The UK's Family Visa program has always been guided by a set of eligibility criteria, including a financial threshold that must be met by the visa applicant, their sponsor, or a combination of both. In most cases, Spouse Visa applicants depend on their sponsor's income, especially if they are leaving a job overseas to move to the UK, where they may not have immediate employment or salary proof.
Recent developments have brought significant changes to the minimum income requirement for the Spouse Visa, which could potentially impact applicants. The current requirement stands at £18,600, but a phased increase is planned. In Spring 2024, the requirement will rise to £29,000, and by January 2025, it will further increase to £38,700. It's important to note that this figure is higher if the visa applicant is accompanied by non-British children.
The timeline for these changes has been subject to twists and turns. Originally, the increase to £38,700 was scheduled for Spring 2024, but the Home Office revised the plan, opting for a phased approach. The general election anticipated in 2024 or 2025 adds another layer of uncertainty, as future immigration policies of the opposition parties could affect these plans.
Given the fluid situation, Immigration Solicitors advise applicants, especially those with a combined income of less than £38,700, to apply for their Spouse Visa before 2025. For those earning below £29,000, the advice is even more urgent, with applications recommended before Spring 2024.
Changes Pertaining to Children:
Currently, the minimum income requirement increases if dependent non-British children are part of the application. For example, for a Spouse Visa applicant with four children, the requirement stands at £29,600. However, a recent Home Office statement indicates that from Spring 2024, the additional income requirement for children will be eliminated, aligning with the General Skilled Worker threshold, which is a flat rate irrespective of children.
Options for Those Below the Minimum Income Requirement Post-Spring 2024:
If the sponsor's income doesn't meet the £29,000 requirement, alternatives include:
Checking if the sponsor qualifies for any benefits that meet the financial requirement.
Applying for the visa before Spring 2024 if the current income is at least £18,600.
Increasing the sponsor's income to at least £29,000, keeping in mind the need for evidence like wage slips.
Combining the sponsor's salary with other income sources, such as pensions or dividends.
Utilizing cash savings over £16,000 in combination with income, or £65,000 in savings alone, to meet the requirement.
Exploring the possibility of qualifying for a Spouse Visa based on exceptional circumstances.
Considering legal challenges to the change in the minimum income requirement.
Pros:
The phased approach provides clarity and allows time for applicants to plan and meet the new requirements.
The increase aligns the Spouse Visa income requirement with the UK's economic standards and cost of living.
Cons:
The raised threshold may put financial strain on applicants and sponsors, potentially limiting access to the Spouse Visa.
The impending general election adds uncertainty to these plans, potentially impacting applicants' decision-making.
The changes introduce more complexity in meeting the financial requirements, particularly for those with lower incomes or with children.
The higher income requirement could result in families being separated if they are unable to meet the new thresholds.
Recent developments have brought significant changes to the minimum income requirement for the Spouse Visa, which could potentially impact applicants. The current requirement stands at £18,600, but a phased increase is planned. In Spring 2024, the requirement will rise to £29,000, and by January 2025, it will further increase to £38,700. It's important to note that this figure is higher if the visa applicant is accompanied by non-British children.
The timeline for these changes has been subject to twists and turns. Originally, the increase to £38,700 was scheduled for Spring 2024, but the Home Office revised the plan, opting for a phased approach. The general election anticipated in 2024 or 2025 adds another layer of uncertainty, as future immigration policies of the opposition parties could affect these plans.
Given the fluid situation, Immigration Solicitors advise applicants, especially those with a combined income of less than £38,700, to apply for their Spouse Visa before 2025. For those earning below £29,000, the advice is even more urgent, with applications recommended before Spring 2024.
Changes Pertaining to Children:
Currently, the minimum income requirement increases if dependent non-British children are part of the application. For example, for a Spouse Visa applicant with four children, the requirement stands at £29,600. However, a recent Home Office statement indicates that from Spring 2024, the additional income requirement for children will be eliminated, aligning with the General Skilled Worker threshold, which is a flat rate irrespective of children.
Options for Those Below the Minimum Income Requirement Post-Spring 2024:
If the sponsor's income doesn't meet the £29,000 requirement, alternatives include:
Checking if the sponsor qualifies for any benefits that meet the financial requirement.
Applying for the visa before Spring 2024 if the current income is at least £18,600.
Increasing the sponsor's income to at least £29,000, keeping in mind the need for evidence like wage slips.
Combining the sponsor's salary with other income sources, such as pensions or dividends.
Utilizing cash savings over £16,000 in combination with income, or £65,000 in savings alone, to meet the requirement.
Exploring the possibility of qualifying for a Spouse Visa based on exceptional circumstances.
Considering legal challenges to the change in the minimum income requirement.
Pros:
The phased approach provides clarity and allows time for applicants to plan and meet the new requirements.
The increase aligns the Spouse Visa income requirement with the UK's economic standards and cost of living.
Cons:
The raised threshold may put financial strain on applicants and sponsors, potentially limiting access to the Spouse Visa.
The impending general election adds uncertainty to these plans, potentially impacting applicants' decision-making.
The changes introduce more complexity in meeting the financial requirements, particularly for those with lower incomes or with children.
The higher income requirement could result in families being separated if they are unable to meet the new thresholds.