Starting January 2025, international students and skilled workers applying for UK visas must meet higher financial requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to plan your finances for studying or working in the UK.
New Financial Requirements for UK Study Visas
International students will need to show more money to cover their living expenses starting January 2, 2025:
- For courses in London: £1,483 per month (approximately ₹1.5 lakh).
- For courses outside London: £1,136 per month.
For a typical one-year master’s program:
- Students in London: £13,347 (around ₹14 lakh) for the year.
- Students outside London: £10,224 for nine months.
Students must have these funds in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting their visa application.
Current Requirements:
- London: £1,334 per month.
- Outside London: £1,023 per month.
Exemptions:
- Students already in the UK.
- Nationals from specific countries with visa exemptions.
Revised Financial Rules for Skilled Worker Visas
Skilled workers applying for a visa for the first time must meet these new financial thresholds:
- Income requirement: £38,700 annually to cover living expenses.
- Employer sponsorship: Must be from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Applicants must have the required funds in their account for at least 28 days before applying for unsponsored applications.
Increased UK Visa Fees for 2025
Visa fees have been updated to reflect inflation and improve services. Here are the updated fees for 2025:
| Visa Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Short-term Visit (6 months) | $153 |
| Long-term Visit (2 years) | $573 |
| Long-term Visit (5 years) | $1,023 |
| Long-term Visit (10 years) | $1,277 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | $827 |
| Student Visa (Outside UK) | $647 |
| Parent of Student Child Visa | $845 |
| Premium Services | |
| Priority Visa | $550 |
| Super-Priority Visa | $1,050 |
Exemptions: Applicants with disabilities, carers, and professionals in certain sectors (like healthcare and the armed forces) will continue to benefit from fee waivers.
Understanding the 28-Day Rule
The new “28-day rule” requires applicants to keep the required funds in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.
- Funds must stay in the account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the required amount.
- The closing balance should not be older than 30 days when submitting the application.
- This rule applies to bank statements and certified letters.
Failure to meet this rule can result in visa rejection.
Tips for Prospective Applicants
- Start budgeting early: Prepare your financial reserves well before your application date.
- Monitor exchange rates: Currency changes can affect how much you need to show.
- Double-check documentation: Ensure your bank statements meet the 28-day requirement.
Conclusion
With these upcoming changes, students and workers aiming to move to the UK should start their financial planning early.
Meeting the updated requirements will ensure a smoother visa application process and increase your chances of success.
