Financial Evidence & the 28-Day Rule
Where a route requires you to show funds, it's not enough for the money to be there on the day you apply — the evidence must satisfy Appendix Finance, including holding the funds for a set period. This page owns the evidence framework that many routes share; the amounts live on each route's own page.
On this page
Quick answer. Where personal funds must be shown, they generally need to have been held for a 28-day period and evidenced in the specified format. The amount depends on your route — this page covers how to evidence it, not how much.
In brief
- Where a route requires funds, the money being there on the day is not enough — the evidence must meet the rules.
- Many routes apply a holding period (often the 28-day rule).
- Whose money can be used, and what evidence is accepted, is specified.
- The guide flags the common mistakes.
What financial evidence means
Many routes require you to show that funds are available — for the applicant's maintenance, a dependant's maintenance, or a course. Appendix Finance sets out how those funds must be held and evidenced. Meeting the amount isn't enough on its own; the evidence has to comply too.
The 28-day rule
Where personal funds are relied on, the required amount must have been held for a continuous 28-day period, evidenced by documents dated within the specified window before you apply. A balance that only reaches the required level on the day you apply will not satisfy the rule.
Which routes need funds — and where the amount lives
| Route | Amount lives on |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (main applicant maintenance) | SW financial requirement |
| Skilled Worker dependants | Dependant financial requirement |
| Student / Graduate | Route page |
Some applicants don't need to show funds at all — for example a Skilled Worker dependant already in the UK with permission for 12+ months, or where an A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance. See the dependant financial requirement for those exceptions.
Whose money can be used & what evidence is accepted
Qualifying family funds can, where the rules allow, be considered together rather than sitting in a separate account for each person. The accepted evidence (bank statements and equivalent documents) must be in the specified format — correct dates, account details and, where needed, verification. Non-compliant evidence is a common cause of refusal even where the money exists.
Common mistakes
- Depositing the funds just before applying — the 28-day holding period must be met.
- Letting the balance dip below the amount — it must stay at or above it for the whole period.
- Wrong-format statements — evidence must meet the specified requirements.
- Assuming you need funds at all — check the 12-month and sponsor-certification exceptions first.
FAQs
How long do I need to hold the money? +
Where personal funds are relied on, the required amount generally needs to have been held for a continuous 28-day period, evidenced by documents dated within the specified window.
Can I use a family member's money? +
Qualifying family funds can, where the rules allow, be considered together. How they're held and evidenced follows Appendix Finance.
How much do I need? +
The amount depends on your route — see your route's financial requirement page. This page covers the evidence rules, not the amount.
Related guidance
Disclaimer. This page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual application. Requirements depend on your circumstances and may change. Seek professional advice before applying.
Make sure your funds will pass
Financial evidence is refused surprisingly often on technicalities. We can check your funds and statements against the rules before you apply.