New UK Student Visa Rules 2025 Explained for Indian Applicants

The UK remains a top study destination for Indian students, but immigration rules are tightening. In May 2025 the UK government published its “Restoring control over the immigration system” White Paper, aiming to reduce net migration and raise standards for newcomers. For students, this means several important changes. Below we explain each new rule – based on official UK government guidance – and what it means for your study plans.

1. Digital eVisas and Online Status (from July 2025)

Starting 15 July 2025, the UK will replace physical visa stickers with digital immigration permissions (eVisas). Under this system, when you apply for a work or study visa you will no longer receive a paper vignette. Instead, you must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. Once your visa is approved, your visa status will be recorded electronically in that account, and you will get instructions on how to access your eVisa before traveling to the UK.

This digital status is secure and convenient: you cannot lose or tear it, and it’s easier to prove your right to study/work in the UK. For example, at the border you simply present your passport and confirm your status online; similarly employers or landlords can check your status without needing to see a physical visa. Note that after 15 July 2025 you won’t get any vignette at all for a new study or work visa – everything is done via the UKVI account. (Some visa types, like dependents or visitor visas, will still get a physical vignette.) In practice, make sure to set up and monitor your UKVI account, print or save any shareable status codes, and use these whenever you prove your right to live or work in the UK.

2. Bringing Family: New Dependent-Visa Restrictions

One of the biggest changes is that most Indian students can no longer bring family members (spouse/children) on their Student visa. From 1 January 2024, the Home Office removed dependents rights for almost all full-time students. Only students on very specific courses can bring dependents: namely those doing a PhD (Doctorate) or other research-based postgraduate qualification, or a postgraduate course longer than 9 months funded by the UK government (such as government scholarships). Standard one-year taught Master’s or other postgraduate courses no longer qualify. In other words, if your course started on/after Jan 2024 and it is a regular full-time Master’s (e.g. MSc, MA, MBA), you will not be allowed to include dependents in your visa application.

This new rule has had a huge impact: the number of dependent visa applications plunged by 84% in one year. Official UK statistics show there were just 21,500 dependent applications in the year to Jan 2025, compared to five times that in the prior year. This reflects the stricter rule on dependents. What it means for you: if you plan a one-year Master’s in 2025, you must come to the UK alone. Only PhD or long-research Master’s students can later sponsor family. Dependents must apply after the main student visa is granted (using the main applicant’s Unique Application Number, or UAN) and they need to show their own funds to support themselves.

3. Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa) Changes

Until recently, international graduates from UK universities could stay on the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after finishing their course. The 2025 White Paper proposes to cut this down to 18 months to reduce net migration. However, this is only a proposal at the moment – the law has not changed yet. UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student Affairs) warns that the two-year Graduate Route still applies for now. In practice, this means that any student enrolled by 2024-25 can expect the full 2-year work visa after graduation, until a formal rule change takes effect. Keep an eye on announcements: if the Home Office issues a Statement of Changes, it will specify when the 18-month rule might start.

Key point: Don’t assume your Graduate Visa will immediately be 18 months. For now, plan on two years (or three years for a PhD) of job-seeking permission after your studies.

4. Higher Maintenance Funds Required

The UK has raised the financial maintenance requirements for Student visas, to ensure students can live without UK public funds. From 2 January 2025, you must show you have at least £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) if studying in London, or £1,136 per month outside London. In other words, you need about £13,347 (£1,483×9) for London or £10,224 (£1,136×9) for other UK regions available in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying. (If you have family dependents coming too, additional funds are required for each.) These figures are higher than previous years, so plan your finances accordingly. Remember, the bank balance showing these amounts must be from legally held funds (e.g. personal savings or valid student loans) and consistently above the threshold for 28 days. Double-check your UKVI financial evidence – make sure your statements meet the criteria (name, date, balance, etc.).

5. Transition to Skilled Worker Visa: New Salary Thresholds

Many graduates aim to convert to a Skilled Worker visa to stay longer in the UK. From 4 April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker sponsorship rose sharply – it is now £38,700 per year (up from £26,200). An employer must pay you at least £38,700, or the “going rate” for your job (whichever is higher). This higher bar reflects the UK’s focus on highly skilled migrants.

Good news for new graduates: the UK maintains a “New Entrant” salary discount for recent students switching routes. As a new entrant (defined as someone under 26, or switching from a Student/Graduate visa), you only need to earn £30,960 per year – effectively 70% of the going rate for many jobs. (If a relevant STEM PhD is involved, the rate may be 80%, but still with the £30,960 floor.) In short, most Indian graduates moving into professional roles will need a salary around £30–31K to qualify for Skilled Worker status, whereas others must meet the full £38.7K. Check the specific “going rate” for your occupation using the official UK salary tables, and confirm your job is indeed eligible.

6. Changes to the Sponsorable Jobs List (from July 2025)

The UK will soon shrink the list of jobs for which employers can sponsor a foreign worker. Medium-skilled occupations (Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3–5) will generally be removed, unless the Migration Advisory Committee permits it and the employer shows they cannot fill the role domestically. In practice, this means only high-skilled (graduate-level) jobs will remain sponsorable. The first reduced list takes effect on 22 July 2025, lasting through 2026.

