applications for several major UK work and study visa have fallen significantly, according to the latest Home Office statistics. The figures highlight the impact of immigration policy changes on employers, international students and individuals seeking opportunities in the UK.
Published on 8 October 2026, the Home Office’s Monthly Entry Clearance Visa Applications, September 2026 report examines application trends across Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, temporary work and sponsored study routes. The statistics cover the year ending September 2026.
Skilled Worker Visa Applications Fall by 43%
According to the Home Office, there were 26,400 Skilled Worker visa applications from main applicants in the year ending September 2026, representing a 43% decrease compared with the previous year.
Applications from Skilled Worker dependants also declined by 25%, falling to 35,500. The reduction follows substantial changes to the Skilled Worker route, including higher salary requirements, stricter occupational eligibility and additional restrictions on dependant sponsorship.
Health and Care Worker Visa Applications Decline by 63%
The Health and Care Worker route experienced an even sharper decline.
Home Office figures show that 7,500 applications were submitted by main applicants in the year ending September 2026, representing a 63% annual decrease.
Applications were also 95% below their peak of 161,700 in the year ending November 2023.
Dependant applications fell by 36% to 31,000, representing an 87% reduction from their February 2024 peak. These figures reflect a substantial change in a route that previously accounted for significant levels of work-related migration.
Temporary Work Visa Applications Show Mixed Trends
Unlike the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes, temporary work visa applications showed contrasting trends.
| Temporary Work Route | Applications (YE September 2026) | Annual Change |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | 20,700 | Down 5% |
| Seasonal Worker | 42,100 | Up 8% |
Applications under the Youth Mobility Scheme declined slightly, while Seasonal Worker applications increased.
Both routes provide temporary opportunities in the UK and do not offer direct pathways to settlement.
Student Visa Applications Fall by 19%
The Home Office recorded 352,500 sponsored study visa applications from main applicants in the year ending September 2026, representing a 19% decrease compared with the previous year.
The decline in student dependant applications was particularly significant.
There were 15,700 student dependant applications, a 31% annual decrease.
More importantly, applications were 89% lower than in the year ending December 2023, immediately before restrictions on student dependants took effect.
The figures demonstrate a considerable reduction in the number of family members applying to accompany international students.
Impact of UK Immigration Policy Changes
The decline in visa applications comes amid substantial changes to the UK’s immigration system.
Skilled Worker visas:
Changes introduced in July 2025 increased the general minimum salary threshold from £38,700 to £41,700 and raised the minimum skill requirement to RQF Level 6, subject to exceptions.
These restrictions have made overseas recruitment more challenging and may also affect international graduates seeking long-term employment in the UK.
Although the Graduate visa allows eligible students to remain in the UK after completing their studies, it does not lead directly to settlement.
Graduates wishing to remain permanently may need to switch to the Skilled Worker route or another qualifying category.
The substantial decline in Skilled Worker applications raises questions about how many migrants previously viewed employment in the UK as a pathway towards settlement. However, the statistics do not establish applicants individual intentions.
Health and Care Worker visas:
Restrictions introduced in March 2024 generally prevented care workers and senior care workers from bringing dependants to the UK.
Further changes in July 2025 ended new overseas recruitment for these roles under the existing arrangements, although certain in-country applications remain permitted until July 2028.
These restrictions, alongside increased sponsor compliance enforcement, have contributed to the substantial decline in applications.
Student visas:
Since 1 January 2024, most international students have been unable to bring dependants to the UK.
Exceptions remain for eligible students undertaking certain research-based postgraduate courses and some government-sponsored students.
The Home Office directly links the continued low level of student dependant applications to these restrictions.
For international students planning to establish careers in the UK, changes to the Skilled Worker route may also affect their opportunities after graduation.
What Should Employers and Applicants Consider?
For UK employers, the changes reinforce the importance of reviewing recruitment strategies, sponsorship eligibility and compliance obligations.
International students and workers should consider how current immigration requirements may affect both their immediate applications and longer-term plans.
With further immigration reforms expected, understanding the applicable rules remains essential.
How Morgan Smith Immigration Can Assist
With over 20 years of experience, Morgan Smith Immigration advises businesses and individuals on UK immigration applications, sponsorship requirements and compliance obligations.
For professional immigration advice, contact Morgan Smith Immigration on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
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