UK Visa Success Rate 2021 for Visitor, Work, Student, Family! In this blog post, we meticulously examine the UK Visa Success Rate 2021, categorizing data by visa types such as visitor, family, student, work, skilled worker, and temporary worker visas, and refusal rates by country. This analysis reveals the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on these rates and underscores the resilience of various visa categories during these trying times. Our insights offer a detailed perspective on the UK visa success rate 2021, highlighting significant trends and patterns.
Table of Contents
1. Overview
In the year ending March 2021, there were 668,979 visas granted, marking a 78.42% decrease (2,431,714 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the total visas granted in the last 12 months, the distribution was as follows:
- 26.16% for visiting
- 38.39% for studying
- 18.31% for working
- 6.86% for family settlement and dependents joining or accompanying
- 8.15% for EUSS and EEA Family Permits
- 2.13% for transit and other temporary purposes
A total of 836,352 individuals applied for a UK visa in the year ending March 2021. Of the 849,483 entry clearance applications decided, 668,979 visas were granted, and 174,000 applications were rejected. Consequently, the UK visa success and refusal rates for the year stood at 78.75% and 20.48%, respectively.
UK Visa Success Rate 2021 by Visa Type
- UK Visa Success Rate 2021: 78.75%
- Work Visa Success Rate: 86.71%
- High Value: 93.03%
- Skilled: 99.23%
- Temporary Worker: 95.25%
- Other Work Visas and Exemptions: 51.30%
- Study Visa Success Rate: 95.57%
- Sponsored Study: 96.50%
- Other Study: 68.67%
- Family Visa Success Rate: 86.88%
- Total Dependent Joining or Accompanying Others: 60.95%
- EEA Family Permits: 32.31%
- EUSS Family Permits: 70.73%
- Visitor Visa Success Rate: 67.29%
- Transit and Other Visas Success Rate: 85.99%
These statistics provide a detailed overview of the UK visa success rate by type for the year ending March 2021, illustrating the impact of the pandemic on visa applications and approvals.
2. Visitor Visas
In the year ending March 2021, 175,005 visitor visas were granted, a 92.49% decrease (2,154,507 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 243,774 individuals applied for a UK visitor visa. Of the 260,079 applications decided, 175,005 were granted and 82,790 were rejected. This resulted in a visitor visa success rate of 67.29% and a refusal rate of 31.83%.
UK Tourist Visa Acceptance Rate 2021
The UK tourist visa acceptance rate for 2021 was approximately 67%, reflecting a balance between stringent application assessments and the UK’s commitment to welcoming international travelers. This rate may fluctuate based on seasonal trends, diplomatic relations, and the overall global economic and health environment.
How to Improve Chances of Getting a UK Visitor Visa
To enhance your chances of securing a UK visitor visa, consider these tips:
- Well-Prepared Application:
- Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Necessary Documents:
- Include all required supporting documents.
- Genuine Intent:
- Clearly show your intent to visit the UK for a permitted reason.
These steps can significantly boost your visa approval chances.
UK Visitor Visa Success Rate 2021 by Country
- India: 70.38%
- Nigeria: 52.69%
- Pakistan: 55.43%
- Russia: 89.89%
- China: 86.02%
- Ukraine: 79.72%
- Turkey: 67.26%
- Egypt: 69.63%
- Saudi Arabia: 95.62%
- Albania: 55.29%
- Bangladesh: 52.03%
- Ghana: 43.36%
- Philippines: 69.06%
- South Africa: 87.07%
- Algeria: 39.31%
- Morocco: 54.43%
- Belarus: 93.64%
- Thailand: 79.37%
- Iran: 57.02%
- Indonesia: 72.07%
- Other nationalities: 68.60%
UK Visitor Visa Success Rate 2021: 67.29%
These statistics highlight the varying success rates for visitor visa applications from different countries in 2021.
3. Family Visas
In the year ending March 2021, 37,343 family visas were granted, representing a 33.47% decrease (18,788 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 41,561 individuals applied for a UK family settlement visa. Of the 42,982 family visa applications decided, 37,343 were granted and 5,455 were rejected. This resulted in a success rate of 86.88% and a refusal rate of 12.69% for UK family (spouse) visas.
