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You can now work in the UK on a tourist visa

By Ria Gupta

The new year comes with some new updates for travellers. The UK government has updated its visa policy to allow travellers on tourist visas to work while visiting the country. The change in immigration rules, effective from 31 January 2024, will allow visa holders to conduct work-related activities in the UK as long as their reason to visit is tourism, visiting family, or any non work-related activity.

In November 2023, the UK government expanded its immigration rules to allow a wider range of paid engagements for business travellers. As part of this update, the Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visa for experts coming to the UK to undertake paid engagements will now cease to exist, with everything allowed under the PPE visa incorporated into the six-month visitor visa . This will include activities such as attending meetings, interviews, and conferences; site inspections; negotiations; and signing off on deals and contracts. What it will not include is remote work as a digital nomad, as those looking to visit the UK primarily for work will need to apply for a relevant skilled worker visa.

The work being conducted should be finished during their stay in the country (up to six months), and meet the requirements and allowances as per the new rules. These include:

• Those working in the UK on a visitor visa must not have paid work as their primary reason for visiting.
• Those employed by an overseas company may consult or provide training or services on an internal project with UK-based employees of their corporate group.
• Those employed by companies with both British and overseas branches may engage in direct client work as long as it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities and is required by their UK branch.
• Scientists, researchers, and academics may conduct research in the UK, and lawyers may also engage in activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.

020-49027000 / 020-25550000

[email protected], new uk visa rule: tourists can work in 2024.

The United Kingdom has announced significant revisions to its visa regulations, set to take effect on January 31, 2024. In a move aimed at enhancing both business opportunities and tourism, holders of tourist visas will now be permitted to work within the country.

Under the updated guidelines, employees of companies operating both in the UK and internationally can undertake work involving clients abroad. However, this work must constitute only a minor aspect of their responsibilities outside the UK and must be integral to a project or service based in the UK. While remote work is permissible, the primary purpose of the visit must not be remote employment.

The UK government will also extend permissions for scientists, researchers, and academics conducting research within the country. Exceptions include academics who may apply for a 12-month visit visa, with the option to seek extensions while in the UK. Additionally, lawyers will have the opportunity to engage in various activities such as providing legal advice, acting as expert witnesses, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.

In a bid to streamline processes, the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be incorporated into the Standard Visitor route. This integration eliminates the need for a separate visa for individuals involved in paid engagements, provided that such engagements are arranged within 30 days of arrival.

The revisions follow the earlier commitment made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to expand business visitor regulations. This expansion aims to afford business professionals a wider array of approved activities, including participation in paid engagements, thereby facilitating increased business opportunities within the UK

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• Casual and temporary workers
• Right to work checks and visas for casual workers

Standard visitor visa

A standard visitor visa is required for visitors from most non-EEA countries temporarily coming to the UK to undertake activities, but not paid work by a UK employer.

The normal visa arrangements for visiting the UK apply - ie they must obtain a visitor's visa if they are from a country listed as requiring a visa. Check for UK standard visa requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Permitted activities allowed in the standard visa

• Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews
• Giving individual or a short series of presentations, provided that these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser
• Undertaking some forms of academic-related activities (see below)

Academic-related activities

If applying for a standard visa as a visiting academic individuals can stay in the UK for up to 12 months. They must:

• be highly qualified within their field of expertise
• be currently working in that field at an academic institution overseas
• visiting either to take part in a formal exchange with a UK counterpart, to carry out their own research on sabbatical leave from their home institution, or to take part in someone else's research or clinical practice - as long as this does not involve filling a permanent academic post.

An academic from an overseas academic institution accompanying students to the UK as part of a study abroad programme may provide a small amount of teaching to the students at the host organisation.

Individuals must apply for a biometric residence permit if they are staying in the UK as an academic for longer than 6 months.

Letters of Invitation

The individual will need a letter of invitation from the University in relation to their visit.

The letter should be produced by the department, signed of by the Head of Department, and should clearly state in a non-technical manner the purpose and duration of the visit.

Applications

Applications for permitted paid engagement visas are made directly by the individual to to UK Visas and Immigration using the on-line application system . The application does not require University sponsorship.

