Will the funds in my personal bank account, held for 28 consecutive days before applying, be considered as commercial status for my UK student visa?
No, funds held in your personal bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying are treated as personal or family savings, not commercial status, for your UK student visa. UKVI accepts any regulated personal account you control, provided the closing balance falls within 31 days of your application.
No, the money in your personal bank account is not treated as commercial status for your UK student visa. UK Visas and Immigration treats funds held in a personal account for 28 consecutive days before you apply as your own personal or family savings, as long as you can access them immediately.
UK Student Visa Fund Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Holding period | 28 consecutive days before your application |
| Closing balance window | Must fall within 31 days of your visa application date |
| Account type | Personal current or savings account you control |
| Monthly living cost (London) | £1,529 per month, up to 9 months |
| Monthly living cost (outside London) | £1,171 per month, up to 9 months |
When Extra Documentation May Be Needed
- Business linked funds: if your savings originate from a business or commercial source, you may need extra proof that the money is genuinely available for your education and not tied up in operations.
- Non-cash assets: investments like stocks and shares do not count as the required cash funds; only accessible cash in a regulated account qualifies.
- Bank statement details: your statement must clearly show your name, bank name and balance so UKVI can verify it.
My Advice
Keep your funds untouched in the same account for the full 28 days and apply within 31 days of that closing balance date, since even a brief dip below the required amount can restart the clock. If part of your money comes from a family business, ask your bank for a letter confirming the funds are personal and freely available.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the UK visa check.
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