Published on: 29 May 2025
Category: Visa News & Announcements
Summary
In March and May 2025, the UK Home Office introduced sweeping immigration reforms to reduce net migration and tighten routes for international students and workers. These changes will significantly impact student visa applicants, skilled workers, and dependants from India and other countries.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, what it means for you, and how Velynt Global can guide you through it.
Key Changes Affecting Students
1. No Dependants for Most Master’s Students
Effective from January 2024, students enrolling in most 1-year master’s courses can no longer bring dependants (spouse/children).
Exception: Only postgraduate research students (like PhD) can bring dependants.
2. New Financial Requirements
From 1 April 2024, updated fund amounts for student visa applicants:
- London: £1,483/month × 9 months = £13,347
- Outside London: £1,136/month × 9 months = £10,224
Dependants have their own separate fund requirements.
3. Crackdown on Short-Term Visa Abuse
UKVI has increased scrutiny on “short course” student visa applicants (like 6-month English courses). Students may now face interviews and background checks to prove genuine study intent.
Key Changes Affecting Skilled Workers
1. Higher Salary Thresholds
From 4 April 2024, the new salary rules apply:
- General skilled worker minimum: £38,700/year (up from £26,200)
- Health & care roles: Remain lower, but specific shortage roles may be removed.
2. Closure of Care Worker Route for New Dependants
From 11 March 2024, care workers under the Health and Care visa are no longer allowed to bring dependants unless the sponsor is a CQC-regulated care home or healthcare provider.
3. Focus on Local Workforce Training
The government is investing over £3 billion to train UK residents for sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing — reducing reliance on migrant workers.
Why It Matters
These rules will:
- Make it harder for families to migrate together for short-term study
- Increase rejection risk for improperly funded visa applications
- Affect skilled worker migration, especially in low-salary or care roles
- Increase UKVI compliance checks on employers and education agents
How Velynt Global Helps
At Velynt, we guide you through:
- Understanding the latest rules
- Calculating correct fund requirements
- Preparing strong, compliant student or worker visa files
- Avoiding mistakes that lead to rejection
- Counselling on alternative routes or timelines
Whether you’re a student, working professional, or dependent — our expert team is here to help you apply confidently.
FAQs
Q1: Can a student bring dependants for a 1-year UK master’s course in 2025?
A: No, unless the course is a PhD or research-based master’s.
Q2: What are the new monthly living costs to show?
A: £1,483 for London; £1,136 for outside London (up to 9 months).
Q3: Is the care worker visa closed?
A: The visa route exists, but new dependants are not allowed unless working with eligible, regulated employers.
Contact Velynt Global
Velynt Global – Study Abroad with Clarity & Care
📞 +91 90748 07602
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.velyntglobal.com
💬 WhatsApp Chat