UK Increases Proof of Funds for International Students
Key Takeaways
- UK government introduced major immigration reforms affecting students and workers.
- Financial maintenance requirements for international students are significantly increasing starting November 2025.
- Post-study work rights (Graduate Route) are being shortened to 18 months for most graduates from 2027.
- New pathways are being created for graduates to switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa to establish businesses.
- Stricter B2-level English language proficiency standards will be required for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and HPI visas from January 2027.
The UK government has unveiled comprehensive immigration reforms that tighten financial barriers for international students while also creating new opportunities for those wishing to start businesses in the UK. Effective November 11, 2025, students must prove significantly higher living costs, either £1,529 monthly in London or £1,171 outside. Furthermore, the post-study work rights under the Graduate Route will be cut from two years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates applying from January 1, 2027, though PhD graduates retain three years. A positive counterpoint is the introduction of a direct switch to the Innovator Founder visa for graduates, bypassing the previous Start-up route. The Home Office anticipates these changes will reduce annual visa applications by 12,000, citing data that many graduates were not finding appropriate employment. Stricter B2-level English language standards are also being imposed across several key visa categories starting in January 2027.
