The British government has just raised the minimum income requirement for family visas in the UK.
This visa is currently used by British workers who wish to bring foreign spouses, dependents or parents to the UK.
The income requirement is set to increase even more by early 2025
Changing income requirements
Home secretary, James Cleverly, claimed the new visa rules will “protect British workers” as “mass migration” has reached a “tipping point.”
From April 12th, sponsors need to earn at least £29,000 annually to be able to sponsor a loved one to come and live in the UK from abroad.
Until last week, the wage threshold was £18,600, so the threshold has been increased by £10,400.
Unfortunately, that’s not the end of it. The income requirement is set to rise to £34,500 later this year, and to £38,700 in early 2025.
Speaking about the new requirements, Cleverly said, “I promised action and we have delivered at remarkable speed. We’ve acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers, and to build an immigration system fit for the future – and one the public can rightly have confidence in.”
These changes are likely to weigh heavily on Brits looking to reunite with spouses from overseas, especially since the average UK salary pre-tax is £28,000. Now £1,000 under the minimum threshold. (Gov.UK, February 2024).
Image shows family moving overseas
The government’s ‘five-point plan’
These changes are part of the UK government’s five-point plan to reduce immigration, which was first announced in December 2023. The five steps include:
Family restrictions for care workers
Newly arriving social care workers can no longer bring their families to the UK on their visas (parents and children).
Higher salaries for skilled workers
The minimum salary for a skilled worker visa increased from £26,200 to £38,700. Alongside this, the requirements for skilled roles have also increased.
Trimmed occupation list
The list of jobs with lower salary requirements for skilled worker visas has been shortened and renamed the ‘Immigration Salary List.” The list is to undergo reviews later this year.
Increased threshold for spouse/partner visa sponsors
As above. The minimum income required to be able to sponsor a spouse/partner visa has increased. This is believed to increase in stages, reaching around £38,700 by early 2025.
Graduate visa under review
The UK’s graduate visa program, which offers a two-year work permit for international graduates of UK universities is under review. Updates are due in early May, 2024.
Who qualifies for a family visa?
- Spouses or partners
- Fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners
- Dependent children
- Parents receiving long-term care
- Relatives providing long-term care for you
Family visa requirements
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency
- Meet the minimum income threshold (currently £29,000, but set to increase to £38,700 by early 2025)
Alternative income to the threshold
There is an alternative to meeting the income threshold which relies on savings. Savings of £16,000 or more divided by 2.5 can be used. For example, a couple with no income would require £88,500 in savings to entirely meet the threshold with this method. You’ll usually be asked to prove you’ve had the savings for a minimum of six months.