For Indian students, the takeaway is to aim for careers in occupations classified as high-skill in the UK. If your job appears on the new list (or on the Health & Care visas, global talent, etc.), you can be sponsored; otherwise not. Even if a job is on the reduced list, the sponsor must pay at least £30,960 for entry (see above). Stay updated on the Migration Advisory Committee announcements, as the list may evolve.

7. Longer Route to Settlement (ILR) – Proposal

The White Paper also proposes doubling the normal residence requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 years to 10 years. This means the default path to settlement could become 10 years of lawful UK residency, with only “exceptional” contributors settling earlier under a yet-to-be-defined “earned settlement” system. These changes are not law yet and will require public consultation, but you should plan conservatively. Currently, settlement still happens after 5 years (with eligible visas), but in future you may need a longer stay. (Note: partners of British citizens and some others will remain on the 5-year path as exceptions.)

8. Other Notable Updates

• English Language – The White Paper suggests stricter English requirements, including requiring basic English for anyone seeking a partner or dependant visa. While details are pending, expect higher language standards for work and family visas.
• Visa Fees Increase – From April 2025 the visa application fees have gone up. For example, a new Student visa application (outside the UK) will cost £524 (main applicant) instead of £490. Account for higher fees and the mandatory healthcare surcharge when budgeting.
• Global Talent and High Potential Visas – The government intends to make it easier for the very top students to enter via new routes like the Global Talent or High Potential visas. These routes have different criteria (no salary minimums or English tests, for example), so exceptional graduates in research or cutting-edge fields may benefit. Keep an eye on guidance if you think you qualify for these.

Despite the tightening rules, the UK’s educational strengths remain strong. Top UK universities regularly rank among the world’s best (for example, Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial are in QS’s global top 10), and a UK degree from a recognized institution still carries great prestige. The Graduate Route still gives you time (currently 2 years) to find a job in the UK, which is longer than many other countries’ post-study visas. In short, the UK is focusing on quality: serious students who can meet stricter financial and visa conditions will continue to be welcomed.

Actionable Checklist for Indian Students (2025 Intake)

• Choose your course type carefully. If bringing family is essential, focus on UK-based PhD or research Master’s programs (RQF level 8) or those with eligible scholarships. Taught one-year Master’s will not allow dependents from Jan 2024 onward.
• Save money early. Aim to have at least £13,347 in your bank for a London course (or £10,224 outside London) available before applying. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days. Plan how to document them (e.g. personal savings, student loan).
• Understand the post-study path. Research which skilled jobs in the UK align with your field and meet the £30,960 “new entrant” threshold. Identify employers or sectors with strong demand for your skillset.
• Prepare documents meticulously. The UK now scrutinises visa applications tightly. Gather all paperwork early (CAS letter, financials, English test if needed, etc.) and double-check every detail. Make sure your CAS covers at least a 9-month course and lists the correct fees.
• Stay informed. UK immigration rules evolve. Regularly check official sources like gov.uk or updates from UKVI for any last-minute changes to rules or procedures. Follow announcements especially around Summer 2025 when new rules start rolling out.

Understanding these new rules will help you plan a smooth UK study experience. The UK still offers world-class education and opportunities, but successful applicants in 2025 will be those who navigate the updated visa requirements carefully and meet the higher criteria. Good luck with your preparations!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Indian students still bring their spouses or children to the UK in 2025?

No, unless you are enrolled in a PhD or research-based postgraduate course or are on a government-funded scholarship, dependents are not permitted under the new rules effective January 2024.

2. What is the minimum bank balance required for a UK student visa in 2025?

You must show:

• £1,483/month (up to 9 months) for studying in London = £13,347
• £1,136/month (up to 9 months) for studying outside London = £10,224
  This amount must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

3. How long can I stay in the UK after completing my studies?

Currently, you can stay:

• 2 years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• 3 years after a PhD
  However, the UK government has proposed reducing this to 18 months, though this change hasn’t taken effect yet.

4. What is the new salary requirement to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?

As of April 2024:

• General threshold: £38,700/year
• For recent graduates (New Entrants): £30,960/year
  This applies when switching from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker route.

5. Will visa applications be digital in 2025?

Yes. Starting 15 July 2025, all student and work visas will be issued as eVisas, linked to your UKVI online account, replacing physical passport stickers (vignettes).

6. Can I still apply for a post-study work visa in 2025?

Yes, if you graduate from a licensed UK university and meet the requirements. The Graduate Route is still in place in 2025, with possible changes to its length pending.

7. Are there changes in UK PR rules for students?

Yes, the UK government has proposed increasing the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 to 10 years, though this has not been implemented yet.

Sources: Official UK government websites and statistics, including GOV.UK guidance and Home Office reports gov.ukgov.uk ukcisa.org.ukgov.uk gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk commonslibrary.parliament.uk commonslibrary.parliament.uk commonslibrary.parliament.ukgov.uk.