Rise in the Applications of Student Visas to the UK

There has been a major rise in the number of applications for UK study visas and extensions in the year 2022. The number has gone up by more than 30% as compared to the last year.

According to a Universities UK spokesperson, “The UK has witnessed phenomenon interest and growth in international students in recent years, which is a testament to the reputation and strength of our higher education sector, as well as the role of government and the sectors working together to achieve the aims set forth in the International Education Strategy.”

With the lifting of the travel restrictions in 2021, more students have arrived in the UK after studying remotely during the pandemic. Apart from this, there are many other reasons why students are migrating to the UK, like humanitarian protections and family reasons.

Compared to 2019, there has been a 250% surge in the number of visas granted to Indian students. Increases have also taken place in the areas of visitor and skilled worker visas.

Another factor that contributes to this constantly increasing number is the rebounding of UK visa processing. It is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in fiscal year 2023. The State Department said that it was committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United Kingdom while safeguarding national security.

This step increases the legal immigration pathways, reduces irregular migration to the southern borders, improves supply chain issues that contribute to inflation, and safeguards the nation’s food supply.

The UK has already resumed the “priority” and “super priority” visa services to help students speed up their visa applications and to cover the significant backlog of visa files in the intervening months since its temporary suspension in March 2022.

At present, India has overtaken China to become the largest country to receive sponsored study visas from the UK.