New Immigration Rules for International Students in the UK

New immigration rules for international students in the UK, effective from 2024-2025, include a Graduate Route visa that will be limited to a term of 18 months for graduates who complete a British undergraduate or master's program. Those on a PhD program may continue to apply for a 3-year term. Family members accompanying their student or graduate must either be in a PhD program or a research-based master's program, or be on a government-sponsored student visa. 

In mid-2025, international students will receive their visa as a fully digital e-visa, eliminating the need for a physical visa permit, enhancing the management of student status. The financial expectations of international students will increase to £1,483/month if studying in London and £1,136/month if studying outside of London. The threshold for minimum salary and qualification for Skilled Worker visas for international students and graduates has increased, as well as the pathway to settlement has been extended from 5 years to 10 years in most cases. Universities may also need to pay a proposed levy on their international tuition fees to reinvest those funds for the education sector.

New Rules for International Students in UK 2025 Overview

In 2025, the United Kingdom's immigration policies for Foreign Students, in particular, were significantly revised to help to simplify the visa application process and to implement new criteria for eligibility. These changes will impact the length of time a Foreign Student can stay on the Graduate Route visa, eligibility to bring dependants, the requirement for proving adequate funding to support their studies, and a complete switch to fully digital visa application processes. 

Student Visa UK Requirements

In order to obtain a UK student visa in 2025, one will need to fulfill a number of key requirements:

• Hold a valid passport.

• Possess a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) by a licensed education sponsor in the UK.

• Demonstrate the availability of enough money to meet tuition fees and cost of living (at least £1,136/month outside London, £1,483/month in London).

• Have a proficiency test in English language approved by tests like IELTS or PTE.

• Offer biometric data and, in case required, tuberculosis test results.

• Children below 18 years require parental approval and guardianship.

Student Visa UK Validity

A student visa (‘d student visa UK validity) in UK normally has a standard period that is determined by the duration of the course and an added time in the course of completing the course and lastly work after study. But thereafter, from 2026, the Graduate visa will be reduced to 18 months, rather than 24 months, which restricts after study work. The visa length also varies depending on the type of course, short courses have different shorter limits.

New Rules of UK Student Dependent Visa 2025

An important amendment in 2025 will be the limitation of the dependents:

• The new rule does not permit international students taking an undergraduate degree course or taught postgraduate course to bring dependents (spouse or children).

• The eligibility of the dependent visa of the family members depends on PhD students and postgraduate research students.

This shift targets to provide attention on the higher level research students and address the effects of immigration.

UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2025

A crucial update in 2025 is the restriction on bringing dependents:

• International students enrolled in undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses cannot bring dependents (spouse or children) under the new rules.

• Only PhD students and postgraduate research students are eligible to apply for dependent visas for their family members.

• This change aims to focus support on higher-level research students while managing immigration impacts.

Student Visa UK Cost

The cost of applying for a UK student visa in 2025 is £524 for the main applicant. Dependents, if eligible, must pay the same fee per person. Additionally, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £776 per year, enabling access to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay. Optional priority processing services are available, costing between £500 and £1,000, to expedite visa decisions.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

Standard processing times for student visas remain approximately 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK. Applicants can choose priority or super priority services to receive decisions within 5 working days or the next working day, respectively. Delays may occur due to peak periods, additional security checks, or incomplete documentation.

UK Student Visa Documents Checklist

Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents for visa application:

• Valid passport with at least one blank page.

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.

• Proof of sufficient funds covering tuition and living expenses for at least 28 consecutive days.

• Tuberculosis test certificate (where applicable).

• Academic transcripts and certificates.

• English language test scores.

• Parental consent and proof of relationship if under 18.

• Sponsor consent letter if funding is provided by a third party.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain courses.

• Passport-sized photographs meeting UK specifications.