In December 2023, the UK government introduced significant changes to the spouse/partner visa route. These changes include a rise in the minimum salary required to sponsor a spouse or partner to join you in the UK. If you’re planning to bring your partner to the UK, you need to know how these changes will affect you.
What Are the Changes to the Spouse Visa Rules?
Currently, to sponsor a spouse or partner for a UK visa, the minimum income requirement is £18,600. This means that if you earn at least this amount, you can apply to bring your partner to the UK, as long as you meet other eligibility criteria.
However, this amount is set to rise significantly to £38,700. This new rule means that only those who earn well above the national average wage of £29,669 will qualify to bring their foreign partner to the UK.
What is a Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa (also known as a partner visa) allows a foreign national to live in the UK with their British or settled partner (someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status). This visa is available to those who are married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term unmarried relationship.
To qualify, couples must:
- Intend to live together in the UK
- Have a genuine and ongoing relationship
- Have suitable accommodation in the UK
When Will the Changes Happen?
The new salary rule will come into effect in Spring 2024. Originally, the government announced a huge jump in the salary requirement, causing concern among couples in international relationships. In response to public backlash, the government slightly adjusted the plan.
The minimum income requirement will first increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. It will then gradually rise to £34,500 and eventually reach £38,700 by early 2025.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
The higher income requirement will only apply to new applications from Spring 2024. If you plan to apply for a spouse visa soon and do not meet the new income level, it’s important to apply before the changes take effect to avoid being affected by the higher salary threshold.
For people who already have a spouse visa and do not meet the new salary requirement, there’s good news: the changes will not apply to visa extensions or to those applying for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after being on a spouse visa.
Can Both Incomes Be Counted?
When applying for a spouse visa from outside the UK, only the sponsor’s income (the person living in the UK) counts towards the minimum income requirement. For visa extensions and applications for permanent residence, both partners’ incomes will be considered.
To prove your income, you will need to show evidence of your earnings over the last six months.
Why Are These Changes Being Made?
These changes are part of the government’s efforts to reduce net migration, which reached a record high of 745,000 in 2022. The government has said that these measures, including the rise in the income threshold, are meant to ensure that immigrants are financially supported and won’t rely on the UK’s welfare system. They also point out that other countries, like Belgium and Norway, have similar income requirements for bringing spouses into the country.
Additionally, the government has restricted family reunification for other visa holders, including international students and care workers, making it harder for dependents to join those coming to the UK on these visas.
The increase in the salary requirement for the UK spouse visa will make it harder for some couples to live together in the UK. If you’re planning to apply, it’s important to act quickly before the new rules are implemented. At Law and Visas, we can help guide you through the application process and keep you updated on any changes to immigration laws.
