The UK Spouse Visa income requirement has seen significant changes in recent times, and there have been further developments that impact it from April 2024 onwards.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and the current situation:
Current Minimum Income Requirement (MIR): £29,000
- As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for new Spouse Visa applications (and for those switching into the partner route from another visa category within the UK) increased from £18,600 to £29,000 per year.
- This threshold does not increase for dependent children joining the application, unlike the previous system.
Phased Increases Initially Planned (and now paused/under review)
- The previous Conservative government had announced a phased increase to the MIR:
- To £34,500 in late 2024.
- To £38,700 in early 2025, aligning it with the Skilled Worker visa general salary threshold.
- However, following the general election in July 2024 and the change in government, these further increases have been paused.
- The current Labour government has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements for family visas. The MAC’s report is expected in June 2025.
- This means that for the time being (as of June 2025), the minimum income requirement remains at £29,000. Any future changes beyond this will depend on the MAC’s recommendations and the government’s subsequent policy decisions.
Transitional Arrangements (for those already in the route)
- If you applied for a Spouse Visa (or as a fiancé/fiancée or proposed civil partner) before April 11, 2024, you will generally continue to be assessed under the old income threshold of £18,600 for your extension and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, provided you are applying to stay with the same partner.
- For these transitional cases, the previous additional income requirements for dependent children still apply:
- £3,800 for the first child.
- £2,400 for each additional child.
- However, the total amount required (including children) will not exceed the current £29,000 threshold.
How the Financial Requirement Can Be Met
The £29,000 (or £18,600 for transitional cases) can be met through various sources, including:
- Employment income: From the sponsor, or from both partners if the applicant is already in the UK with valid leave to work.
- Self-employment income: Profits from a business.
- Cash savings: If relying solely on savings, the amount required is significantly higher. For the £29,000 threshold, you typically need £88,500 (this calculation is £16,000 + 2.5 times the income threshold for the 2.5 years of initial leave). These savings must have been held for at least six months.
- Pension income: From either partner.
- Non-employment income: Such as property rental income, dividends, or interest from investments.
- Combinations: You can often combine different sources of income and savings to meet the threshold.
Important Considerations from April 2025
While the income threshold itself is currently stable at £29,000 pending the MAC review, other aspects affecting the financial assessment have come into play:
- Prohibition on Recouping Sponsor Fees: As of April 9, 2025, sponsors are explicitly prohibited from passing on the costs of sponsor licence fees and associated administrative costs to sponsored workers (including those on partner visas where a sponsor licence might be involved in their partner’s work route). Attempting to do so can lead to sponsor licence revocation.
- Restrictions on Salary Deductions: The Home Office now more closely scrutinizes deductions from a sponsored worker’s salary (if the worker’s income is being used to meet the threshold). Payments made by the worker to the sponsor (or a related organization) for things like business investments or immigration costs will be deducted from their gross salary when assessing if the minimum threshold is met. This aims to prevent “self-sponsorship” type arrangements.
Key takeaway for those applying now or planning to apply
- The current minimum income requirement for new Spouse Visa applications is £29,000.
- The previous plans for further increases to £34,500 and £38,700 are paused pending a government review (expected by June 2025).
- If you applied before April 11, 2024, the £18,600 threshold (plus child elements if applicable) applies to your extensions and ILR.
- Always ensure you meet all the other requirements (relationship, English language, accommodation, suitability) and provide comprehensive documentation.