Indian Nationals Top UK Visa Recipients for Student, Work, and Visitor Visas

The United Kingdom issued 28,36,490 visas in 2022, with 25% going to Indian nationals, the highest among any other country. The article provides a breakdown of visa types, with Indian nationals receiving the highest number of student, work, and visitor visas.
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According to the British government, Indian citizens received the greatest number of visas issued by the UK in 2022, accounting for 25% of the total.

On Tuesday, the British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, announced that one-fourth of the 28,36,490 visas issued went to Indians, more than any other country.

Indian Nationals Received the Most Student Visas

According to Ellis, Indian nationals received the most student visas in 2022, an increase of 73% over 2021. Furthermore, Indian citizens received the most work visas (an increase of 130%) and the greatest share of visit visas, accounting for 30% of total visitor visas granted.

“Last year UK issued 2,836,490 visas; 25% of those went to India, more than to any other country. Indian nationals received: highest student visas increased by 73% on 2021, most work visas increased by 130% and the largest share of visit visas, 30% of the world,” said Alex in the Tweet.

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India Overtakes China in Visitor Visas

According to UK government statistics, Indian nationals have surpassed Chinese nationals in terms of visitor visas, with Indian citizens receiving 27% of visas granted in 2019 and 5% in 2022.

Apart from India, the top five visitor visa nationalities are;

  • Nigeria (7%)
  • South Africa (6%)
  • Pakistan (6%)
  • Turkey (6%)

Visa Breakdown

Out of the 28.36 lakh visas granted by the UK in 2022, visitor visas comprised 49%, followed by 22% under the study route, 15% under the work route, 3% for family reasons, and 11% for other reasons.

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It is important to note that US citizens do not require visas to visit the UK, so their actual arrival numbers in the UK may be higher.

Fall in Visa Applications from Chinese and Russian Nationals

The UK granted up to 13.99 lakh visitor visas in 2022, with Chinese and Russian visitors experiencing the greatest decrease compared to 2019.

The drop in visas granted is primarily due to a drop in visitor visa applications, particularly from Chinese, Russian, and Saudi nationals, which fell by 89%, 76%, and 75%, respectively.

UK-India Young Professional Scheme

On Tuesday, the UK-India Young Professional Scheme went live for two days, with 2,400 visas available to eligible Indians in the first ballot. The scheme allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

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Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in London opened the Young Professional visa application process for UK nationals on Tuesday.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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