Navigating the UK Visa Updates 2025: A Guide for Indian Students from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

For years, the United Kingdom has been a top destination for students from India, especially those in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its world-class universities, rich culture, and strong economy make it an ideal choice for higher education. However, recent changes to the UK’s immigration policies have created a new set of challenges that require careful planning.

At Indian Overseas Service in Vijayawada, we understand the specific concerns these updates raise for students and their families. This guide breaks down the most critical policy changes of 2025 and provides a clear, actionable roadmap to help you navigate them with confidence.

1. Stricter Rules for Dependents: What You Need to Know

One of the most significant changes affects students who wish to bring their families. As of January 1, 2024, most students on a taught master’s degree program are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK .

What does this mean for you?

• Taught Master’s Students: If your course started on or after January 1, 2024, you cannot bring your spouse, partner, or children with you.

• The Exception: This rule does not apply to students pursuing a PhD or another "research-based higher degree" . The UK government defines a research-based degree as one where the research component is larger than the taught component in terms of student effort.  

• The Impact: This change has had an immediate and visible effect, with dependent visa applications falling by a dramatic 86% between December 2023 and July 2025. For many families in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this means a re-evaluation of their study abroad plans.  

For those who are still eligible to bring dependents, the financial requirements remain strict. You must be able to prove you have an additional £845 per month (for up to nine months) for a partner in London, or £680 per month for a partner outside London.  

2. The New Salary Threshold for Skilled Worker Visas

If your long-term plan includes working in the UK after you graduate, the rules for the Skilled Worker Visa are more important than ever. The general minimum salary threshold has been increased to a substantial £41,700 per year for most roles.  

However, there is a silver lining for recent graduates. The new system is tiered, offering "salary discounts" for certain applicants. You may be able to qualify for a lower threshold of  

£33,400 per year if you meet one of the following criteria:

• As a 'New Entrant': If you are under 26, a recent UK graduate, or in professional training, you are considered a 'new entrant'. This allows you to meet a lower salary threshold.  

• PhD Holders: If you have a relevant PhD in a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), you can also qualify for the lower salary threshold.  

Keep in mind that if you enter as a 'new entrant', your total stay in the UK on this basis cannot exceed four years, including any time you spent on a Graduate Visa. This emphasizes the need for a focused and strategic career plan.  

3. The Graduate Visa: A Shorter Bridge to Your Career

The Graduate Visa, a popular route for international graduates to find work without a sponsor, is also facing a proposed change. While the visa currently offers a 24-month period, a proposal in the May 2025 white paper suggests reducing its duration to just 18 months for most graduates.  

This means the window of opportunity to find a sponsored job and transition to a Skilled Worker Visa will become significantly shorter. For students planning to start their course from January 2026 onwards, this change could apply. The key takeaway is that you will have less time to secure a job and meet the new, higher salary requirements.  

4. Your Action Plan: How to Prepare for the Changes

The new policies are designed to be more selective, but with the right preparation and expert guidance, your study abroad dream is still very much achievable. Here's how you can prepare:

• Start Your Planning Early: Begin your application process well in advance. Meticulous preparation of financial documents is non-negotiable. You must be able to show that you have had the required funds (for yourself and any eligible dependents) in a bank account for a continuous 28-day period, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before your application .

• Choose Your Course Strategically: Your academic decision is now a career decision. Focus on courses that lead to jobs at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or higher. Look into fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance that have a higher potential for meeting the new Skilled Worker Visa salary requirements.  

• Be Smart with Your Finances: The financial thresholds are strict. For a single student, you must show proof of at least £1,483 per month for up to nine months for courses in London, or £1,136 per month for courses outside London . For a family, budgeting for these costs is more important than ever.

Final Thoughts: Your Partner for a Successful UK Journey

The UK remains a premier destination for higher education, but the new rules demand smarter planning and a deeper understanding of the system. A small error in documentation or a missed update can lead to delays or a visa rejection.

At Indian Overseas Service in Vijayawada, we specialize in helping students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana successfully navigate these complexities. From advising you on the right course to meticulous financial planning and documentation, we offer end-to-end support.