🇬🇧 UK Visa Funds & Salary Rules You Must Know for 2025–2026
From 17 May 2025, every major UK visa route costs more and asks for bigger proof of funds. Miss the new numbers and your application could stall. Below is a concise, up-to-date guide to the student, work, visitor, and family requirements—plus official links for deeper checks.
UK Student Visa: 2025 Cost-of-Living Benchmarks
| Item | London | Outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs (per month) | £1,483 | £1,136 |
| Living costs (9 months) | £13,347 | £10,224 |
| Dependants (per month, each) | £845 | £680 |
| Tuition | As shown on your CAS | As shown on your CAS |
Rules to remember
- Keep the full amount in your account 28 days before you apply.
- Bank statement must be issued within 31 days of the application date.
- Use only recognised banks; online-only fintech accounts are often rejected.
Official source: UK Student-Visa Money Guidance
UK Skilled Worker Visa: New Salary Floor
| Applicant Category | Minimum Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Standard applicants | £38,700 |
| Graduates, trainees, under 26 | £30,960 |
| STEM PhD holders | £30,960 |
| Non-STEM PhD holders | £34,830 |
| Jobs on Immigration Salary List | £30,960 |
Other must-haves
- Offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
- Job code must appear on the eligible occupations list.
- English and maintenance funds met.
UK Family (Partner) Visa: 2025 Income Rise
- New minimum combined income: £29,000 a year.
- Savings can offset shortfalls: every £2.50 below the threshold must be covered by £1 in savings.
- Exemptions for carers’ allowance and certain disability benefits still apply.
Policy PDF: Financial Requirement Appendix
Recommended: 7 UK Visa Routes You Can Apply for Without a Job Offer in 2025
UK Visitor Visa: Show You Can Pay Your Way
There is no fixed figure, but officers now cross-check:
- Return ticket and onward plans.
- Paid or reserved accommodation.
- Bank history (3–6 months) that matches trip length.
Typical safe range: £1,500–£2,500 for up to six months.
More details: IAS guide to visit-visa funds
Avoid a Costly Re-Application
- Double-check numbers before you pay the visa fee.
- Scan statements at high resolution—no blurry images.
- Label each PDF clearly (e.g., “Bank-Statement_May2025”).
- If using multiple accounts, add a one-page funds summary.
Re-applying means another £510 for a student visa—or more if you use priority service—plus new biometrics and courier fees.
Quick Readiness Quiz
✅ Do your bank balances match the latest tables?
✅ Is every statement within the 31-day window?
✅ Does your job offer meet the correct salary code?
✅ Have you met the £29k partner-visa income if bringing family?
If you answered yes across the board, your finances are visa-proof—book that appointment.
Key References
- Student-Visa Financial Evidence
- University of Westminster 28-Day Rule Explainer
- Skilled Worker Visa Overview
Stay within these updated limits and your UK move in 2025–2026 should start on solid financial ground.
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