@Wylie ******

good to know. Thanks. They might want to clarify that in the requirements they state, because when I read them I was left feeling pretty sure they wanted 6 months of consecutive bank statements showing balance of >£12,500, and just naturally assumed they were focused on proof of already liquid cash cushions, with total wealth irrelevant if it's invested.

@Daniel *****

but if you have 9m to invest here you can 'do one' (I don't have, but in theory that would happen.

My 2m condo purchase was no help whatsoever)

if you weren't, please do so and apply again in 6 months lol

@Daniel *****

even if you do have money, they only want you if you were stupid enough to keep £12,500 sitting depreciating value in a current account for a full 6 months

@Tod ********

If I only knew this 2 days ago haha. Thanks for the info though, hope it helps others

Sorry to hear you got stranded outside. If it's any consolation they're trying to make sure the ones still here studying have to leave too.

apparently 60 days covid extensions are a formality in some parts of the country but my local immigration office never even mentioned the existence of such a thing and they're saying just have to leave and apply abroad. Point being, shop around

p.s. that means 6 months away from family for some, while they borrow money to have it sitting and depreciating value in a bank account to meet the COE requirements

@Joseph ************

some have rooted their lives here. So much collateral damage if they have to relocate or already got stranded elsewhere by covid. But your point is probably valid for anyone single who doesn't have pets, hasn't bought property or started a business and/or family here. Even some people on marriage visa are being told they have to apply abroad for the next one, with all the overpriced travel, covid exposure risk, and grave mental health implications of having to quarantine or isolate for 14 days, twice in a row.

You probably just helped him sell your info to a backpacker who wants to teach online to avoid having to go home. Likely photoshopped to change the name. I wouldn't worry too much. 😅