Japa: UK government unveils new financial criteria for visa applicants in 2025

• New financial guidelines set for student, work, and family visa applicants in 2025
• Family visa applicants must prove a combined income of at least £29,000
• Living expense requirements for students in London raised to £1,400/month

The United Kingdom government has revealed new financial criteria for individuals applying for student, tourist, and work visas in 2025.

The UK government website confirmed that the financial guidelines for 2025 have been revised in response to the country’s economic conditions, incorporating substantial changes to living cost expectations and visa application fees.

Student visa fees,  living expense requirements increased 

Applicants for student, work, and family visas will need to ensure they meet the updated financial requirements as part of their application process.

The minimum living expense requirement for students in London has been raised to £1,400 per month, up from £1,334 last year.

For those studying outside London, the minimum living expenses requirement is now £1,100 per month, up from £1,023, to cover costs for up to nine months.

In addition to showing they can cover living expenses, students must also prove they have sufficient funds to pay for their first year's tuition fees.

The required funds must be shown in a bank statement, covering a 28-day consecutive period, and it must be within 31 days of the visa application date.

The bank statement must reflect the required amount over a 28-day consecutive period and must be dated within the last 31 days from the visa application date.

The cost of a standard student visa for those applying from outside the UK was increased from £490 to £510, while the visit visa fee for stays of up to six months has been increased from £115 to £120.

New financial criteria for tourist visa applicants

The fee for a two-year visit visa has increased to £420, up from £400 in 2024, reflecting the higher charges for longer-term visas.

The fee for the priority visa service, along with other categories, has increased to £550, an additional £50.

The UK government also specified more detailed financial criteria for those applying for tourist visas in 2025.

The statement noted that while no exact amount is mandated, applicants must prove they have enough money to cover their trip, including accommodation, transport, and daily living expenses.

Applicants seeking extended stays will face a more thorough examination of their financial documentation by visa officials.

Work visa requirements vary

Work visa requirements vary depending on the type, with Skilled Worker Visa applicants needing to show £1,270 in personal funds, unless their employer offers financial support certification.

While Global Talent Visa applicants do not have specific financial requirements, they must prove they can manage their initial living expenses. 

Health and Care Worker Visa applicants, however, do not need to meet financial requirements if their employer offers sponsorship.

What partners must show for family visa

The requirement for partners and spouses applying for a family visa in 2025 is to prove a combined annual income of no less than £29,000.

Applicants and their partners who receive qualifying disability or carer benefits may be exempt from this requirement.

The financial requirement for children includes £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for every additional child.

According to the statement on the website, applicants may use their savings to fulfil the financial criteria, as long as they comply with the required documentation standards.

Those who do not meet the income requirement might still be eligible for a visa under certain conditions, such as having a British or Irish child in the UK or if rejecting the application would breach human rights.

US Embassy in Nigeria announces changes to visa process starting January 2025

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria required two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos for visa applicants starting January 1, 2025.

According to the report, the first visit will be for an in-person document review, aimed at preventing delays in processing.