In a major shift in the United Kingdom’s immigration landscape, new data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that Indian nationals were the largest group of migrants entering the UK in 2024. According to the ONS’s Long-Term International Migration bulletin (provisional) for the year ending December 2024, Indian citizens accounted for the highest number of arrivals, primarily through student and skilled work visa routes.
This increase in migration comes amid the UK’s evolving immigration policies and labor demands, reflecting the country’s growing reliance on international talent and students to support its economy and higher education institutions.
Key Changes in UK Immigration Trends
- Indian nationals emerged as the top nationality for long-term immigration to the UK in 2024.
- The surge is mainly driven by student visas and Skilled Worker visas, including those under the Health and Care Worker route.
- Migration from non-EU countries continues to outpace EU migration, with India at the forefront.
- The ONS report does not indicate a new policy change, but highlights how existing routes are seeing higher uptake by Indian applicants.
Indian students entering the UK under student visa schemes, especially for postgraduate and university-level courses. Indian professionals applying under Skilled Worker visas, particularly in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. UK universities and employers increasingly dependent on Indian talent are impacted by processing volumes and integration needs.
The ONS report covers migration data up to December 2024, so these trends are already in effect and reflective of real-time immigration dynamics. Any applicants targeting 2025 intakes or job offers will need to factor in increased competition and possibly longer processing times.
The UK has shifted to a points-based immigration system post-Brexit, prioritizing skilled workers and international students. The Graduate Route introduced in 2021 allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) after completing their degree.
Indian nationals have been quick to adapt to and benefit from these visa pathways. In 2024, over 250,000 Indians are estimated to have migrated to the UK, contributing significantly to overall net migration figures.
This trend is also in line with labour shortages in critical UK sectors, which are being addressed through overseas recruitment, especially in healthcare.
Has the UK changed its immigration rules for Indian nationals in 2024?
No, the surge is due to higher application volumes through existing visa routes, not new policy changes.
Is it harder to get a UK student visa now?
The application process is the same, but demand is high, so ensure your application is well-prepared.
What is the Graduate Route?
It allows international students to stay in the UK and work for up to 2 years (or 3 for PhDs) after graduation.
Are processing times slower now?
Yes, some categories may experience delays due to high demand. Apply early and track your application via the UKVI portal.
