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

Highlights: New changes announced to the UK visa requirements in 2025

• The UK Government has announced new changes to the UK Student visa and UK Work Visa.
• Under the new changes, UK Student visa applicants must demonstrate 11% more financial resources.
• UK Work visa applicants will need sponsorship from UK employers along with approval from the Home Office.
• The new changes are effective from January 02, 2025.

 

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Changes in UK Visa Policy 2025

 

The UK government has introduced new changes to the visa policies for UK work visas and UK study visas. The changes aim to address issues related to immigration's impact on the housing sector and the country's economy.

The updated requirements should be followed for all UK work and Study visa applications made after January 02, 2025. However, exceptions are allowed for applicants under special conditions or from certain countries.

 

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UK Student Visa Changes 2025

 

International students applying for a UK Student Visa in 2025 are required to demonstrate 11% more financial resources than the current guidelines. Students from certain countries and those already residing in the UK are exempted from the new requirements.  They must also submit proof of funds to demonstrate their ability to cover living expenses as per the guidelines mentioned in the table below:

Duration of the course	Proof of Funds (in London)	Proof of Funds (outside London)
1 month	GBP 1,483 (HKD 14,435)	GBP 1,136 (HKD 11,058)
1 year Master's Program	GBP 13,347  or equal to 9 months of expenses in London (HKD 129922)	GBP 10,224 (HKD 99,522)

 

Note: The applicant must have all funds in their account for a minimum of 28 days consecutively before applying for the visa.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes 2025

 

The UK Government has announced the following changes to the UK Skilled Worker Visa:

• Candidates applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa for the first time are required to demonstrate an income of GBP 38,700 (HKD 376,712) for accommodation and other expenses.
• Applicants must have a sponsorship from the UK employer, which the Home Office has approved.
• If sponsorship is not available to the applicant then they must have the required amount in their bank account for a minimum of 28 days consecutively before applying for the visa.

The Government is also planning to increase visa fees for multiple visa categories, including family, tourist, spouse, child, and student visa. However, specially-abled applicants or professionals in the healthcare sector,  armed forces, or specific-talent based roles are exempted from the new requirements.

 

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