UK VISA AND IMMIGRATION POLICY UPDATES: KEY CHANGES FOR MAY 2025

Amid ongoing discussions about UK immigration, the UK Government has announced a series of significant changes to its visa system. These measures are intended to strictly manage net migration and ease the strain on public healthcare and social security. For the Vietnamese community—especially international students and young professionals in the UK—staying up to date on these policies is crucial for long-term planning. Let’s explore the 8 major changes with SVUK!

(Image for illustration purposes only - source: University Living)

1. Increased Fees for Student and Short-Term Visas (From April 2025)

From April 9, 2025, the Home Office will apply new fee structures to several popular visa categories:

• Student Visa (for both main applicants and dependents): increased from £490 to £524.
• Short-term Study Visa (6 to 11 months): increased from £200 to £214.
• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): increased from £115 to £127.

While the percentage increase isn't large, it is an important additional cost to factor in for Vietnamese students preparing applications or extending visas.

2. Skilled Worker Visa: Significant Salary Threshold Hike

One of the most significant changes is the sharp increase in the minimum salary required for a Skilled Worker visa. As of April 4, 2024, the general salary threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 per year (equivalent to £15.88/hour).

Note: Transitional arrangements are in place. If you held a Skilled Worker visa before this date, a lower threshold of £29,000 applies when you extend your visa or change employers (valid until 2030). Specific sectors, such as Healthcare and Education, have their own national pay scales. This change poses a major challenge for newly graduated international students (especially non-STEM majors) seeking to switch to a work visa.

(Image for illustration purposes only - source: EdExec)

3. Higher Proof of Funds for Student Visas (From Jan 2025)

From January 2, 2025, international students applying for a Student visa must demonstrate higher savings to support themselves, reflecting the rising cost of living:

• Studying in London: £1,483/month (a total of £13,347 for the first 9 months).
• Studying outside London: £1,136/month (a total of £10,224 for the first 9 months).

This signals that the UK is tightening its financial entry requirements to ensure students can comfortably afford their stay.

4. Stricter Rules for Medical and Dental Graduates

From April 9, 2025, international students graduating in Medicine and Dentistry in the UK will no longer be able to use the Student route for their postgraduate foundation programmes.

Instead, they must switch to the Skilled Worker visa. This requires securing a sponsor, achieving an IELTS 4.0 (B1) equivalent, and meeting the new salary thresholds. This shift follows Health Education England’s withdrawal of sponsorship under the Student route.

5. Dependent Restrictions for Care Workers

Implemented on March 11, 2024, this highly debated rule restricts care workers from bringing family members to the UK. Only care workers sponsored by providers registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are eligible to bring dependents. This measure significantly affects the long-term settlement and family reunification plans of many Vietnamese nationals working in this sector.

6. Sharp Increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Since February 6, 2024, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)—the mandatory fee paid during visa applications to access the NHS—has increased sharply:

• Adults: Increased from £624 to £1,035 per year.
• Students & Children under 18: Increased from £470 to £776 per year.

This makes the total upfront cost of securing a long-term visa much higher, especially for those applying with family members.

7. Higher Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees

From April 9, 2025, the fee for issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Skilled Worker visa will rise from £239 to £525. As employers cover this cost, the steep increase may make smaller businesses more hesitant to sponsor international talent, including recent graduates.

(Image for illustration purposes only - source: cqc.org.uk)

8. Settlement and Citizenship Fee Hikes

In April 2025, the UK Government will also increase the fees for permanent settlement and citizenship:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Increased from £2,885 to £3,029.
• Naturalisation (Citizenship): Increased from £1,500 to £1,605.

Advice for the Vietnamese Community in the UK

In light of these major immigration changes, Vietnamese students and young professionals should:

• Stay up to date: Regularly monitor official announcements from the Home Office
• Plan your finances carefully: Budget for the new visa application fees, the higher IHS, and increased proof-of-funds requirements.
• Prepare your documents early: Understand the strict requirements for the specific visa route you are pursuing.

If you encounter difficulties during your application process, do not hesitate to contact the Vietnamese Embassy in London, the Vietnamese Student Association in the UK (SVUK), or certified immigration advisers for timely support.