The United Kingdom’s visa system was subjected to major changes in April 2025. The updates touch upon issues that affect many categories of applicants, including international students, skilled workers, tourists, and families. The government aims to improve border security, ensure applicants have money to support themselves, and fast-track the immigration process. Here is an inclusive view of what is changing and how it could affect you.
Increased Financial Requirements for Students
International students wanting to study in the UK must now prove the ability to satisfy more financially challenging entry requirements. This change was effective January 2, 2025; more serious requirements have increased living expense considerations during their stay for those applying for such a visa.
Monthly financial requirements for students attending institutions in London are now valued at £1,483. For people outside London, calculations indicate the requirement should be £1,136. A one-year course in London thus requires about £13,347 in available funds, while for courses outside London, £10,224 must be shown for nine months’ living expenses.
Crucially, students must have held the funds for at least 28 continuous days in their account before submitting their application.
Revised Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers
One of the most significant changes has taken place for visas looking to attract skilled workers. The minimum salary threshold for applicants has significantly increased, from £26,500 to £38,700 per annum. This will, in effect, attract highly skilled professionals and reduce reliance on low-wage migrant labor.
Besides, applicants are still required to be sponsored by a UK employer who is registered with the Home Office. If the applicant is applying without the employer’s sponsorship, funds must be maintained in a bank account for no less than 28 days.
ETA Introduction
Under the ETA system, the UK is geared to increase border security for all visa-exempt travelers. Applications for ETA are to open on March 5, 2025, and an ETA would become mandatory starting from April 2, 2025.
This system would apply initially to travelers from European visa-exempt countries, who would now be pre-screened before arrival in the UK. This applies to prevent further abuses of the asylum system and to ensure that all travelers meet the UK’s immigration standards before their arrival.
Rise in Visa Application Fees
The prices of applying for a UK visa have also risen. This new visa fee applies to all categories namely, tourist, student, work, and family visas besides optional priority processing services.
A brief visit visa for tourists costs $153; that for long-term visitors could be anywhere between $573 for two years and $1,277 for a period of ten years. A skilled worker visa will now cost almost $827. Fees for a student visa outside of the UK are pegged at $647.
For student children, the visa charges are $845. Both short-processing and super-priority visas are priced at $550 and $1,050, respectively. There are some exemptions for persons with disabilities, health workers, and armed forces personnel.
Stricter Proof of Funds for Tourists
Visas for tourists will now require proof of financing with greater detail than before. The amount a person has to be able to satisfy depends on the length and reasons for such travel but ranges from £1,500 to £2,500. More documentation requests can also be issued by the Home Office making the entire process longer and more difficult.
Increased Family Visa Requirements
For applicants for a family visit visa to the UK, the first income requirement for the sponsoring party has risen from £18,600 to £29,000 per annum. This change is meant to ensure that sponsors will be able to comfortably support their family members without public assistance.
Compliance with the 28-Day Rule
The 28-day rule is a most important part of the financial requirements. Funds should lie in the account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the given amount. Also, at the time of applying for the visa, the closing balance in the account should not be more than 30 days. Failure to meet this requirement would result in the application being declined.
Planning Ahead
Given the tightening of UK visa rules, it is more important than ever for applicants to plan well in advance. If you are a student, a skilled worker, a tourist, or a family member preparing to reunite with loved ones, you will capture the necessary preparations for these changes as much as possible, thereby improving your chances of securing a visa.
Stay updated, keep your documents in order, and think about consulting a visa expert to help navigate what is becoming a changing style in UK immigration policies.