Nigerian nationals have emerged as the leading group transitioning from study-related visas to non-study visas within three years, according to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) report titled Reason for International Migration, International Students Update: November 2024.
The report reveals a growing trend of Nigerian migrants using the UK’s visa system to secure long-term residency or employment. For the cohort ending June 2019, 24% of Nigerians on study visas switched to other visa types after three years. However, by June 2021, this figure soared to 76%, a substantial 52 percentage point increase, making Nigerians the nationality with the highest rate of visa transitions.
In comparison, Chinese nationals showed the lowest rate of transition across the same periods, though there was still a notable increase of 16 percentage points over the years.
Nigerian Dependants Outnumber Students
The report also highlights a significant shift in the composition of Nigerian study visa holders. By June 2023, dependants of Nigerian students accounted for 55% of study-related visas, surpassing the 45% who were students. This marked a drastic change from June 2019, when students made up 79% of study visa holders, and dependants only 21%.
This increase in study-dependant visas mirrors a broader trend observed among nationals from Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, policy changes in June 2024 led to a decline in dependant immigration.
Nigeria and India Lead Growth in UK International Students
The data further shows that Nigerian students have played a major role in the rise of international student numbers in the UK. From June 2019 to June 2023, the number of Nigerian students in the UK surged from 3,600 to 45,400. India also experienced significant growth, with student numbers climbing from 14,200 to 102,600 in the same period. Both Nigeria and India are key markets for the UK’s international student recruitment efforts, supported by initiatives like the British Council’s Study UK programme and GREAT Scholarships.
UK Faces Challenges in Addressing Workforce Gaps
The surge in visa transitions and international student numbers comes at a time when the UK is struggling with workforce shortages. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that many immigrants have entered the UK to fill gaps in the labor market, particularly in sectors such as engineering, where apprenticeship numbers have halved in the last decade.
In response to these trends, the UK government is preparing a White Paper that will outline plans to reduce immigration and tighten visa policies.
Implications for Migration Policy
The sharp increase in transitions from study visas to non-study visas highlights how Nigerian nationals, in particular, are using the UK’s visa system as a pathway to long-term opportunities. This trend aligns with recent upward revisions in migration estimates, signaling that visa transitions are becoming more common.
As the UK seeks to tighten its immigration rules, particularly in response to increasing migration from certain countries, these changes could significantly affect Nigerian nationals. The tightening of pathways from study visas to work visas may disrupt many Nigerians’ aspirations for long-term residency or employment, potentially forcing them to return home.
 report titled Reason for International Migration, International Students Update: November 2024.){kind=link}