List of UKVI Approved Banks in India in 2025

Do you know how can you show your bank statements for a UK student visa? You can’t just state your bank balance or bank transaction details to the home office UK. There are some UKVI approved banks in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, etc. whose documents can safely used for a UK visa application. You can use the documents from other banks too but in that case, the UKVI will verify them first. 

Studying in the UK is a dream of many Indian students. To fulfil this dream, you must obtain a student visa. The main requirement for a UK student visa is having sufficient proof of funds. In this blog, we will discuss the UKVI approved banks in India, so that you can check that your bank is not on the “unacceptable” list.

Why UKVI List the Banks in India?

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) lists approved banks in India to ensure that financial documents provided by visa applicants are reliable and meet the necessary standards for processing visa applications. When applying for a UK visa, applicants need to show proof of funds to demonstrate that they can cover their tuition fees, living expenses, or other costs. By listing approved banks, the UKVI can:

1. Verify Financial Credibility: Approved banks are more likely to have stringent verification processes, ensuring that the financial documents, like bank statements or solvency certificates, are legitimate and accurately represent the applicant’s financial standing.
2. Prevent Fraud: Listing specific banks helps reduce the risk of accepting forged or inaccurate financial documents, which is a common challenge in visa application processes globally.
3. Standardize Financial Documentation: UKVI approved banks in India ensure that all applicants are judged based on the same standards and guidelines, creating a fair and consistent process for all.
4. Streamline Visa Processing: By accepting financial statements from only approved banks, the UKVI can more efficiently process applications and minimize the need for additional checks.

For applicants, this means they must ensure that their funds are in a bank recognized by the UKVI, or their application might face delays or rejection due to non-compliance with financial requirements. 

List of UKVI Approved Banks in India in 2025

Please be aware that the information in this article about the list of UKVI approved banks in India may change over time. Bank policies and services can vary. It’s a good idea to check directly with the banks or official sources for the latest and most accurate information. However, here is the list of UKVI approved banks in India.

• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Ltd
• Axis Bank Ltd
• Bank of Baroda
• Bank of India
• Canara Bank
• Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd
• Citibank NA
• Development Credit Bank Ltd
• HDFC Bank Ltd
• ICICI Bank Ltd
• Indian Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank
• Indusland Bank Ltd
• ING Vysya Bank Ltd
• Karnataka Bank
• Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd
• Lakshmi Vilas Bank
• Oriental Bank of Commerce
• Punjab National Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• State Bank of India
• State Bank of Mysore
• Syndicate Bank
• State Bank of Patiala
• State Bank of Hyderabad
• SMI Commercial & International Bank
• Sonali Bank
• The Development Bank of Singapore Ltd
• The Nainital Bank Ltd
• The Sangli Bank Ltd
• The South Indian Bank Ltd
• United Bank of India
• Union Bank of India
• Vijaya Bank
• Yes Bank Ltd

Benefits of Using the UKVI Accepted Banks in India

Using UKVI accepted banks in India offers several benefits, especially when applying for a UK visa. Here are the key advantages of using UKVI approved banks in India:

• Higher Visa Approval Chances: UKVI trusts these banks, so using them ensures that your financial documents meet their requirements, increasing your chances of visa approval.
• Reliable Financial Proof: Financial statements from UKVI approved banks in India are considered more credible and accurate, reducing the risk of your documents being questioned or rejected.
• Streamlined Visa Process: Since the UKVI is familiar with these banks, using them can help speed up the visa processing time and minimize additional checks or delays.
• Security and Transparency: Approved banks have strict verification processes, which means your funds are securely documented, making it easier for UKVI to verify your financial status.
• Clear Guidelines: With a list of accepted banks, applicants have clear guidance on where to maintain their funds, avoiding confusion and reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

By using these approved banks, you can ensure a smoother and more reliable visa application process.

New Rules for UKVI Approved Banks in India in 2025

UKVI used to have a list of acceptable and unacceptable financial institutions that showed which banks were approved for processing visa applications. However, this list has been removed, and UKVI has provided new guidelines for the UKVI approved banks in India in 2025.

Now, using funds from an overseas bank account is allowed, but these funds won’t be accepted by the Home Office if any of the following apply:

• The Home Office can’t verify the overseas bank properly.
• The overseas bank is not regulated by the correct authority in its country.
• The overseas bank doesn’t use electronic record-keeping.

How to Open a Student Account in the UKVI Approved Banks in India?

To show the bank statement to the Gov.UK, you must open a student account in a UKVI approved bank in India. Let’s learn how to open a student account in a UKVI approved banks in India. 

• Visit the Bank: Take your support documents to your local bank branch. The staff will help you step-by-step to open an account.

• Prove Funds: Show you have enough money to visit the UK by providing the required paperwork, like bank statements, to prove your financial stability.

• Currency Conversion: Some banks offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to manage your money in both Indian Rupees and British Pounds.

• Online Banking: Banks approved by UKVI offer online banking services, so you can easily manage your account and make transactions from home.

• Maintain the Required Balance: Make sure you keep the minimum balance in your account to meet UKVI’s rules.

How Can You Choose a UKVI Approved Bank in India?

There are many banks in India, some are approved by the UK govt. and some are not. However, you should follow some criteria to choose a UKVI approved bank in India. Such as-

• Recognition: Make sure the bank is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UK government keeps an updated list of licensed banks online.

• Documentation: Check the bank’s website or visit a branch to find out what documents are needed to open an account for visa purposes. You may need to show proof of identity, address, and financial stability.

• Services and Fees: Look into the bank’s fees, exchange rates, and services for international banking. Choose a bank that offers easy and affordable options for managing your money abroad.

Final Words

In summary, the UK Visas and Immigration has updated its list of approved banks for UK visa applications in India. This means that if you’re applying for a UK visa from India, you need to use one of these approved banks to pay your visa application fees.

The updated list of UKVI approved banks in India includes ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and State Bank of India. This change by UKVI aims to make the visa application process easier and more efficient for applicants.

It’s important to carefully check the updated list and ensure you use an approved bank when paying your fees. Otherwise, your visa application could face delays or even rejection. However, to get any more information regarding this, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

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