UK’s New Financial Requirements for Immigrants 2025

The United Kingdom has raised its financial requirements for immigrants planning to study or work in the country starting in 2025.

In efforts to manage immigration’s impact on housing and the economy, the UK government has updated its website to reflect the new financial requirements immigrants must meet as proof of funds for studying or working in the country.

According to the UK’s website, immigrants applying for a study visa after 2 January 2025 will need £1,483 per month to support themselves in London and £1,136 per month outside London.

For example, if you enrol in a one-year master’s programme in London, you will need £13,347 (£1,483 × 9 months) for living costs. For studies outside London, the required amount is £10,224 (£1,136 × 9 months).

You must hold this amount in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for a study visa.

Previous Financial Requirements

Previously, students were required to show £1,334 per month (up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,023 per month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London. However, these rates have now been increased.

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Applicants already residing in the UK are exempt from these financial requirements. Nationals from certain countries also benefit from this exemption.

Increased Family Income Threshold

One significant change is the increase in the family income threshold for those applying for family visas. This threshold has risen from £18,600 to £29,000 and will increase further to £38,700 in early 2025.

The UK government made these changes to ensure foreign partners and dependents do not become a financial burden on the government. Applicants bringing dependants to live in the UK must demonstrate their ability to financially support their families.

For couples applying for a family visa with children, the new financial requirements include an additional £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.

If you do not meet these financial requirements, you will need to prove that your children are British or Irish citizens. Families may also qualify for exemptions if their children are citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland and lack pre-settled status.

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Applicants already living in the UK on family visas who do not meet the financial requirements for each child must prove their children have lived in the UK for at least 7 years since birth.

Financial Requirements for Skilled Workers

First-time skilled worker visa applicants must show they can support themselves in the UK, with required earnings above £29,000. Applicants must hold the necessary funds in their account for 28 days before submitting their visa applications.

For skilled worker visa eligibility, applicants must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

If you are applying for an employer-sponsored visa, your sponsor will cover the cost of living for the first month.

Increased Visa Fees

The UK government has also made minor increases to visa application fees, including tourist, family, spouse, child, and study visas. Certain groups, such as those with specific disabilities, careers in health, or armed forces applicants, may qualify for exemptions.

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This article was written and assisted by the use of AI.