The UK has listed 63 countries and territories whose citizens do not have to prove they have enough money to support themselves when applying for a Student visa, under the UK’s “differential evidence requirement”
The exemption applies to the financial requirement for living costs, according to the UK government’s official Student visa guidance Applicants must still meet the other requirements for the visa, including having enough money to pay for their course where applicable.
The UK government said applicants from the listed countries and territories may still be asked to provide financial evidence before a decision is made on their application
If evidence is required, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact the applicant after the application has been submitted According to the UK government, the countries and territories covered by the differential evidence requirement are:
The UK guidance also includes British nationals overseas among those who do not need to prove they have enough money to support themselves under this provision
Applicants who are required to meet the financial requirement must generally show that they have enough money to support themselves in the UK
For courses in London, the requirement is £1,529 per month for up to nine months while for courses outside London, the requirement is £1,171 per month for up to nine months
The money must generally have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that 28-day period falling within 31 days of the visa application date
Students may also need to show enough money to pay their course fees for one academic year, up to nine months The amount is stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
There are other circumstances in which an applicant does not have to prove the financial requirement
These include applicants who have been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying for a Student visa, and those applying as student union sabbatical officers