The UK Home Office has recently introduced an updated financial threshold for spouse visa applicants, requiring a minimum income of £29,000.
This change, which took effect on April 11, 2024, forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce net migration and ensure that foreign spouses or partners can be supported without reliance on public funds.
Who Does This Apply To?
The minimum income requirement (MIR) applies to UK citizens and settled persons (including those with indefinite leave to remain) who wish to sponsor their non-UK spouse or partner to join them in the country. The requirement extends to those applying under the Family Visa route, specifically the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner category.
Financial Threshold and ImplementationInitial Increase: As of April 2024, the minimum income requirement rose from £18,600 to £29,000.
Future Increases: The government has indicated plans for a phased increase, with the requirement eventually rising to £38,700.
Children Consideration: Unlike previous regulations, where additional income was required for dependent children, the new threshold applies regardless of whether children are included in the application.
How Can Applicants Meet the Requirement? Sponsoring partners can meet the financial threshold through various means, including:
- Employment or Self-Employment: The UK-based sponsor must demonstrate earnings of at least £29,000 per year. This can be through salaried or non-salaried income, with evidence required in the form of payslips, tax returns, and employer letters.
- Savings: If the income falls short, applicants may use savings to make up the difference. The Home Office considers savings above £16,000, calculated using a specific formula.
- Pension Income: Those receiving pensions can use this as part of their income evidence.
- Non-Work Income: Property rentals, dividends, or investments may be used if they provide a reliable income stream.
- Combined Sources: Applicants may combine different sources of income to meet the requirement, provided they can provide verifiable documentation.
Exemptions and Special Considerations
Certain applicants may be exempt from the MIR, including:
- Those receiving specified disability or carer benefits.
- Applicants whose sponsor is a refugee or holds humanitarian protection status.
- Situations where exceptional circumstances apply, and a refusal would breach the applicant’s human rights.
In such cases, alternative financial support or third-party funding may be considered on a discretionary basis.
Impact on Applicants and Processing Times
With the income requirement increase, many applicants will need to reassess their eligibility before submitting applications. Those unable to meet the threshold may need to consider:
- Delaying the application until their income meets the requirement.
- Exploring alternative visa options.
- Seeking professional immigration advice for possible exemptions.
Processing times for spouse visas generally range between 12 to 24 weeks, depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK.
For Nigerian families, the increase presents significant challenges. According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, Nigerians are one of the largest non-EU nationalities applying for family visas in the UK.
Many Nigerians working in the UK, especially in healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors, may struggle to meet the new income threshold, particularly if they are in lower-paid roles or work part-time.
This could result in lengthy family separations, as spouses back home in Nigeria may need to wait months or years until their UK-based partners can boost their earnings to qualify.
Furthermore, the reliance on extended family support, which is common in Nigerian culture, is not factored into the UK’s strict income calculations, creating further barriers.
The £29,000 minimum income requirement marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy, emphasizing financial self-sufficiency for visa sponsors.
Prospective applicants must carefully review their financial standing, gather necessary documentation, and ensure they meet the Home Office criteria before applying.
Given the future planned increases, staying updated with official immigration guidelines is crucial for those planning to bring their spouse or partner to the UK.
