Financial Requirement Increased for Family Visas
The United Kingdom has announced an increase in the minimum salary requirement for family visas. The spouse/partner visa minimum income should be £29,000 from April 11, 2024, and this amount will be valid until the 4th quarter of 2024 and then it will be increased by the end of the year to £34,500 and at the beginning of 2025 to £38,700.
This change was announced in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 590), which was published on March 14, 2024 and laid out before Parliament on the same day.
This amendment to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules is part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to regulate immigration and ensure that those seeking entry into the country have the means to support themselves and their families. The increased minimum income requirement is aimed at ensuring that only those who can financially support themselves and any dependents they bring with them are granted a family visa.
Who will be affected?
The Statement of Changes specifies that the change will affect new applicants to the family route, which includes children, spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, fiancés, and proposed civil partners.
Individuals who already have a family visa granted on the five-year route to settlement and who wish to apply to extend their stay or apply for indefinite leave to remain with the same partner will continue to be assessed against the £18,600 income requirement. Likewise, those who submit an application before the increase takes effect on April 11, 2024, will also have their applications assessed against the current threshold.
Can the income of both the applicant and the sponsor be included in calculating the £18,600 / £29,000 sum?
Both the applicant’s and the sponsor’s income can be taken into account when calculating the £18,600 / £29,000 threshold.
When applying for an initial visa from outside the UK, only the sponsor’s income is considered towards meeting the minimum income requirement. However, for extensions and permanent residence, both incomes are taken into account. Generally, individuals need to provide proof of having earned this income over the past six months.
There are also options available for those who do not meet the minimum income requirements, allowing them to qualify for a visa through other means such as using savings above £16,000 or in exceptional circumstances.
Savings still count towards the minimum income threshold
The basic rule remains the same as before: only savings above £16,000, divided by 2.5, count towards the threshold. Usually, people will add savings to the sponsor’s income to reach the threshold, although they are also allowed to use only their savings. A couple with no relevant earnings who want to meet the threshold entirely through savings now need a lump sum of £88,500.
Similar to the main income rule, individuals generally need to have had the required amount of savings in their account(s) for six months prior to applying.
How our Immigration Advisors can help?
Our immigration advisors are ready to provide advice and guidance regarding Family Visas: spouse, partner, and other Appendix FM applications. If you are interested in making an application, our specialists would be happy to have discussion with you. Book a consultation below.