Hello, Inforensers!
We bring this news exclusively to you!
A brand new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules announced by the UK Home Office on October 14, 2025, introduces game-changing implications for every international student and any upcoming international graduates studying in the UK.
Read on to understand everything you need to know with regards to the latest immigration changes and learn about the best tips on staying ahead and up-to-date! 👇
Student Visa Maintenance Requirements Are Increasing 📈
If you’re planning to apply for a UK Student visa on/after November 11, 2025, there is an important update you must be prepared for: the financial maintenance requirement has increased.
To successfully meet the financial criteria of your UK Student visa application, you’ll now need to show proof of more funds in your bank account. These changes directly impact how much money you must have readily available to cover your living expenses during your studies in the UK. The requirements are as follows:
- Within London: You must show you have £1529 per month (up to 9 months) available, totaling to £13,761.
- Outside London: You must show you have £1171 per month (up to 9 months) available, totaling to £10,539.
This is a significant increase from previous thresholds, so it's crucial that you budget accordingly and begin preparing their financial documentation well in advance.
For students living in university accommodation:
If you’re planning to live in official university accommodation, there’s good news. The offset allowance — the amount you can deduct from your total required maintenance if you’ve already paid for university housing — has also been adjusted, allowing you to deduct up to £1,529 from your total required funds if you've paid this amount towards your university accommodation.
Key Tips to Prepare Your Finances for the UK Student Visa
1. Start Saving Early 💰
Begin setting aside funds well before your application date. Remember, the UK Home Office requires that the money be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before your application submission.
2. Use an Eligible Financial Institution 🏦
Make sure the bank or financial institution you're using is recognized by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). Avoid accounts with restricted access or complicated terms.
3. Get Your Bank Statements in Order 📄
Your bank statement must:
- Be dated within 31 days of your visa application date.
- Clearly show your name, account number, and available balance.
- Indicate that the funds have been held for 28 days without dropping below the required amount.
4. Document Any Advance Accommodation Payments 🏠
If you've made payments towards university accommodation, ensure:
- You get an official receipt from the university.
- It clearly states how much you’ve paid and that it’s for accommodation.
5. Avoid Using Ineligible Sources ❌
Personal loans, third-party funding (unless from a government or scholarship body), or crowdfunding are generally not accepted. Try relying on personal savings, parental accounts (with appropriate consent and proof), or recognized sponsorships.
UK Graduate Route 2027: Post-Study Work Visa Duration Is Changing 📚
Dreaming of staying in the UK after graduation to kickstart your career?
There’s a major change coming to the UK Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa) that all international students MUST know!
- From 1 January, 2027: If you graduate with a UK Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and apply for the Graduate route, the permission period drops from 2 years to 18 months.
- PhD graduates: You’re safe! The Graduate route still lets you stay for up to 3 years after completing your doctorate.
This was forecast in the government’s May 2025 Immigration White Paper, so if you’re graduating before January 2027, current rules still apply.
Planning matters more than ever for anyone coming up to graduation in late 2026 or after.
How to Prepare: Strategies for Students & Future Applicants
1. Plan Career Moves Earlier 🎯
You now have 6 fewer months to:
- Settle into the UK job market
- Gain relevant UK work experience
- Secure a Skilled Worker visa (Tier 2 sponsorship)
So, start networking, attending career fairs, and building your CV well before graduation.
2. Make the Most of the Graduate Route 💻
Even with the shorter duration, you can still:
- Work full-time in any job (no sponsorship required)
- Switch jobs or employers freely
- Gain critical UK work experience that boosts long-term immigration prospects
- If your goal is settlement in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain), this early experience is crucial.
3. Stay Informed on Visa Changes 🧾
The UK's immigration landscape evolves frequently so stay updated by:
- Following UKVI and Home Office announcements
- Speaking with your university’s international student adviser
- Following Inforens’ Newsletter: Inforens Insider for the latest news!
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increased by 32%: What It Means for International Graduates 📈
In a significant move that affects international graduates looking to transition to a 'Skilled Worker Visa', the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) has been increased by 32% as part of the recent UK immigration reforms, directly impacting the cost of hiring international talent through skilled worker visas: a key route for post-graduate international students looking to remain in the UK after their studies.
What Is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)?
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a levy that UK employers must pay when sponsoring a skilled worker under the Skilled Worker visa or other work visa categories. The charge is paid annually and varies depending on the type of employer and the occupation.
Best Strategies for International Students to Secure a UK Skilled Worker Visa Despite Increased ISC Fees
1. Focus on High-Demand Sectors
- Research Occupations in Demand: Target industries with a high demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and creative industries. These sectors are more likely to sponsor your visa application and may offer higher salaries, which are essential for meeting the visa criteria.
- Tailor Your Skills to In-Demand Jobs: If you’re in a non-priority field, consider upskilling and specializing within a role where there is a consistent shortage of talent.
2. Maximize Your Post-Study Work Experience
Utilizing your Graduate Route visa or Post-Study Work Visa effectively can significantly improve your chances of securing a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Use the Graduate Route (previously the Post-Study Work Visa) to gain critical work experience in your field. The more experience you can gain in a relevant, high-demand occupation, the stronger your job application will be.
- Network During Your Graduate Route: Attend career fairs, network with industry professionals, and stay connected with university recruitment offices. Many graduates who successfully transition to Skilled Worker Visas find their employers through professional networking during the Graduate Route period.
3. Seek Out Employers Who Are Willing to Sponsor
Some UK employers are more experienced and willing to sponsor international talent, especially if you have skills in high-demand fields.
- Target Sponsor-Registered Employers: Use resources like the UKVI sponsorship list to identify companies that are registered to sponsor Skilled Worker Visa applications. Many large corporations, especially in IT, healthcare, and engineering, regularly hire international graduates.
- Internships and Graduate Schemes: Look for internships, graduate schemes, or placements at companies with a track record of sponsoring visas. These programmes often provide a pathway to a full-time Skilled Worker role post-graduation.
What Next?
Financial and visa timelines can shift your entire higher education experience and your start in the working world. These changes make it even more important to plan ahead, stay part of a community, and get expert advice.
With Inforens, you get just that, access to a strong international student community, guidance from experienced mentors with whom you could book personalized calls, and our expert professionals who can help you throughout your study abroad journey!