The Home Office have recently released a new Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules which includes changes to both the Student visa and the Graduate visa.

Changes to financial evidence requirements for Student visa applications

As part of the Student visa application, you must show you have sufficient funds to cover living costs for each month of your course, up to a maximum of nine months.

For Student visa applications made on or after 11 November 2025, the required amount you need to show for living costs outside London will increase from £1,136 to £1,171 per month. This means the maximum amount you need to show for living costs will be £10,539. This amount, combined with tuition fees for one academic year must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

If you apply for the Student visa before 11 November 2025, you will not be affected by this change.

You can find out more about the Student visa financial evidence requirement in our guidance.

Changes to the Graduate visa length

For Graduate visa applications made on or after 01 January 2027, the length of the Graduate visa is being shortened from two years to 18 months for undergraduate and postgraduate taught graduates. It will remain unchanged for PhD and doctoral graduates.

If you apply for the Graduate visa before 01 January 2027, you will not be affected by this change.

When can I apply?

The application timeframe remains the unchanged. You can apply for the Graduate visa when:

• you have successfully completed your course, and
• the University has reported your course completion to the Home Office.

Your Student visa must still be valid at the time you apply and you must apply from inside the UK.

Visit our Graduate visa guide for full details, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Need advice or support?

We’re here to support you and will continue to provide guidance throughout the process. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us by email or attend a drop-in session if you are on campus.