Contact Casual Worker Team

casual-workers@york.ac.uk

01904 32 6389

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UK new visa rule: You can now work in the country on tourist visa. Check what's allowed, what's not

The united kingdom will introduce changes in its visa rules on january 31, allowing tourist visa holders to work with clients and work remotely while visiting the country..

Come January 31, the United Kingdom will introduce significant changes in its visa rules that will expand business activities for individuals carrying visitor visas. The tourist visa holders would be now allowed to work with clients, and work remotely when visiting the UK.  The move is likely to boost business and tourism in the country.

As per the VisaGuide.World, “The UK’s government has published an update to its immigration rules, thus permitting more activities on Visitor Visas, while confirming that the new changes will become effective from January 31, 2024."

Check the rules here:

• Those employed by companies with both British and international branches can engage in client work abroad as long as it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities, is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch, and isn't directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer. 
• While visitors can work from the UK , remote work should not be the primary reason for their stay. 
• Scientists, researchers, and academics are allowed to conduct research in the UK, except for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission within the country. 
• Lawyers can engage in additional activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching. 

“The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route, meaning that those doing paid engagements will not need a separate visa, but they still have to plan the activity within 30 days of arriving."

Last month the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt vowed that the UK government will expand the business visitor rules to permit businesspeople “to engage in a wider range of permitted activities and paid engagements, to take effect from January 2024. The government will also explore further reforms to the business visitor rules, during 2024."

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International Citizens Group

Resources for International Citizens and Expatriates

UK Work Visas: What Kind Do You Need?

Understanding the different kinds of uk work visas.

Commonwealth Ancestry Visa

The Commonwealth Ancestry Visa is designed for citizens of the Commonwealth. It applies to people whose grandparent was born in the UK. It also extends to Commonwealth citizens whose grandparent was born before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland.  This visa allows you to work and live in the UK for an extended period of time. You don’t need to apply for a regular work visa and you have complete freedom of movement. The paperwork for this visa is different from most. You must provide birth certificates and marriage certificates that prove your heritage.

Tier 2 Visas

The majority of people coming to work in the UK do so with a Tier 2 visa, which is sometimes called a long term work visa. The Tier 2 category covers a number of workers, including those in the UK for an intra-company transfer, some religious leaders, and sportspeople. However, for most workers not from the European Union, the General Work Visa is the category that applies to them.

The Tier 2 General visa is intended for all skilled workers who have already been offered a job. As such, you need a certificate of sponsorship from your employer to apply. You can come to the UK for a total of 5 years and 14 days on a Tier 2 General visa. As well, you’re permitted to enter the UK 14 days before your employment contract officially begins, which gives people time to find housing and get settled.

Tier 2 Visa versus Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa has replaced many other categories of visas, including the former Business Visitor Visa. If you’re coming to the UK for business meetings, conferences, training, research, seeking funding, and a whole host of other business-related activities, this is the visa for you. It differs from the Tier 2 General Visa in that the holder is not allowed to work and earn money in the UK. It’s also for a much shorter period of time. In general, the Standard Visitor Visa only allows stays of 6 months. However, there are some exceptions, including a 12-month stay permitted for academics conducting research.

What is the Tier 5 Working Holiday Visa?

The Tier 5 category of visas is designed for temporary workers. This includes people doing charity work, creative or athletic activities, and certain religious work. It also includes people between the ages of 18 and 30 who want a working holiday experience.

Working holiday visas are offered as part of the Youth Mobility Scheme . There is a cap on the number of visas that are issued each year. This visa option allows the holders to travel and take on both short-term and seasonal work. As such, you don’t have to save the full amount needed to support yourself before you go like with other visa types. The visa application fee is £244.

Unlike many other visas, you can apply up to six months before you intend to travel, as opposed to the standard three months. Decisions are usually made fairly quickly, within 15 days on average.

Options For Entrepreneurs

A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is required for people who want to move to the UK to set up a business. This visa comes with strict requirements. Applicants need to show their business plan, evidence of at least £50,000 in investment funds, plus personal savings to support themselves in the UK. This visa doesn’t allow the holder to maintain any other kind of employment. You’re only allowed to work on your own business.

How Much is a UK Work Visa?

The fee structure for a UK visa is based on things like the kind of visa you are applying for and your nationality. To give you an idea of costs, a Tier 2 visa costs £610. Those who apply for a Tier 2 visa in a field where there is a shortage of skilled labor pay a bit less at £464.

