UK Visa Trends: What South Africans Moving to the UK Need to Know in 2025

If you're a South African planning to study, work, or reunite with family in the UK, it's crucial to understand the significant changes in visa policies that have taken effect in 2025. Here's a comprehensive overview tailored for our community:

📉 Overall Decline in UK Visa Applications

UK visa applications have seen a substantial drop, with a 37% decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline is primarily due to stricter immigration rules implemented by the UK government, affecting various visa categories including skilled workers, students, and family reunification.

 

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🎓 Impact on International Students

International students have been significantly affected by these policy change:

 

Dependants Restriction As of January 2024, most international students are no longer allowed to bring family members to the UK, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs or government-sponsored scholarship.

 

Decrease in Student Visas

There was a 14% drop in sponsored study visas in 2024, with notable declines from countries like India and Nigeria.

 

Financial Requirement ; Students must now demonstrate higher financial means, with living expenses set at £1,483 per month for courses in London and £1,136 for courses outside London.

 

💼 Changes for Skilled Worker

 

The skilled worker visa route has undergone significant modifications

 

Salary Threshold Increase ;The minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas has risen from £26,200 to £38,700

 

Health and Care Worker Visas:  Applications in this category have plummeted by 79%, largely due to the prohibition on bringing dependants.

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Visa Adjustments

 

Family reunification policies have also tightened:

 

Income Requirement for Sponsors: The minimum income to sponsor a spouse or partner has increased from £18,600 to £29,000, with plans to raise it further to £38,700 by early 2025.

 

Long-Term Settlement: Despite these challenges, family visa holders have a higher likelihood of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain, with 62% achieving this status within five years.

 

💰 Visa Fee Increases

 

Effective from 9 April 2025, visa fees have been adjusted:

 

Student Visa**: Increased from £490 to £524.

 

Child Student Visa**: Also increased to £524.

 

Short-Term Student Visa (6-11 months): Now £214

 

Visiting Academic Visa (6-12 months): Raised o £220.

 

📈 Recent Trends

 

Interestingly, January 2025 saw a 13% rise in study visa applications compared to the same month in 2024, marking the first increase in over a year.

 

Final Thoughts

 

For South Africans aiming to move to the UK, these policy changes underscore the importance of thorough preparation and understanding of the new requirements. Whether you're pursuing education, employment, or family reunification, staying informed will help navigate the evolving immigration landscape.

 

Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in our Facebook group, Let's support each other through these changes.

 

 

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