Can international students bring dependants to the UK?

Under UKVI rules, international students are only permitted to bring dependants (spouse and children) if enrolled in a postgraduate research course (such as PhDs or designated research-based master’s programs).

What is the 28-day financial maintenance rule for the UK Student Visa?

Your required maintenance funds (£1,529/month in London up to 9 months, or £1,136/month outside London up to 9 months, plus any unpaid course fees) must be held continuously in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application.

What is the minimum salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The general minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year (or the occupation’s going rate). New entrants (graduates under 26 or switching from a Student/Graduate visa) benefit from a discounted threshold of £30,960 per year (70-80% of going rate).

How long does it take to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Skilled workers qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years of lawful residence on a qualifying work visa, provided they meet salary thresholds and have no more than 180 days of absence in any 12-month period.

Home United Kingdom HubUnited Kingdom Processing Times

United Kingdom Visa Processing Times & Consular SLA

Country: United Kingdom•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$490 USD

Average Processing Window3 Wks (3 to 4 weeks)

Approval Rate Index86%

Eligibility Requirements

Unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, 70 points on the Student Route scale, proof of funds (£1,529/mo London, £1,136/mo outside London for 9 months) held for 28 consecutive days, Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) payment (£776/year).

Documents Checklist Drawer

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from a licensed sponsor

Proof of funds: £1,529/month in London (max £13,761) or £1,136/month outside London (max £10,224) held for 28 consecutive days

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment receipt (£776 per year of study for students)

Valid passport with at least 1 blank page

Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (for applicants from listed countries)

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (for sensitive postgraduate STEM subjects)

Proof of English proficiency (SELT IELTS 5.5+ or university assessment waiver)

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Obtain unconditional offer and receive your CAS number from the UK university.

Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online to access the NHS (£776/year).

Ensure the required maintenance funds have been held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days.

Complete online visa application and pay the £490 application fee.

Schedule appointment at a VFS Global or TLScontact center to submit biometric data.

Attend credibility interview if randomly selected.

Receive passport vignette or digital eVisa status granting entry to the UK.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Maintenance funds falling below the required amount even for a single day during the 28-day cycle.
•Inconsistencies or failure to pass the UKVI Credibility Interview.
•The CAS letter being expired, withdrawn, or containing name/passport mismatches.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official United Kingdom immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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