In addition to your visa fees, you also need to pay a healthcare surcharge. The exact amount you pay depends on multiple factors, including the kind of visa you need, how long you will be working, where you are from, and more. You can expect to pay a minimum of several hundred British Pounds for each year your visa is valid. There is a handy online calculator that can help you narrow down your expected fees.

Read: Health Insurance in the UK for Expats

When To Apply for a UK Work Visa

As with all visa applications, the earlier you can apply, the better. You can apply for a visa up to three months before you intend to work in the UK. Applications are processed through the British Embassy or High Commission closest to you. Processing time is about three weeks, though it can take longer for certain nationalities. In general, applications are processed more quickly when they’re made in a Commonwealth country, like Canada or New Zealand. This is because the High Commissions in Commonwealth countries are generally larger than the average Embassy and thus have more staff on hand to process things.

How To Apply for Work in the UK

All UK work visa applications begin online. But to get a biometric residence permit – which is required for some visas – you’ll need to visit your nearest authorized visa center to have your fingerprints recorded. They’ll also take your photograph. If you’re already in the UK and need to switch or extend your visa, you can apply locally. There’s no need to leave the country. If your visa requires you to present your supporting documentation upon arrival in the UK, you usually have ten days to do so.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Work Visa in UK

No matter where you work overseas, you can be guaranteed of one thing: paperwork! Before moving abroad to the UK or applying for your UK work visa, you’ll have to submit supporting documentation. In general, you can expect to provide your current passport (which must have a blank page for the visa to be pasted in), proof of adequate funding to support yourself, and an employer sponsorship (if relevant). In many cases, you must also demonstrate English language proficiency. You may also be required to present a tuberculosis test.

Exceptions for European Citizens

If you are from EU, EEA or Switzerland you can work in the UK for up to 6 months, then you need to apply for a visa. As the UK has left the EU, a transition period has been set until the end of 2020. For the time being, however, the rules will remain the same.

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Can visitors to the UK work remotely?

Since the pandemic, the idea of working remotely has become increasingly popular and has allowed greater flexibility to travel. The shift to hybrid work models has also raised an important question regarding whether or not a person visiting the UK is lawfully able to work remotely during that visit. Here we explore this question. 

Visitors cannot work in the UK unless they are in the UK for a ‘permitted activity’. These are set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities .

What are the general rules on permitted activities?

Visitors to the UK are not allowed to:

• take up employment in the UK;
• work for an organisation or business in the UK;
• establish or run a business as a self-employed person;
• undertake a work placement or internship;
• directly sell to the public; or
• provide goods and services

However, a visitor may conduct general business activities in the UK. The following business activities are permitted:

• attend interviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars;
• negotiate and sign deals and contracts;
• attend trade fairs to promote your business (you cannot sell things);
• do work-related training if you are employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country;
• give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they are not for profit or a commercial event (you must not be paid);
• carry out site visits and inspections;
• oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation;
• deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas; and
• install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation.

Visitors are prohibited from undertaking paid or unpaid work for a UK company, or as a self-employed person. If an individual’s intention is to come to the UK to work for a company based in the UK (regardless of whether this will be in an office or from home), they will need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

Visitors can work remotely in some circumstances

The most recent Home Office guidance for visitors sets out the circumstances in which an individual can work remotely in the UK whilst on a visit visa.

The guidance states that visitors are permitted to undertake activities relating to their employment overseas remotely whilst they are in the UK, such as responding to emails and answering phone calls. However, the main purpose of the trip must be for a ‘permitted activity’. A visitor cannot come to the UK with the main intention to work remotely.

If it is indicated that a visitor will be working remotely in the UK, the Home Office is likely to question this to ensure the main purpose of the visit is not to work in the UK. The Home Office guidance states:

‘Where the applicant indicates that they intend to spend a large proportion of their time in the UK and will be doing some remote working, you should ensure that they are genuinely employed overseas and are not seeking to work in the UK’.

In such cases, it would therefore be prudent to provide evidence of employment overseas.

Genuine visitor

The Home Office will also need to be satisfied that the individual is a genuine visitor and will not be making the UK their main home through ‘frequent and successive’ visits. A number of factors will be considered such as:

• the purpose of the visit;
• the number of visits made in the past 12 months;
• the length of previous visits; and
• links to their home country.