Factors Influencing the Chances of UK Family Visas
To boost the probability of getting a UK family visa, focus on:
- Comprehensive Application:
- Ensure your application is thorough and complete.
- Required Documents:
- Attach all necessary supporting documents for spouse or family applications.
- Genuine Relationship:
- Prove the authenticity of your relationship with the UK-based sponsor, in line with UK immigration criteria.
These steps can significantly enhance your visa approval prospects.
UK Visa Success Rate 2021 by Country for Family Settlement
- Pakistan: 93.08%
- India: 91.81%
- United States: 95.38%
- Bangladesh: 90.94%
- South Africa: 94.51%
- Iran: 91.48%
- Nigeria: 80.13%
- Nepal: 72.15%
- Eritrea: 70.99%
- Philippines: 90.15%
- Ghana: 75.70%
- Syria: 73.63%
- Sudan: 59.39%
- Afghanistan: 85.13%
- Turkey: 90.09%
- Iraq: 91.59%
- Hong Kong: 97.01%
- Thailand: 94.22%
- Sri Lanka: 88.83%
- China: 91.77%
- Other nationalities: 85.88%
UK Family (Spouse) Visa Success Rate 2021: 86.88%
These statistics highlight the varying success rates for family visa applications from different countries in 2021.
4. Student Visas
In the year ending March 2021, 256,845 student visas were granted, marking a 38.21% decrease (158,828 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 265,641 individuals applied for a UK student visa. Of the 268,745 applications decided, 256,845 were granted and 10,766 were rejected. This resulted in a success rate of 95.57% and a refusal rate of 4.01%.
Sponsored Study Visa
In the year ending March 2021, 250,683 sponsored student visas were granted, 15.95% (47,576) fewer than the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 257,786 individuals applied for a UK sponsored study visa. Of the 259,772 applications decided, 250,683 were granted and 8,492 were rejected. This resulted in a success rate of 96.50% and a refusal rate of 3.27%.
High Success Rate for Students Despite COVID-19
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the data shows a high success rate for UK student visas in 2021:
- Widespread Success:
- Applicants from various countries achieved high approval rates.
- Resilience Amidst Pandemic:
- The overall success rate for student visas stood strong at 96.50%, underscoring resilience during the pandemic.
UK Student Visa Approval Rates by Country in 2021
- China: 99.74%
- India: 90.88%
- Nigeria: 94.93%
- Pakistan: 95.90%
- Hong Kong: 99.68%
- United States: 99.22%
- Bangladesh: 93.54%
- Saudi Arabia: 96.50%
- Malaysia: 99.67%
- Kuwait: 99.80%
- South Korea: 99.58%
- Canada: 99.71%
- Russia: 99.53%
- Taiwan: 99.53%
- Turkey: 98.99%
- Ghana: 85.26%
- Egypt: 97.99%
- Thailand: 99.77%
- Indonesia: 99.53%
- Japan: 99.59%
- Other nationalities: 96.86%
UK Student Visa Success Rate 2021: 96.50%
These statistics highlight the high success rates for student visa applications from various countries in 2021, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to international education despite the global pandemic.
5. Work Visas
In the year ending March 2021, 122,512 work visas were granted, representing a 36.78% decrease (71,265 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 148,441 individuals applied for a UK work visa, and 141,284 work visa applications were decided. Of these, 122,512 were granted and 17,575 were rejected, resulting in a success rate of 86.71% and a refusal rate of 12.44%.
High Success Rate for Work Visas Despite COVID-19
Despite the COVID-19 impact, the 2021 data reveals:
- Varied Success Across Nationalities:
- UK work visa approval rates differed among countries.
- Steady Overall Success Rate:
- The overall approval rate for UK work visas was notably high at 86.71%.
