UK Visa Changes for Indians: What You Need to Know from January 2025

[The SmartMove2UK]

This article explains the new UK visa rules for Indians from January 2025. It covers students and skilled workers.

Table of Contents

1. Higher Financial Requirements
2. New Rules for Students
3. New Rules for UK Skilled Workers
4. UK Visa Fee Increases
5. The 28-Day Rule: Explained
6. Start Planning Now!
7. Contact The SmartMove2UK

Higher Financial Requirements

The UK is raising how much money you need to show when you apply for a UK visa. This impacts students and skilled workers.

Read: step-by-step guide to applying for a UK visa from India

New Rules for Students

From 2 January 2025, students must show they have enough money to live on.

This includes accommodation costs.

1. You will need to prove you have £1,483 per month if you study in London.
2. You will need £1,136 per month if studying outside London.

For a one-year master’s programme, this means you will need:

1. £13,347 for London
2. £10,224 for elsewhere in the UK

This covers your living expenses for nine months.

Know: Different UK study visas in depth

New Rules for UK Skilled Workers

Skilled workers need to show they earn enough to live in the UK.

1. You must prove you earn at least £38,700.
2. You need a sponsor from a UK employer. This employer must be approved by the UK Home Office.
3. If you don't have a sponsor, you must show you have enough money saved to support yourself.

A Complete Guide to understand: UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

UK Visa Fee Increases

UK visa fees are increasing for most visa types. This includes tourist, family, and student visas.

Some people will not have to pay the increase. This includes people with disabilities and those working in certain jobs, like healthcare.

The 28-Day Rule: Explained

A new rule says you must have the required money in your bank account for at least 28 days in a row. This applies to students and skilled workers.

1. The closing balance on your bank statement can’t be older than 30 days when you apply.
2. If you don't follow this, your UK visa application could be rejected.

Check your next options: after UK visa refusal

Start Planning Now!

You should start planning your finances now. This will help you meet the new requirements. If you need to save more money, start now.

Contact The SmartMove2UK

One Stop for All your UK Visa Requirements. The SmartMove2UK is a specialist immigration law firm with branches in India (Mumbai | Delhi | Bengaluru) led by a specialist Solicitor. Evolving from practicing exclusively in the areas of UK nationality and immigration law.