This is still an evolving topic and more guidance would certainly be helpful regarding what is and isn’t permitted when remote working in the UK. The examples given in the Home Office guidance are fairly vague.

Unfortunately we are unable to provide ad hoc advice to individuals who work for an overseas employer on whether or not they may work during a visit to the UK.

How our immigration solicitors can help

We advise businesses on the UK’s immigration requirements including whether or not an individual can work while visiting the UK or if they will need a work visa.

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By Carter Thomas | 03 August 2022 | Personal .

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2024 UK Visa Update: Remote Work Rules for Visitors | Digital Nomad Visas Explained

Uk immigration unveils remote work perks, differing from digital nomad visas in other countries. visitors allowed to work remotely but restricted from local market engagement..

Key Takeaways:

• UK’s immigration update allows remote work for short-term visitors starting January 31, 2024, promoting business flexibility while imposing restrictions.
• Visitors can engage in remote work like emails, calls, and conferences, benefiting researchers and speakers under new provisions.
• Contrast to the US, UK’s adjustment appeals to modern work trends, offering short-term work privileges with imposed limitations.

In the wake of the global shift towards remote work, the UK government has introduced a significant update to its immigration policies , offering new remote work perks for short-term visitors. This change, effective from January 31, 2024, is a noteworthy development for professionals worldwide who are exploring the flexibility of working while traveling. Let’s dive into what this means for you, how the UK’s stance compares with other countries, and essential considerations to stay compliant with UK immigration laws.

What’s New with UK Immigration?

The landscape of work has been evolving, with remote work becoming a staple for many. Recognizing this shift, the UK Home Office announced in December 2023 a change aimed at providing greater flexibility for people visiting the UK. Beginning January 31, 2024, individuals can perform remote work during their stay in the UK as visitors, provided that their main purpose of visit is non-work related, such as tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, or business meetings.

However, it’s crucial to understand the boundaries of these new provisions. Remote workers in the UK: – Cannot engage with the local market or work for UK-based organizations – Are not allowed to directly provide goods and services to the public – Must not travel to the UK primarily for the purpose of remote work

This move is distinct from ‘digital nomad’ visas that other countries offer, focusing instead on short-term business flexibility while enforcing clear limitations to protect local employment.

What Activities Are Permitted?

Under the new rules, visitors can take part in activities like: – Responding to emails – Answering business calls – Participating in virtual meetings – Conducting any employment duties that can be done remotely via telecommunications

Also of Interest:

Uk visa revoked for student dana abuqamar after pro-palestine rally, upcoming uk visa review on may 14th to impact on indian students: what to know.

Additionally, this visa change has opened doors for researchers, scientists, and academics, who can now conduct research in the UK related to their work overseas without needing a specific visa for the same.

Furthermore, the expansion of Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) means speakers at conferences can now be compensated, provided their activities are conducted within 30 days of their arrival.

How Does This Change Impact Business Travelers?

Previously, working remotely while in the UK on a visitor’s visa was off-limits. Workers had to navigate complex processes, such as obtaining an appropriate work visa, which often required sponsorship from a UK company or meeting other stringent criteria. By allowing remote work, the UK is making business travel more attractive and acknowledging the modern workplace’s evolving needs.

This initiative stands in contrast to countries like the United States, which currently does not allow foreign visitors to undertake remote work activities. The UK’s approach reflects a more pragmatic understanding of today’s business practices.

Global Perspective: How Does the UK’s Stance Compare?

The concept of ‘digital nomad visas’ has been gaining traction worldwide, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These visas generally allow individuals to reside in one country while working remotely for a company based elsewhere. Countries offering such visas have sought to attract digital nomads, leveraging the flexibility of remote work to boost their economies.

While the UK’s latest immigration update does not introduce a digital nomad visa per se, it signifies a step towards accommodating the global shift towards remote work, albeit with strict limitations to safeguard local jobs and the economy.

What Should Visitors Keep In Mind?

It’s essential for visitors to understand the boundaries of this new provision. The UK’s remote work perks for short-term visitors: – Do not replace the need for Skilled Worker visas (or other work visas) for longer-term employment in the UK. – Require visitors to familiarize themselves with the restrictions to avoid violating UK immigration laws.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your stay in the UK remains compliant with immigration policies, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of remote work while exploring the country.

