The issuance of visas to dependents of Indian students in the UK experienced an unprecedented surge of 1,900% between 2019 and 2023.

In the concluding months of September 2023, the United Kingdom exhibited a notable upswing in the issuance of dependent visas to Indian nationals, marking the second-highest number of such visas granted, according to the latest data from the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS). The statistics unveiled that a substantial 43 445 UK visas were extended to dependents of Indian students during this period, reflecting a staggering surge of 1,900% when compared to the 2019 figure of 2,127. Interestingly, Nigerian students secured the highest number of dependent visas. However, a significant policy shift is on the horizon, as the UK has announced its decision to cease the issuance of dependent visas for students starting January 2024.

Furthermore, the comprehensive data for the year concluding in September 2023 underscores the prominence of Indian nationals in the UK’s educational landscape. Indian citizens were recipients of a total of 133 237 study visas during this period, constituting a substantial 27% share of all sponsored UK study visas and standing out as the largest contingent among various nations. The figures indicate a noteworthy 5% increase in the number of visas granted to Indians this year, amounting to 5, 804 more than the preceding year concluding in September 2022.

It’s imperative to note that the Home Office, during this period, issued a staggering total of over 450000 UK visas encompassing applicants from diverse countries. The majority of these visas, a significant 91%, were allocated for higher education pursuits. However, the statistics also shed light on the stringent visa application process, with over 5000 UK visa application forms being rejected.  Notably, Indian applicants exhibited a commendable visa approval rate of 97%, albeit slightly lower than China’s approval rate, which exceeded 99%. This nuanced portrayal of visa trends underscores the evolving dynamics of international student mobility and the policy adjustments made by host countries like the UK.

Recent data disclosed last week highlights a surge in the issuance of dependent visas to Indian nationals, escalating from 41,318 in 2019 to 43,445 in the 2022-23 period. In a parallel trend, Nigerian students obtained the lion’s share of UK-dependent visas, securing a substantial 60,506 in the year concluding in September 2023, indicating a staggering spike of 4,000%. The impending implementation of the new UK Visa policy from January 2024 is already exerting its influence on admissions, as noted by a segment of UK MBA institutions. Simultaneously, family visa grants experienced a remarkable upswing, surging by 117% from 3,7,911 to 8,2,395.