New UK Visa Requirements for 2025: What You Need to Know before applying

Highlights: Major Changes Announced to UK Visa Requirements in 2025

• The UK Government has announced major changes to the UK Visa policy starting January 2, 2025.
• Foreign nationals studying or seeking employment in the UK must follow the new UK visa requirements.
• As per the new policy, UK student and work visa applicants must now present at least 11% more financial funds.
• The UK visa fees for visit, spouse, family, child, and other student visas will also increase.

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What are the new changes in the UK Visa Policies?

The UK Government has released a new visa policy that includes changes in visa requirements, fees, and other requirements. Foreign nationals looking to study or work in the UK will now be required to follow the new visa policies. The new changes came into effect on January 2, 2025, and are a result of the ongoing impact of immigration on the UK’s economy and housing sector.

 

As per the latest guidelines, UK visa applicants seeking employment or education in the country must show 11% more proof of financial funds.

 

International students looking to pursue their education in the UK must fulfill the criteria below:

Course Duration	Proof of Funds (in London)	Proof of Funds (outside London)
1 month	GBP 1,483	GBP 1,136
1 year Master's Program	GBP 13,347	GBP 10,224

The above-listed proof of funds must have been present in the visa holder’s bank account for a minimum of 28 continuous days prior to the application submission.

 

Note: Only students from specific countries and those already residing in the UK can be exempt from the rules mentioned above.

 

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What are the changes Announced to the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK government has also announced updates on the UK skilled worker visa. Some of the new changes for skilled workers seeking a UK visa are as follows:

• Individuals applying for the first time must show proof of income worth GBP 38,700 for expenses and accommodation.
• A sponsorship from a registered employer in the UK, which the UK Home Office approves, is mandatory.
• Applicants who fail to acquire a sponsorship must maintain the funds in the account for 28 continuous days prior to submitting the visa application.

 

Along with the above rules, the UK also plans to increase the visa fees for several UK visas, including visit, family, child, spouse, and student visas. Exemptions will be offered to those with disabilities, those enrolled in armed forces or talent-based roles, and those in the healthcare sector.

 

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