The UK government has announced an increase in financial requirements for various visa categories, including student, tourist, and work visas, in response to rising living costs.

Starting in 2025, international students will need to demonstrate a higher level of financial support, with £1,400 per month required for living costs in London (up from £1,334), and £1,100 per month outside London (up from £1,023) for a nine-month period. Applicants must also provide evidence of the first year’s course fees. Additionally, visa fees have been increased, with the standard student visa fee rising from £490 to £510, and the tourist visa fee going up from £115 to £120.

Work visa applicants face different financial requirements depending on their visa category. Skilled Worker Visa applicants will need to show £1,270 unless their employer certifies sponsorship. Meanwhile, Global Talent Visa applicants are exempt from specific financial thresholds but are still required to cover their initial living costs. Health and Care Worker Visa applicants continue to be exempt from these financial requirements if sponsored by an employer.

Tourist visa applicants are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of their trip. In a change affecting family visa applicants, the required annual income has been raised to at least £29,000, with additional amounts for children: £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. Savings can also be used to meet these financial thresholds.

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