For more detailed information on UK immigration rules and the latest updates, you can visit the official UK government immigration website .

The UK’s new remote work perks for short-term visitors represent a significant shift in recognizing the evolving workplace dynamics. While not as expansive as digital nomad visas offered by other countries, this update provides flexibility for business travelers and academic researchers seeking to combine work with travel in the UK. Understanding the limitations and permissible activities under these new rules is crucial for making the most out of your visit to the UK, ensuring a balance between productivity and exploration.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In January 2024, the UK opens doors for short-term visitors to do remote work while in the country for tourism or family visits. Restrictions include no local market engagement or working for UK organizations. The move offers flexibility like responding to emails and virtual meetings, benefitting professionals and researchers. Understanding limitations is key for compliance.

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UK’s new visa rule will now permit people on tourist visa to work in the country

As per the latest updates, tourist visa holders will now be granted permission to engage in work-related activities with clients and undertake remote work while visiting the UK. It’s expected that this move will provide a considerable boost to both business and tourism within the country.

Read more: A guide to best places to visit in January 2024 in Nepal

If reports are to go by, the UK Government has also released an update to its immigration rules, allowing expanded activities on Visitor Visas, with the changes slated to come into effect from January 31, 2024.

• Employees of companies with branches in both the UK and internationally can engage in client work abroad, provided it constitutes a small portion of their overseas responsibilities, which is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch, and is not directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer.
• While visitors can work remotely from the UK, the primary purpose of their stay should not be remote work.
• Scientists, researchers, and academics are permitted to conduct research in the UK, with certain exceptions for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or seeking permission extensions within the country.
• Lawyers will be allowed to engage in additional activities, such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
• The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be integrated into the Standard Visitor route, eliminating the need for a separate visa for those involved in paid engagements, though they must still plan the activity within 30 days of arrival.

Read more: In pictures: 10 most beautiful places to visit in Canada in 2024

These changes, especially the allowance for remote work, will likely have a positive impact on both business and tourism in the United Kingdom. Reports further add that additional changes to the regulations for business visitors are expected in 2024.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Uk will let those on tourist visas work in the country from the new year.

From January 31, 2024, the UK will revise Visitor Visas, permitting remote work but emphasizing non-work intent. Changes include client work, working from the UK, and expanded activities for professionals. These aim to boost business and tourism.

• Immigration Wrap 2023: The world wants more foreign workers, but only the highly skilled ones
• UK hikes salary requirement for foreigners applying for work visas
• Five professions that can help you bag a UK Work Visa

Key expansions to the Visitor Visa activities include:

• Client Work Eligibility: Visitors holding these visas can engage in client work under certain conditions. This includes working in a company with branches both in the UK and abroad, where client work forms a small part of their job overseas and is essential for a project or service by their employer's UK branch. Notably, the project should not be delivered directly to a UK client by the visitor's employer overseas.
• Working from the UK: Visitors will be allowed to work from the UK, provided that remote work is not the primary reason for their visit.
• Scientists, Researchers, and Academics: Professionals in these fields can conduct research in the UK, with the exception of academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission from within the country.
• Expanded Activities for Lawyers: Lawyers on Visitor Visas can now participate in additional activities in the UK, including giving advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in arbitrations, legal proceedings, and teaching.
• Paid Engagements for Speakers: Speakers visiting the UK on a visitor visa will now be eligible to receive payment for their talks.
• Merger of Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor Route: The PPE Visitor route will be integrated into the Standard Visitor route. Individuals engaged in paid activities will not require a separate visa, but they must plan their activities within 30 days of arrival.

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Visitor Visa Holders Will Be Allowed To Work In UK From January 2024

The United Kingdom will implement changes to its visitor visa rules to expand business activities, allowing for a broader range of business activities.

Gatekeepers News reports that the UK’s government published an update to its immigration rules, thus permitting more activities on Visitor Visas, effective from January 31, 2024.

While digital nomads remain excluded, these adjustments aim to enhance business and tourism prospects in the country.

Changes include allowing visitors to work with clients, remote work being acceptable but not the main purpose of the visit.

