UK Visa Financial Requirements for Students, Workers, and Families in 2025

If you’re planning to move to the UK in 2025 for family, study, work, or a visit, you need to show you have enough money to support yourself. The UK government has updated financial rules to match rising living costs.

1. Spouse/Partner Visa

The spouse or partner visa lets you live in the UK with your spouse or partner who is a British citizen or has settled status. The financial rules are strict to ensure you don’t rely on public funds.

• Minimum Income: You and your partner need a combined yearly income of at least £29,000. This rule started on April 11, 2024, and stays the same in 2025. If you applied before this date, the old requirement of £18,600 applies.
• Savings Option: If your income is less than £29,000, you can use savings. You need £88,500 in a bank account for at least 6 months. These savings must be in cash (not investments) and in your or your partner’s name.
• Extra for Children: If you’re bringing children, you don’t need extra income beyond £29,000 unless they are not British or Irish citizens.
• Exemptions: You may not need to meet the income rule if your partner gets certain UK benefits, like Disability Living Allowance, or if refusing your visa would violate human rights (e.g., separating you from a British child).
• Documents: Provide payslips (6 months if employed longer, 12 months if less), bank statements, or proof of savings. Self-employed people need tax returns for the last financial year (April 6 to April 5).

2. Student Visa

International students need to show they can pay for their course and living costs. The financial requirements increased in January 2025.

• Living Costs:
  • London: £1,483 per month (up to 9 months, total £13,347).
  • Outside London: £1,136 per month (up to 9 months, total £10,224).
• Course Fees: You must show you can pay your first year’s tuition fees, as listed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• 28-Day Rule: The money must be in your (or your parent’s) bank account for 28 consecutive days, with the statement dated within 31 days of your application.
• Exemptions: You don’t need to show funds if you’ve lived in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or if you’re from certain “low-risk” countries (but you must still have the money ready if asked).
• Documents: Provide recent bank statements or a letter from your bank. If you have a student loan or sponsorship, include proof from the lender or sponsor.

3. Work Visa

Skilled Worker visas are for people with a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. Financial rules depend on your situation.

• Minimum Income: First-time applicants need a job with a salary of at least £38,700 per year. Some jobs, like healthcare or roles for under-26s, have lower salary requirements (e.g., £23,200 for social care workers).
• Funds: If your employer isn’t covering your first month’s costs, you must show £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days (statement within 31 days of application).
• Documents: Provide a job offer letter, payslips, or bank statements. If sponsored, your employer must confirm they’ll support you financially.
• Exemptions: No financial proof is needed for Health and Care Worker visas if your employer sponsors you.

4. Tourist/Visit Visa

Tourist visas are for short stays (up to 6 months). There’s no fixed amount, but you must prove you can afford your trip.

• Funds: Show enough money for accommodation, transport, and daily expenses (estimated £1,500–£2,500 for short stays). The amount depends on your travel plans.
• 28-Day Rule: Funds must be in your account for 28 consecutive days, with the statement dated within 31 days of application.
• Documents: Provide bank statements, payslips, or a letter from someone supporting you financially (e.g., a family member).
• Scrutiny: In 2025, officials will check tourist applications more strictly, especially for long or repeated visits.

General Tips for All Visas

• Plan Early: Gather documents well in advance. Mistakes can lead to rejection and extra costs.
• 28-Day Rule: Most visas require funds to be held for 28 days without dropping below the required amount.
• Application Fees: Fees increased in 2025. For example:
  • Spouse visa: £1,938 (outside UK), £1,321 (inside UK).
  • Student visa: £510 (outside UK).
  • Visit visa: £120 (up to 6 months).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Most visas require an IHS fee (£1,035 per year) for NHS access.
• Get Help: If you’re unsure, consult an immigration lawyer or check official UK government websites.

Why These Changes?

The UK government raised financial requirements in 2025 to match rising living costs and reduce immigration’s impact on housing and the economy. A review of the spouse visa income rule is planned for June 2025, but no further increases are confirmed yet.

By preparing the right documents and meeting these financial rules, you can boost your chances of a successful UK visa application in 2025. Always check the latest updates on www.gov.uk before applying.