UK Work Visa Approval Rates by Country in 2021
- Turkey: 29.14%
- India: 97.90%
- Ukraine: 99.75%
- Philippines: 96.70%
- United States: 98.33%
- Nigeria: 97.34%
- South Africa: 99.10%
- Pakistan: 92.31%
- Egypt: 97.69%
- Japan: 98.95%
- Canada: 98.79%
- Australia: 93.14%
- China: 97.49%
- Zimbabwe: 98.57%
- Russia: 98.36%
- Korea (South): 98.59%
- Hong Kong: 92.49%
- Poland: 85.29%
- Sri Lanka: 95.88%
- Taiwan: 98.04%
- Other nationalities: 93.00%
UK Work Visa Success Rate 2021: 86.71%
These statistics highlight the high success rates for work visa applications from various countries in 2021, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to maintaining a robust workforce despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
6. Skilled Workers
In the year ending March 2021, there were 76,638 skilled worker visas granted, marking a 33.41% decrease (38,448 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 72,168 individuals applied for a UK skilled worker visa. Out of the 77,235 skilled worker visa applications decided, 76,638 visas were granted, and 347 applications were rejected. This resulted in a success rate of 99.23% and a refusal rate of 0.45%.
High Success Rate for Skilled Workers Despite COVID-19
The 2021 data highlights:
- Widespread Success for Skilled Workers:
- High visa approval rates for skilled workers from diverse nationalities.
- Impressive Overall Rate:
- An overall success rate of 99.23% for UK skilled worker visas.
- Resilience Amidst Pandemic:
- Skilled workers globally maintained high success in obtaining UK visas despite COVID-19 challenges.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Approval Rates by Country in 2021
- India: 99.49%
- Philippines: 99.30%
- Nigeria: 99.00%
- United States: 99.31%
- Egypt: 99.89%
- Pakistan: 98.93%
- Zimbabwe: 98.98%
- Japan: 99.42%
- South Africa: 99.23%
- China: 99.31%
- Canada: 99.82%
- Russia: 99.10%
- Australia: 98.10%
- Sudan: 98.38%
- Turkey: 98.81%
- Ghana: 98.99%
- Brazil: 99.51%
- Korea (South): 99.30%
- Bangladesh: 96.71%
- Sri Lanka: 99.18%
- Other nationalities: 98.54%
UK Skilled Worker Visa Success Rate 2021: 99.23%
These statistics underscore the high success rates for skilled worker visa applications from various countries in 2021, highlighting the UK’s continued commitment to attracting skilled talent despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
7. Temporary Workers
In the year ending March 2021, 24,579 temporary worker visas were granted, reflecting a 42.89% decrease (18,456 fewer visas) compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this period, 23,443 individuals applied for a UK temporary worker visa. Out of the 25,805 applications decided, 24,579 visas were granted and 571 were rejected, resulting in a success rate of 95.25% and a refusal rate of 2.21%.
High Success Rate for Temporary Workers Despite COVID-19
The 2021 data shows:
- Diverse Approval Rates:
- UK temporary worker visas had varying success rates across nationalities.
- Strong Overall Success:
- A notable overall success rate of 95.25% for these visas.
- Pandemic Resilience:
- Temporary workers from various countries successfully obtained UK visas despite COVID-19 impacts.
Temporary Worker Visa UK Approval Rates by Country in 2021
- Ukraine: 99.86%
- India: 78.68%
- Canada: 98.71%
- Japan: 98.35%
- Australia: 89.69%
- United States: 96.07%
- South Korea: 98.83%
- Taiwan: 98.27%
- Russia: 98.83%
- Hong Kong: 90.52%
- Moldova: 100.00%
- China: 98.81%
- Argentina: 96.51%
- Pakistan: 94.09%
- Belarus: 100.00%
- New Zealand: 80.79%
- Nepal: 99.08%
- Sri Lanka: 96.03%
- Nigeria: 85.98%
- Egypt: 99.00%
- Other nationalities: 91.19%
Temporary Worker Visa Success Rate 2021: 95.25%
These statistics highlight the high success rates for temporary worker visa applications from various countries in 2021, demonstrating the UK’s continued openness to temporary workers despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
8. FAQs
UK Visa Success Rate 2021
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What was the overall UK visa success rate in 2021?
The overall UK visa success rate in 2021 was 78.75%, with a refusal rate of 20.48%.
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What factors affect the success rate of UK visa applications?
Factors affecting the success rate of UK visa applications include the applicant’s nationality, the type of visa applied for, the genuineness of the relationship (in case of family visas), meeting financial requirements, submitting all required supporting documents, and individual circumstances. The more complete and accurate an application, the higher the chances of success.
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How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted UK visa success rate?
