In 2024, significant changes to the UK Spouse Visa regulations will take effect, primarily impacting the financial requirements for applicants. These updates are part of ongoing adjustments by the UK government to immigration policies. This guide explains in detail on UK Spouse Visa 2024.
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.
Implications for Applicants
- New Applicants: Couples applying for the Spouse Visa after April 11, 2024, must meet the new income requirement of £29,000. If they do not meet this threshold, they may need to explore alternative immigration routes or consider relocating to another country.
- Existing Visa Holders: Those who already hold a Spouse Visa will not be affected by the new income requirement unless they apply for an extension or indefinite leave to remain after April 2024. In such cases, they will need to comply with the updated financial criteria.
Understanding Financial Sources
To meet the new financial requirements, income must come from permitted sources, which can include:
- Employment income
- Self-employment income
- Savings (if sufficient)
- Certain state benefits (in specific circumstances)
You must prove the income through appropriate documentation as outlined in the Home Office guidelines.
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 people 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
Key Changes to Financial Requirements
Increased Income Threshold
As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for British citizens or settled residents wishing to sponsor a foreign spouse has increased from £18,600 to £29,000 per year. This change means that couples must now demonstrate a higher combined income to qualify for the visa.
Future Increases Predicted
Experts anticipate that this financial threshold may rise further, potentially reaching £34,500 later in 2024 and £38,790 by early 2025. This trend indicates a tightening of immigration rules aimed at reducing overall immigration figures by making it more challenging for lower-income couples to obtain visas.
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, you should apply before the changes take effect to avoid facing 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. However, the authorities will consider both partners’ incomes for visa extensions and applications for permanent residence.
To prove your income, you must 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 stated that these measures, including the rise in the income threshold, aim to ensure that they provide financial support to immigrants and prevent reliance 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, act quickly before the new rules take effect. At Law and Visas, we can help guide you through the application process and keep you updated on any changes to immigration laws.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a UK Spouse Visa 2024, a UK Sponsor Licence, or another visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
