The UK government has updated the financial requirements for individuals applying for student, tourist, or work visas in 2025.
According to a statement on the official UK government website, these changes reflect the country’s current economic conditions, including significant adjustments in living cost requirements and visa application fees.
Applicants will need to meet the revised financial conditions when applying for various visa categories, including student, work, and family visas.
For students planning to study in London, they must show at least £1,400 per month for living expenses, up from £1,334 in 2024. Those studying outside London will need to demonstrate £1,100 per month, an increase from £1,023. These funds are required to cover living costs for up to nine months.
In addition to demonstrating the ability to cover living expenses, students must also prove they have enough funds to pay for their first year’s course fees. These funds must be shown in a bank statement, covering a consecutive 28-day period, and no older than 31 days from the visa application date.
Visa application fees have also increased for 2025. The fee for a standard student visa for applicants outside the UK has risen from £490 to £510. The fee for a visit visa for stays of up to six months has increased from £115 to £120. Longer-term visit visa fees have also seen an increase, with a two-year visa now costing £420, up from £400 in 2024. Other categories, such as the priority visa service, now cost £550, reflecting a £50 increase.
For tourist visa applicants in 2025, while there is no fixed amount required, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their entire trip, including accommodation, transport, and daily expenses. Visa officials will carefully examine financial documentation, particularly for those applying for extended stays.
Work visa requirements vary by type. Skilled Worker Visa applicants must show £1,270 to support themselves unless their employer provides financial support certification. Applicants for the Global Talent Visa do not have specific financial requirements but must prove they can cover initial living expenses. Health and Care Worker Visa applicants are exempt from minimum financial requirements if their employer sponsors them.
Partners and spouses applying for a family visa must now show a combined annual income of at least £29,000 in 2025. Exemptions apply for those receiving certain disability or carer benefits. For children, there is an additional requirement of £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
The statement also clarified that applicants may use their savings to meet the financial criteria, provided they follow specific documentation guidelines. Those who do not meet the income requirement may still be eligible for a visa in certain circumstances, such as if they have a British or Irish child living in the UK, or if rejecting their application would violate human rights.