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the volume of UK visa applications, with a decrease of 78.42% in visas granted compared to the previous year. However, despite these challenges, the success rates for several visa categories, such as student, skilled worker, and temporary worker visas, remained relatively high.
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What was the success rate for UK visitor visas in 2021?
The success rate for UK visitor visas in 2021 was 67.29%, with a refusal rate of 31.83%.
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How can I improve my chances of getting a UK visitor visa?
To improve your chances, ensure your application is complete and accurate, include all required supporting documents, and clearly show your intent to visit the UK for a permitted reason.
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Which countries have the highest success rates for UK visitor visas?
In 2021, some of the countries with the highest success rates for UK visitor visas were the United States (96.49%), Australia (95.49%), and Canada (95.45%). However, success rates can vary from year to year and may be influenced by various factors such as changes in visa policies and applicant circumstances.
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What was the success rate for UK family visas in 2021?
The success rate for UK family (spouse) visas in 2021 was 86.88%, with a refusal rate of 12.69%.
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What can applicants do to increase their chances of obtaining a UK family (spouse) visa?
To increase the chances of obtaining a UK family (spouse) visa, applicants should submit a comprehensive application, including all required supporting documents, and demonstrate that their relationship with the UK-based sponsor is genuine and meets the requirements set by the UK immigration authorities.
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Which countries had the highest success rates for UK student visas in 2021?
Countries such as China (99.74%), Hong Kong (99.68%), Malaysia (99.67%), and South Korea (99.58%) had some of the highest success rates for UK student visas in 2021.
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Are student visas more difficult to obtain due to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the overall success rate for UK student visas remained high in 2021, at 96.50%. While the pandemic resulted in a decrease in the number of applications and grants, most applicants from different countries were successful in obtaining their student visas.
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What is the difference between a Skilled Worker visa and a Temporary Worker visa?
A Skilled Worker visa is for applicants who have been offered a skilled job in the UK and meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer, scoring sufficient points in the points-based system, and meeting the English language requirement. A Temporary Worker visa, on the other hand, is for those who want to work in the UK for a short period in specific roles such as creative workers, charity workers, religious workers, or participants in government-authorized exchange programs. The eligibility requirements and duration of stay differ between the two visa categories.
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What was UK Skilled Worker Visa Rejection rate in 2021?
The refusal rate for the UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2021 was notably low, at only 0.45%. Out of the total applications, a staggering 76,638 were successful, with only 347 applications faced refusal. This data illustrates the high acceptance rate for skilled worker visas in the UK for the year 2021.
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How did the success rates for UK work visas vary by country in 2021?
Success rates varied significantly, with countries like India (97.90%), Nigeria (97.34%), and the United States (98.33%) having high success rates, while Turkey had a notably lower success rate at 29.14%.
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What was UK Skilled Worker Visa Acceptance Rate in 2021?
In 2021, the acceptance rate for the UK Skilled Worker Visa was impressively high. Out of all applications submitted, 76,638 were approved, making the acceptance rate 99.23%. This suggests that the vast majority of applicants for this visa category in 2021 met the necessary criteria and were granted their visas.
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Does COS guarantee visa?
No, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) does not guarantee a visa. It is an essential part of the application process for certain UK visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, but obtaining a CoS does not assure visa approval. The applicant must still meet all other relevant requirements and pass the assessment process conducted by UK Visas and Immigration.
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What is Sponsorship Visa UK?
A sponsorship visa in the UK refers to a type of visa that requires the applicant to be sponsored by a UK-based employer or other eligible entity. The sponsor must hold a valid sponsorship license and offer a role that meets specific criteria, such as skill level and salary requirements. Examples of sponsorship visas include the Skilled Worker Visa, Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer Visa, and Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa. The sponsorship visa ensures that the applicant has a legitimate offer and aligns with the UK’s immigration rules and labor market needs.
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What was the success rate for UK temporary worker visas in 2021?
The success rate for UK temporary worker visas in 2020 was 95.25%, with a refusal rate of 2.21%.
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Which countries had the highest and lowest rejection rates for UK temporary worker visas in 2020?
Ukraine (99.86%), Moldova (100.00%), and Belarus (100.00%) had the highest approval rates, while India (78.68%) and Nigeria (85.98%) had higher rejection rates compared to other countries.
For further details, please refer HM Government Immigration Statistics (Year Ending March 2021).