Immigration and Visa Information

More than 151,000 overseas nationals from outside the EU were granted permission to work: almost four times the level when Labour took power in 1997.
It was announced to MPs that 151,635 work visa applications were granted between December 2007 and November last year.
The greatest numbers of visas were issued to enable to following nationalities to work in the UK

• Indians: 49,950
• Americans: 28,835
• Chinese Nationals: 8,090

Many migrants were granted visas in categories that allow them to remain in the UK for up to five years. At the end of five years as long as they meet the requirements migrants can then apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).