From 11 November 2025, all Student-route visa applications must meet higher maintenance requirements, reflecting changes set out in the October Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying in London must now evidence £1,529 per month (up to nine months), up from £1,483, while those outside London need £1,171 per month (previously £1,023). For a typical three-year London degree, proof of funds now totals £13,761, excluding tuition.
Universities have rushed to update offer letters and CAS templates. Brunel University, for example, issued a same-day advisory warning prospective students to review bank statements and ensure the new amount is held for the requisite 28 consecutive days. Agents report that some January-intake applicants will need to top up accounts or defer.
![Student-visa maintenance funds jump today as new financial thresholds take effect]()
For sponsors, the change raises compliance risk: issuing a CAS based on outdated figures could lead to visa refusals and sponsor-rating downgrades. Mobility teams relocating graduate hires must also budget for larger up-front advances or salary loans, particularly for dependants who add 50% to the maintenance total. Landlords and accommodation providers may see demand for cheaper out-of-London options rise as students look to manage costs.
The Home Office says the uplift aligns with inflation and ensures students can support themselves without recourse to public funds. Critics argue the timing—mid-academic cycle—creates uncertainty and disadvantages applicants from lower-income regions. Universities UK has called for a transitional grace period, but none has been granted.
Practically, employers sponsoring interns or integrated degree apprenticeships should confirm that financial documentation now reflects the higher threshold. HR teams should communicate the changes to overseas campuses and pathway providers immediately; failure to do so could delay enrolment and, by extension, project start dates.
Universities have rushed to update offer letters and CAS templates. Brunel University, for example, issued a same-day advisory warning prospective students to review bank statements and ensure the new amount is held for the requisite 28 consecutive days. Agents report that some January-intake applicants will need to top up accounts or defer.
For sponsors, the change raises compliance risk: issuing a CAS based on outdated figures could lead to visa refusals and sponsor-rating downgrades. Mobility teams relocating graduate hires must also budget for larger up-front advances or salary loans, particularly for dependants who add 50% to the maintenance total. Landlords and accommodation providers may see demand for cheaper out-of-London options rise as students look to manage costs.
The Home Office says the uplift aligns with inflation and ensures students can support themselves without recourse to public funds. Critics argue the timing—mid-academic cycle—creates uncertainty and disadvantages applicants from lower-income regions. Universities UK has called for a transitional grace period, but none has been granted.
Practically, employers sponsoring interns or integrated degree apprenticeships should confirm that financial documentation now reflects the higher threshold. HR teams should communicate the changes to overseas campuses and pathway providers immediately; failure to do so could delay enrolment and, by extension, project start dates.
