Indians overtakes Chinese as largest nationality for study visas in the UK – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India has overtaken China as the largest nationality being issued sponsored study visas in the UK, the UK High Commission in Delhi on Thursday said. British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis says, “Indian nationals were issued the largest number of UK study, work and visitor visas in the year ending June 2022.”
Indians also accounted for the highest proportion (28%) of visitor visas granted by the country and Indian nationals continue to be the top nationality granted skilled worker visas, accounting for 46% of all skilled work visas granted globally.
According to the latest UK Immigration Statistics published Thursday (August 25), nearly 118,000 Indian students received a student visa in the year ending June 2022 – an 89% increase from the previous year. India has now overtaken China as the largest nationality being issued sponsored study visas in the UK, the UK HC said in a statement.
British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said: “India first again. I’m delighted that Indian nationals were issued the largest number of UK study, work and visitor visas in the year ending June 2022. More strength to the unique living bridge that connects our people. As this shows, we’re experiencing unprecedented demand for visas. I encourage students starting courses soon to apply as early as possible.”
Continuing to be a popular destination for desi holidaymakers, Indian nationals accounted for the highest proportion (28%) of visitor visas granted by the UK. More than 258,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in the year ending June 2022,– a 630% increase compared to the previous year (when travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic were still in place).
“In the year ending June 2022, Indian nationals also received nearly 103,000 Work visas (which includes skilled and seasonal workers) – a 148% increase over the previous year. Indian nationals continue to be the top nationality granted skilled worker visas, accounting for 46% of all skilled work visas granted globally,” the UK HC statement added.