Financial Requirements for Spouse, Fiancé(e), Civil Partner and Unmarried Partner Visas Will Change on April 11th, 2024
Breaking UK Immigration News:?All UK family visas (spouse, fiancé(e), civil partner, and unmarried partner) will have an increased financial income threshold, which will take effect on April 11th, 2024! This means there is just over one month to go to start your application based on the old rules!
The details outlined in the landmark announcement by Home Secretary James Cleverly that unveiled sweeping changes to the UK's spouse visa income requirements are soon to become a reality!?
The proposed measures, which are part of a broader initiative to reduce net migration, will radically alter the landscape of family immigration in the UK. Cleverly's statement, delivered on December 4th 2023, outlined a robust plan to escalate the minimum income threshold for those seeking to bring partners or dependents to the UK.?
What are the current rules for UK Family Visa applicants?
As it stands, the financial bar for sponsoring a spouse sits at ￡18,600 annually, a figure that hasn't seen an upward revision since 2012. For families with children, an additional ￡3,800 for the first child and ￡2,400 for each subsequent child is required. This income can stem from various sources, including employment, pensions, and savings.
However, the Home Office's new scheme is set to elevate these figures significantly. The first hike, which will take place on April 11th, 2024 will raise the bar from ￡18,600 to ￡29,000. Subsequent increases are expected to push the Requirement to approximately ￡34,500 by late 2024 and ultimately to ￡38,700 by early 2025. These figures represent the 25th, 40th, and 50th percentile of earnings for jobs at RQF3 skill level, marking a sharp rise of over 200%.
What does this mean for meeting the Requirement by savings?
It's essential to recognise that meeting the financial requirements for a UK family visa isn't limited to income alone. Savings can play a pivotal role, especially for individuals who may not reach the stipulated income levels but possess significant savings. Here's a breakdown of how savings can be utilised to comply with the financial prerequisites at various thresholds:
Current Requirement (￡18,600):?Under the existing financial Threshold, if your earnings fall short of the ￡18,600 mark, you can bridge this gap using your savings. Specifically, you should have cash savings amounting to ￡62,500 to meet this criterion.
Increased Threshold to ￡29,000:?With the upcoming increase of the Threshold to ￡29,000, the necessary savings amount correspondingly escalates. Applicants in this scenario will be required to show they have cash savings of ￡88,500.
Increase from ￡29,000 to ￡34,500: With this rise, the savings requirement will once again be adjusted to ￡102,250.
Projected Rise to ￡38,700 by 2025:?Anticipating the 2025 adjustment, where the financial Threshold will elevate to ￡38,700, the savings requirement will also see a significant rise. Applicants will need to demonstrate the possession of ￡112,500 in savings to satisfy the financial requirements for the family visa.'
Likelihood of Implementation
Given the way the legislative process works in the UK, these changes are anticipated to pass without significant resistance. This is because the House of Commons or Lords would need to actively oppose these amendments within 40 days of their introduction, a scenario historically uncommon which has also not taken place regarding this issue.
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Implications for Current and Future Applicants
Crucially, these changes will not impact those who have already submitted their spouse visa applications. Current holders of a five-year partner visa or those applying before the new thresholds come into force will be judged by existing standards. The same leniency applies to fiancé(e) visa holders transitioning to a spouse visa.
For those contemplating an application or switching to a partner visa, time is of the essence. Once implemented, the revised criteria will apply, including a unified minimum income requirement irrespective of children.
Exemptions and Indefinite Leave to Remain
Those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on a spouse visa are likely to be exempt from the new thresholds. However, precise details await clarification in the Home Office's upcoming transitional provisions.
Rationale Behind the Change
The Government's motivation stems from a desire to curb net migration, which, despite a recent 10% decrease, remains a concern. With the Office for National Statistics reporting a net migration figure of over 300,00 in the year ending June 2023, the Government is eager to see a substantial reduction and want to cut this by half.
Get Legal Assistance to Understand These New Changes and Start Your Application
These impending changes represent a significant challenge for many potential applicants. Those concerned about their eligibility or seeking guidance on navigating these new waters should consult with immigration law specialists promptly. At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we offer expert advice and support on all facets of UK immigration law. For professional assistance, contact us at +44 20 7269 9590 or visit our website. Our team stands ready to aid you through these complex and evolving immigration landscapes.
About Dr Bernard Andonian
Dr. Bernard Andonian, a co-founder of?Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, is an expert immigration solicitor with more than forty years of expertise in UK Immigration, Human Rights, and Civil Litigation Law. His distinguished career includes serving as a former judge and earning a PhD in Law from the University of West London. Dr. Andonian has been a member of the Law Society Immigration Law Panel and has contributed to several landmark decisions in higher courts. His exceptional contributions to the legal field have earned him a place in the?Legal 500's Hall of Fame.
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1 年Bernard Andonian Patrice Wellesley-Cole great information. ! Thanks for sharing
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1 年Bernard thank you most impoimportant.