The revised proposals put forth earlier in December 2023 by the UK Home Office to increase the minimum income threshold for Spouse, Partner, and Family Visas have been implemented.

Beginning in December, the Home Office declared a substantial increase from the existing income threshold of £18,600 to £38,700. This was to take effect in Spring 2024.

However, the announcement encountered significant opposition on account of concerns regarding familial separation and financial hardship, as well as reducing the appeal of the UK for migrant workers who would not be able to join their families under the new salary level.

The Home Office recently announced the details of a revised plan for the salary requirement for family visas in response to significant criticism.

Revised plan in phases:

Following heavy criticism, the Home Office has now released details of a revised plan for the salary requirement for family visas, which will be implemented in phases:

• Spring 2024: Increase to £29,000.
• Late 2024: A potential increase to approximately £34,500.
• Early 2025: A final increase to about £38,700.

The Home Office confirmed these changes, but it is expected to provide full details, including transitional provisions, within the following year.

Is the new salary threshold applicable to individuals who already hold family visas?

The Home Office clarified that the revised salary levels will apply exclusively to first-time applicants. Individuals seeking to extend their stay as a family member or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under a family visa will not face the increased threshold, clarified the Home Office.

• If you already have a Family Visa on the five-year partner route and you wish to apply to extend your stay or settle in the UK, your application will be assessed against the current £18,600 income requirement, and you will not be required to meet the increased threshold of £29,000. This will also be the case for any children seeking to join or accompany you as their parent.
• If you apply for a Family Visa on the five-year partner route before the minimum income threshold is raised from £18,600, your application will be assessed against the current £18,600 income requirement, and you will not be required to meet the increased threshold of £29,000. This will also be the case for any children seeking to join or accompany you as their parent.
• If you are granted a fiance (é) visa before the minimum income threshold is raised from £18,600 to £29,000, then when you apply for a Family Visa on the five-year partner route, your application will also be assessed against the current income requirement of £18,600, and you will not be required to meet the increased threshold of £29,000.

Will each application for a new family visa be considered based on the increased threshold?

The new minimum income requirement of £29,000 will affect those applying for a family visa on the five-year partner route after the increase in Spring 2024 and who do not currently hold such a visa. Additionally, individuals looking to switch to a five-year family visa after the new threshold is in place will also be subject to the higher income requirement.

Unknown Details of Specific Requirements

The specific details regarding the coming into force of the new financial requirement remain unknown at this time.

For example:

• Currently, sponsors and visa applicants are exempt from meeting the income requirement if they possess £65,000 in cash savings. Will the amount of £65,000 continue to rise? If so, what is the exact amount?
• If you have children who are not British citizens, a visa applicant needs their sponsor to earn an extra £3,800 a year for their first child and £2,400 a year for each child the visa applicant has after their first child. Will these figures still apply or increase?
• There are complex rules on how a visa applicant and their sponsor can meet the financial requirements for a Family Visa. Will the financial requirement rules for a Family Visa remain unchanged or be simplified?

If you are concerned that you may not be able to meet the newly introduced £29,000 financial requirement, you may wish to apply for your spouse, partner, or fiancé to join you prior to the introduction of the new minimum income requirement in Spring 2024.

Alternatively, if the new £29,000 financial requirement applies to you, you cannot apply for a spouse, partner, or fiancé visa before Spring 2024, and you are concerned that you may not be able to meet the new minimum income requirement, you may still be able to enter or remain in the United Kingdom after Spring 2024 by invoking an exception to the financial requirement.



If you are concerned about the proposed changes and what they mean for your visa or visa application, please contact us or leave us a message.