Introduction
If you’re planning to join your family in the UK, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family. This is called “meeting the financial requirements.” It’s a rule to make sure you can live in the UK without needing help from public funds. You can meet these requirements through your income, savings, or a mix of both.
Read on to find out the latest changes to these rules and how they may affect your UK Family Visa application.
Current Financial Income Requirement for UK Family Visas
The financial requirement for a UK Family Visa is currently £29,000 per year. This means the UK-based partner must be earning at least this amount annually. If the couple has children, the required income increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
Financial Requirement Increases for UK Family Visas in 2024
The income requirement for UK Family Visas will go up in stages during 2024-2025:
- In Late 2024, it will increase to about £34,500.
- By early 2025, it will rise to around £38,700.
UK partners will need to meet these new amounts through their income, savings, or other approved methods.
Meeting the Financial Requirement with Savings
If you don’t earn £29,000 per year, you can meet the UK Family Visa financial requirement by showing savings. Currently, you’ll need at least £88,500 in savings. As income requirements go up, the savings needed will also increase:
- Later in 2024, when the income requirement rises to £34,500, you’ll need £102,250 in savings.
- By early 2025, when the income threshold reaches £38,700, you’ll need £112,500 in savings.
Meeting the Financial Requirement Through Investments and Pensions
To meet the financial requirement using investments or pensions, the UK-based partner must ensure these assets equal the required savings amounts and convert them into cash during the application process. For more details, feel free to contact us.
Changes to the Income Requirement for UK Family Visas
The new financial requirements for UK Family Visas, including spouse and civil partner visas, have several key impacts. Here’s a simple breakdown:
For Current Applicants
The new rules only affect future applications. If you’ve already applied or apply before the increase, you’ll be assessed under the current rules. This also applies to children joining their parents and fiancé visa holders switching to a spouse visa.
Existing Visa Holders Before April 2024
If you have a family visa under the five-year partner route before April 11th, 2024, you’ll still follow the old £18,600 requirement when extending your visa or applying for settlement. This also applies to children joining a parent.
Families with Children
The new income requirement stays the same, no matter how many children are included in the visa application.
New Applicants Before the Increase to £34,500
If you applied before the income requirement rises to £34,500, you will follow the current £29,000 threshold.
Fiancé Visa Holders Before Spring 2024
If you were granted a fiancé visa before the new rules, your family visa will still use the £18,600 requirement.
Applicants After Spring 2024
After the new £29,000 requirement takes effect, all new family visa applications will need to meet this income level.
Switching to the Partner Route After Spring 2024
If you switched to the five-year partner route after the changes, you’ll also need to meet the £29,000 requirement.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Applicants
If you’re applying for ILR on a spouse visa, you’ll likely be exempt from the new income requirement, but the Home Office will provide more details soon.
Visa Application Fees
Along with meeting the financial requirements, applicants must also be prepared to pay the visa application fee. The fees differ based on where the application is made:
- Applying from within the UK: £1,048
- Applying from outside the UK: £1,846
It’s essential to include these fees in your budget to avoid any delays or interruptions in the application process.
Increased Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a required fee for most visa applicants, allowing access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Starting in January 2024, the IHS fee will increase:
- For adults: £1,035 (previously £624)
- For those under 18: £776
This higher fee applies to a wide range of visa categories and is part of efforts to support the NHS. Applicants should keep this in mind when budgeting for their UK visa.
Navigating Changes in UK Family Visa Policies
The increase in financial requirements for UK Family Visas — from £29,000 to £34,500 in 2024, and £38,700 by 2025 — may make it harder for some applicants. Here’s how to manage these changes:
1. Apply Before the Increase
If you’re concerned about meeting the higher income threshold, try to apply before it rises to £34,500 in 2024. Applying early can help you avoid the new financial limits.
2. Look for Alternative Options
If the new income requirement is too high, consider other visa options. There are exceptions in certain cases, which could provide an alternative route.
3. Get Professional Help
Immigration rules can be complicated. It’s a good idea to speak to an immigration expert who can guide you through the process and help improve your chances of success.
The Future of Financial Requirements for Family Visas: Gradual Increases
The financial requirements for family visas will rise gradually. The government initially planned to increase the threshold to £38,700 in Spring 2024, but this has been postponed to early 2025.
These changes aim to manage legal migration and update current rules, bringing both challenges and opportunities for those applying for a UK family visa.
For those affected, it’s important to stay informed and seek professional advice. Consulting a legal expert can provide the latest information on UK family visas. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
FAQs
Why did the Spouse Visa Income Threshold Change in 2024?
The spouse visa income threshold changed because the former Conservative government aims to reduce net migration by around 300,000. Making family visa applications more challenging is part of their strategy to accomplish this goal.
What Changes Occurred in the Income Requirement for UK Spouse Visas in 2024?
Several changes were anticipated over the past year. The first major change took place on April 11th, 2024, when the minimum income threshold for family visa applicants increased from £18,600 to £29,000.
Were There Additional Planned Increases in the Spouse Visa Income Requirement Beyond Spring 2024?
Yes, there were subsequent increases. A second hike occurred towards the end of 2024, raising the threshold from £29,000 to around £34,500. Following that, a third increase was projected for early 2025, setting the requirement at approximately £38,700.
Could You Quantify the Extent of These Increases in Percentage Terms?
The increase from £18,600 to £38,700 represented over a 200% rise. The Home Office justified these adjustments by aligning them with the UK’s earnings for jobs at the RQF3 skill level.
How Likely Were These Changes to Be Implemented, and What Governed Their Implementation?
The likelihood of these changes being implemented was high, as the £29,000 threshold had already taken effect, suggesting that further increases would also proceed as planned.
The House of Commons Library noted that changes to the Immigration Rules typically took effect automatically unless there was active opposition from either the House of Commons or the Lords within a 40-day period. Historically, such interventions were rare.
Do the changes impact the applicants who applied before the changes were implemented?
No, the new requirements did not affect those who had already submitted their applications. These individuals continued to be assessed under the existing income requirements.
How Did These Changes Affect Individuals in the UK Wishing to Switch Visa Types?
Individuals in the UK on different visa types who sought to switch to the five-year partner visa route were subject to the new income requirements as soon as they took effect. It was crucial for these individuals to be aware of the timing of these changes.
What were the implications of recent changes on individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Individuals who held a spouse visa and were planning to apply for ILR were generally not affected by the new income threshold. The Home Office released transitional provisions that clarified this exemption.
