The United Kingdom government has announced updated financial requirements for individuals applying for student, tourist, and work visas in 2025.
The revisions, influenced by rising living costs and inflation, are aimed at ensuring applicants can meet the economic demands of residing in the UK, reports AFP.
The changes will impact students, workers, tourists, and families planning to live in or visit the country in the coming year.
For students, the financial threshold for living expenses has been adjusted upwards. Applicants intending to study in London will now be required to demonstrate at least £1,400 per month for living costs, an increase from £1,334 in 2024.
Those studying outside London must show £1,100 per month, up from £1,023. These funds must cover a nine-month period and be accompanied by proof of the first year’s course fees. Evidence of these funds must be shown in a bank statement spanning a consecutive 28-day period, not older than 31 days before the application date.
Visa fees have also been revised, with slight increases across multiple categories. The standard student visa fee for applicants outside the UK has risen from £490 to £510. Similarly, the fee for a six-month visit visa has increased to £120 from £115. Long-term visit visas now cost more, with a two-year visa priced at £420, up from £400. Other services, including priority visa processing, have seen notable hikes, with the cost rising from £500 to £550.
For work visas, financial requirements will vary depending on the visa category. Skilled Worker Visa applicants must show £1,270 to support themselves unless their employer provides financial certification. Applicants for the Global Talent Visa are exempt from specific financial thresholds but must prove they can cover their initial living costs. Health and Care Worker Visa applicants will also remain exempt if their employer provides sponsorship.
Also, tourist visa applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover all trip-related expenses, including accommodation, transport, and daily living costs. For extended stays, visa officials are expected to impose stricter scrutiny on financial documentation.
Family visa applicants will face increased income requirements in 2025. Partners or spouses must now prove a combined annual income of at least £29,000. Additional costs include £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. Savings can also be used to meet these financial thresholds if applicants provide the required documentation.
Exceptions to this rule apply to those receiving specific disability or career benefits. Certain applicants may still qualify if they have a British or Irish child living in the UK or if rejecting their application would violate human rights.
