The Home Office (UKVI) have published their Immigration statistics for the year ending March 2019.
The key statistics in relation to working in the UK are as follows:
- The total number of work-related visas granted (including dependants) in the year ending March 2019 increased by 11% (18,461) to 181,093. About three quarters of this increase was accounted for by the increase in Skilled (Tier 2) work visas.
- The largest increase in grants was to Indian nationals who accounted for 53% of all Tier 2 visas granted. There were also notable increases for nationals for Nigeria (up 1,317 or 91%), the Philippines (up 979 or 32%), Pakistan (up 838 or 54%) and Egypt (up 656 or 51%).
- There was a 15% increase in Tier 2 work visas granted in the year ending March 2019.
- The total number of work visas granted was the highest level since the year ending March 2009, around which time the points-based system was introduced.
- The vast majority (95%) of work-related visa applications are granted. Tier 2 work visas had a grant rate of 98%, and Youth mobility and temporary workers (Tier 5) a grant rate of 95%.
- In the year ending March 2019, there were 60,559 Certificates of Sponsorship applications for Tier 2 work, an increase of 6,885 (13%).
- There was a 62% increase in applications in the Human health and social work activities sector, which was up by 4,342 to 11,337, which is likely due to the removal of doctors and nurses from the Tier 2 cap.