If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa—whether it’s a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Dependent Visa, or even some family routes—you may have already come across something called the 28-day rule.

At first glance, the term sounds technical and confusing, but don’t worry—this guide breaks it down in the simplest way possible.

In this friendly, easy-to-understand article, you’ll learn:

• What the 28-day rule actually means
• Why the UK Home Office requires it
• How it applies to different visa types
• Real examples so you understand it clearly
• What documents you must provide
• Common mistakes that cause refusals
• Expert tips so your application is stress-free

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is the 28-Day Rule for UK Visas?

The 28-day rule refers to the requirement that your financial funds (money you show as proof of maintenance) must be held in your bank account for at least 28 days in a row, without the balance dropping below the required minimum even once.

It simply means:

1.     Your required funds must stay in your bank account

2.     For 28 consecutive days

3.     Without dropping below the threshold

4.     And the final (closing) balance must be dated within 31 days of your visa application date

If even one day falls below the required amount, the Home Office can refuse your visa.

This rule applies to:

• Student Visa (most common)
• Skilled Worker Dependent Visa
• Health & Care Worker dependents
• Children and family dependents under most routes
• Some other work visa categories

It does NOT apply in the same way to UK Spouse/Partner Visa, which has separate financial rules.

Why Does the UK Have a 28-Day Rule?

The UK government wants to ensure that applicants:

1.     Can financially support themselves

2.     Have stable funds, not last-minute deposits

3.     Won’t rely on public funds after arriving

The 28-day concept prevents people from borrowing money temporarily just to pass the financial requirement.

By checking a 28-day transaction history, the Home Office can confirm:

• The money genuinely belongs to you
• The funds were available over time
• You did not use short-term loans to inflate your balance

This helps them verify the stability of your financial position.

How Much Money Do You Need to Show for 28 Days?

This depends on your visa type. Here’s a quick breakdown in a human-friendly way:

1. Student Visa

You must show enough funds to cover:

• 9 months of living costs, and
• Your first-year tuition fee (if unpaid)

Living cost requirement:

• £1,334 per month (London)
• £1,023 per month (Outside London)

Total living cost shown = 9 × monthly requirement.

2. Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

Your family must show:

• £285 for partner
• £315 for first child
• £200 for each additional child

These funds must be held for 28 straight days.

3. Child Student Visa or Dependent Students

Requirements vary based on who sponsors the child, where they live, and accommodation type.

How to Understand the 28-Day Rule (Easy Example)

Let’s say you are applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, and you need:

✔ £600 total

(£285 partner + £315 child)

Let’s break it down in simple steps:

Step 1: Deposit the required money

You must have £600 or more in the account.

Step 2: Keep the money untouched for 28 days

For every one of the 28 days, the closing balance must be £600 or above.

Step 3: Your bank statement must show

• Start date
• End date (closing balance)
• Transactions
• Your name
• Account number
• Bank’s official stamp or online statement validity

Step 4: The final balance date must be within 31 days

If your statement ends on 15 January, you must apply by 15 February.

If you apply after 31 days, the documents become invalid.

Where Can the Money Be Held?

The funds can be in:

• Your personal bank account
• Your partner’s bank account (if applying with you)
• A joint account
• Your parents’ account (students only, with parental consent letter)

It can be a:

• Savings account
• Current account
• Fixed deposit (if accessible)
• Joint-family account (if your name is listed)

However,

Business accounts

Corporate accounts

Investment accounts with fluctuating values are usually not accepted.

Documents Required to Prove the 28-Day Rule

You must submit official financial documents, such as:

Bank statements (online or printed)

Bank letter confirming:

• Account ownership
• Period of 28 days
• Final balance
• Average balance

Fixed deposit certificates

Passbook copies with bank stamp

Note: If submitting parental funds, you also need:

• Parent’s letter permitting you to use their funds
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate)

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Many UK visa refusals happen due to simple errors in the 28-day rule. Here are the most common:

1. Balance drops below minimum even for a few hours

Even if your balance dipped below the requirement for one hour, your visa can be refused.

2. Submitting a statement older than 31 days

If your closing balance date is older than 31 days, your documents are invalid.

3. Using unaccepted account types

Company accounts and investment accounts often lead to refusal.

4. Last-minute big deposits

Large unexplained deposits may trigger doubt.

5. Submitting incomplete or unstamped statements

The Home Office can reject unstamped or partially printed records.

6. Miscalculating the 28-day period

Remember, it must be 28 full days, not 27.5 or 27.

How to Count 28 Days Properly (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

If the minimum balance first appeared on:

1st January

Then count:

• Day 1 = 1 Jan
• Day 28 = 28 Jan

So your final statement must show at least 1 Jan to 28 Jan.

You can apply anytime until 31 days after 28 Jan, i.e., up to 28 Feb.

If you apply on 1 March, your documents expire.

When the 28-Day Rule Does NOT Apply

This rule does not apply when:

Your sponsor certifies maintenance

Some UK employers or universities “certify maintenance,” meaning you don’t need to show funds.

You are applying for UK Spouse Visa

This route has a different financial requirement (minimum income of £18,600 and no 28-day savings rule).

You have lived in the UK with valid visa for 12+ months

Dependents applying after 12 months of lawful residence are exempt.

For certain work routes with salary above the threshold

Some visa categories require only salary proof, not savings.

Examples to Make It Even Simpler

To make this extremely clear, here are two real-life examples:

Example 1: Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

Required funds:

• Partner: £285
• 1 child: £315

Total: £600

Your bank statement shows:

• 28 days where balance was always £600 or above
• Final date: 10 March

You must apply before: 10 April

Example 2: Student Visa (London)

Living costs:
1,334 × 9 = £12,006

If you paid no tuition upfront:

• Add full annual fees (example: £15,000)

Total to show: £27,006

This amount must sit in your account for 28 continuous days.

Frequently Asked Questions (Fresh & Human-Friendly)

1. Can I apply before the 28 days are completed?

No. If your balance has stayed at the required level for only 26 or 27 days, your application will be rejected.

2. Can the money come from parents or relatives?

Yes—but only for Student Visas, and you must show a consent letter.
For work visa dependents, the funds must be yours or your partner’s.

3. Can I withdraw money after 28 days?

Yes, once the 28 days are completed and you’ve downloaded your statement.
But make sure you apply within 31 days.

4. What if my bank statement doesn’t show all 28 days?

Get a stamped statement from the bank, or request an official bank letter.

5. Are online statements acceptable?

Yes, as long as they show the bank’s logo and full details.
For extra safety, get them stamped.

Tips to Make Sure Your Application Is Safe and Stress-Free

Here are some practical, human tips based on real applicant experience:

Start keeping funds at least 35–40 days before applying

This gives a buffer to avoid mistakes.

Avoid withdrawing or transferring money during the 28-day period

Small mistakes can lead to refusals.

If using a joint account, keep your name clearly visible

Or attach a relationship explanation.

Keep backup statements ready

Sometimes banks issue errors or missing pages.

Don’t add large last-minute deposits

Home Office may suspect borrowed money.

Final Thoughts: The 28-Day Rule Isn’t Complicated—If You Understand It Right

The 28-day rule for UK visas is one of those things that sounds scary at first, but once you understand it, it’s really quite simple:

• Keep enough money
• For 28 days straight
• Don’t let it drop
• Apply within 31 days of the last balance date

If you follow these steps, your application runs smoothly and your chances of approval increase significantly.