1. Shift to eVisa System (from July 15, 2025)
From July 15, 2025, the UK will phase out physical visa stickers and switch to fully digital eVisas, electronically linked to passports through the UKVI online account. Make sure your passport is correctly registered, and your eVisa is active before boarding your flight.
2. Graduate Route Duration Slashed
The Graduate Route post‑study work visa will be cut from 2 years to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates. PhD graduates will retain a 3‑year duration.
3. 6% Tuition Levy for International Students
The UK government plans a 6% levy on university revenue from international student fees. Institutions may pass this cost to students, increasing tuition fees.
4. Stricter University Compliance
Sponsoring institutions must meet tighter thresholds: at least 95% enrolment, 90% course completion, and a refusal rate below 5%. Failure could lead to licence suspension or downgrade.
5. Heightened English Language Standards
All applicants now require CEFR B2 level English (up from B1), and dependent family members must meet at least A1.
6. Reduced Dependent Visas
From January 2024, only students in postgraduate research or government-funded scholarship programs may bring dependents. Dependent visa numbers dropped by ~85%.
7. Increased Financial Proof
As of January 2, 2025, applicants must show living expense funds held for 28 consecutive days: £13,347 in London, £10,224 outside London.
8. Longer Path to Settlement (ILR)
The residence requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has doubled from 5 years to 10 years.
9. Skilled Worker Visa Thresholds Raised
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa: Minimum salary threshold raised to £38,700. A ‘new entrant’ discount allows entry at £30,960 or 70–90% of the job’s going rate.
10. Focus on High-Skill Talent
The UK plans to expand Global Talent and High Potential Individual visa schemes to attract top-tier graduates and researchers.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Change for 2025 |
| Visa Format | Digital eVisas only from July 15, 2025 |
| Post‑Graduate Work (Graduate Route) | Cut to 18 months (PhD remains 3 years) |
| Tuition Levy | Possible 6% fee on international student tuition revenue |
| University Sponsor Compliance | Stricter enrolment and refusal rate thresholds |
| English Language Level | Main applicants need CEFR B2; dependents need A1 |
| Dependent Eligibility | Only allowed in research/scholarship programs |
| Financial Proof | Higher maintenance funds; £10–13K held for 28 days |
| Settlement Time (ILR) | Extended to 10 years |
| Skilled Worker Transition | Higher salary thresholds with new entrant discount |
| Talent-Focused Visas | Global Talent & HPI routes expanded |
