New Financial Requirements for UK Visa Applications in 2025

The UK government has introduced updated financial requirements for visa applications in 2025, impacting international students, family visa applicants, and workers. These changes reflect the rising cost of living and inflation in the UK. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand these new thresholds.

1. International Students: Higher Living Cost Requirements

Starting January 2025, international students must demonstrate higher financial savings to secure a student visa:

• London-based students: ₹1,48,300 per month for up to 9 months, totaling approximately ₹13,34,700 for a full academic year.
• Students outside London: ₹1,13,600 per month for up to 9 months, totaling approximately ₹10,22,400.

These amounts represent an increase from previous requirements (approximately ₹1,33,400 for London and ₹1,02,300 outside London). Students can offset these amounts with pre-paid accommodation deposits. However, proof of tuition fees for the first year must also be provided.

How to Prove Financial Support for Students

To prove financial support, students need to show a bank statement with the required amount for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. This can be in their name or their parent’s/partner’s name. It is crucial to ensure that the funds are not withdrawn during this period, as this could lead to visa application rejection.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

In addition to living costs, students must also demonstrate they can afford their tuition fees for the first year. This is typically confirmed through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their university.

2. Family Visa: Increased Minimum Income Threshold

Applicants sponsoring a partner or spouse must meet the following financial requirements:

• Minimum income threshold: ₹29,00,000 annually (increased from ₹18,60,000).
• Additional income for children:
  • First child: ₹3,80,000 annually.
  • Each additional child: ₹2,40,000 annually.

These changes apply to new applications submitted after April 11, 2024. Exceptions exist for those extending visas under older rules or receiving specific benefits.

Meeting the Income Threshold

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum income threshold through employment or other sources of income. This can include self-employment income, investments, or certain benefits. However, not all benefits qualify, so it’s essential to check the UK government’s guidelines.

Exemptions for Family Visas

Certain applicants may be exempt from meeting the income threshold, such as those receiving disability or carer’s benefits. However, these exemptions are subject to specific conditions and should be verified with the UK Visa and Immigration department.

3. Work Visas: Financial Evidence

For sponsored work visas:

• Applicants must show at least ₹1,27,000 in savings unless their sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Dependents must also meet financial requirements unless they have resided in the UK for over 12 months.

Employer Sponsorship

If an employer certifies maintenance, applicants may not need to show personal savings. However, this depends on the specific visa category and employer sponsorship conditions.

Dependent Requirements

Dependents must meet separate financial requirements unless they have lived in the UK for more than a year. This ensures that they can support themselves without relying on public funds.

4. Exemptions and Flexibility

Certain exemptions apply:

• Students and workers who have lived in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months are exempt from proving financial support for living costs.
• Family visa applicants receiving disability or carer’s benefits are not required to meet the minimum income threshold.

Understanding Exemptions

It’s crucial to understand which exemptions apply to your situation. For instance, students who have been in the UK for over a year do not need to prove living costs for future visa applications.ions.