Key Takeaways
- Starting January 2, 2025, UK visa applicants must show more funds—£1,483/month for London students and £1,136/month for those outside London.
- Funds must stay in the bank for at least 28 consecutive days before applying to avoid rejection.
- UK visa fees for 2025 have risen, including for skilled worker and student visas.
- Nigerian applicants should start budgeting early, track exchange rates, and ensure documentation meets the 28-day rule for a smooth application process.
International students and skilled workers applying for visas to the United Kingdom will face higher financial requirements beginning January 2, 2025.
These changes, announced by the UK government, require applicants to show more money in their bank accounts to cover living expenses during their stay.
These updated regulations affect those hoping to study or work in the UK, with new financial thresholds set for students and skilled workers.
These changes are aimed at ensuring that applicants have the necessary financial resources to support themselves during their time in the UK.
Table of Contents
Increased financial requirements for students
International students, including Nigerians, seeking a UK study visa will now need to show higher amounts of money to cover their living expenses. For students attending courses in London, the required amount is £1,483 per month, while students studying outside London will need to show £1,136 per month, TravelBiz reports.
For a typical one-year master’s program, students must show £13,347 if studying in London, and £10,224 for those outside London. The funds must be held in the applicant’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.
Comparison with current financial requirements
According to reports, currently, the financial requirements are lower. For students in London, the monthly amount is £1,334, while those studying outside London need to show £1,023 per month. Under the new rules, these amounts will increase, placing additional financial burdens on prospective students.
Changes to skilled worker visa financial requirements
Skilled workers applying for a visa to the UK will also face new financial thresholds. According to reports, to qualify for a skilled worker visa, applicants must have an annual income of at least £38,700 to cover living expenses and accommodation.
In addition, applicants must secure sponsorship from an employer approved by the Home Office. Like student applicants, skilled worker visa applicants must demonstrate that they have the required funds in their account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting their application if they do not have employer sponsorship.
Updated UK visa fees and exemptions
Visa application fees for 2025 have been revised to reflect inflation and improved services. The new fees for various visa categories are as follows:
- Short-term Visit (6 months): $153
- Long-term Visit (2 years): $573
- Long-term Visit (5 years): $1,023
- Long-term Visit (10 years): $1,277
- Skilled Worker Visa: $827
- Student Visa (Outside UK): $647
- Parent of Student Child Visa: $845
Priority visas are priced at $550, while super-priority visas cost $1,050. However, certain groups such as individuals with disabilities, careers, and professionals in specific sectors like healthcare, the armed forces, and talent-based roles will continue to benefit from fee waivers.
The 28-day rule for financial documentation
A key new regulation is the “28-day rule”. Applicants must ensure that the required funds remain in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, without dipping below the required amount. Bank statements or certified letters submitted as part of the financial documentation must show that the closing balance is no older than 30 days when the visa application is submitted. Failure to comply with this rule may result in visa rejection.
What Nigerians Seeking UK Visas Need to Know
Nigerian applicants are advised to begin financial preparations well in advance to ensure they meet the new requirements. Budgeting early is crucial, as exchange rate fluctuations could significantly impact the naira-to-pound conversion, increasing the amount needed. It’s essential to ensure that all financial documents, such as bank statements, strictly comply with the 28-day rule to avoid delays or rejections. The updated UK visa policies demand greater financial readiness, and Nigerian students and skilled workers must thoroughly review these changes to ensure their applications meet the updated standards.
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