Expanded business activities under the Visitor Visa and their criteria include;

1. Working with Clients: Visitors holding these visas can work with clients under certain conditions. This includes working in a company with branches in the UK and abroad, where client work constitutes a small part of their job abroad, and the work is necessary for a project or service by their employer’s UK branch. However, the project cannot be delivered directly to a UK client by the visitor’s employer overseas.

2. Remote Work: Visitors are allowed to work remotely from the UK, but the primary purpose of their visit should not be remote work.

3. Scientists, Researchers, and Academics: Professionals in these fields can engage in research activities in the UK, with the exception of academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission from within the Britain.

4. Lawyers: Lawyers can participate in additional activities in the UK, including giving advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in arbitrations, legal proceedings, and teaching.

5. Paid Speakers: Speakers visiting the UK on a visitor visa are now eligible to receive payment for their talks.

6. Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor Route: This route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route. Those engaged in paid activities will not require a separate visa but must plan the activity within 30 days of arriving.

These changes, particularly the allowance for remote work, are anticipated to attract increased business and tourism to the United Kingdom.

Last month the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt vowed that the UK government will expand the business visitor rules to permit businesspeople “to engage in a wider range of permitted activities and paid engagements, to take effect from January 2024. The government will also explore further reforms to the business visitor rules, during 2024.”

Traveling to the UK as a Standard Visitor encompasses purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, and other approved reasons for up to six months, with the possibility of extension in special cases like medical treatment.

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Health and care worker visa applications down 76% this year

The government said the numbers show its plan to reduce migration is working.

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Wednesday 22 May 2024 11:31, UK

There has been a sharp fall in the number of overseas health and care workers applying for visas in the first few months of this year compared with the year before.

In contrast, there has been a steep rise in people applying for the skilled worker visa, as well as their dependents.

The government said the various drops in legal migration show their plan "is working".

Just 12,400 people applied for the Health and Care Worker visa from January to April this year, according to the latest statistics published by the government on Wednesday.

During the same period last year, 50,900 applications were made - 76% more than this year.

In March, the government announced social care workers would no longer be able to bring dependents on their visa.

In April, there was a 58% fall in health and care dependents applying compared with April 2023, in the first full month where statistics are available following the announcement.

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There was also a 12% reduction in people applying for the sponsored study visa, from 49,400 to 43,600. A sponsored study visa is where an international student or schoolchild is sponsored by an education provider such as an independent school or university.

Applications for dependents on the sponsored study visa dropped by a dramatic 79%, from 38,900 to 8,300.

That fall comes after the government announced last year that from 1 January this year, post-graduate students could not bring dependents unless they were studying for a PhD or other doctorate, or a research-based degree.

In contrast, the number of people applying for a "skilled worker" visa rose by 41%, with their dependents increasing by 62%.

On 4 April, the government increased the minimum salary for the skilled worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700, so there has not yet been a month of statistics following that announcement.

Home Secretary James Cleverly hailed the drop in health and care worker visa applications as he said it was evidence their plan to "deliver the largest-ever cut to legal migration in our country's history is working".

He added: "The British people deserve an immigration system that puts their interests first.

"Our approach is about control and fairness; to the highly skilled coming here who deserve a decent wage, to taxpayers who shouldn't be relied on to support them, and to British workers who shouldn't be undercut.

"We will continue to keep these measures under close review and if needed, we will not hesitate to go further."

Labour's shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, accused the government of "scrambling around, desperately trying to clean up the mess they made" as he pointed to the "record high" in applications to the Skilled Worker visa.

"Labour is clear that we will deliver a Skills and Growth levy to support local people into training, ensure no return to Tory rules that allowed employers to undercut British workers, and make sure migration and skills policy are joined up so we can support the aims of the UK economy," he added.

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• Visas and immigration
• Work in the UK

Skilled Worker visa

Taking on additional work.

If you work overtime in the job you’re being sponsored for, you do not need to update your visa. 

There’s no limit to how many hours of overtime you can do.

You can also work up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business, as long as you’re still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. 

Your work must be in an eligible occupation code .

You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

If you’ll be doing more than 20 hours a week in another job

You’ll need to apply to update your visa so that you’re being sponsored to do both jobs.

You’ll need to:

• get a new certificate of sponsorship from your second employer
• include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay

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