If you’re a returning sponsor looking to return with your partner to the UK, navigating the financial requirements for a spouse visa can seem complex. However, understanding the process and planning ahead can simplify the journey. In this post, we’ll delve into the steps you can take to meet the UK spouse visa financial income requirement and ensure a successful application.
Understanding the Financial Income Requirement
The financial income requirement is a crucial aspect of the UK spouse visa application process. It ensures that British sponsors can financially support their partners upon their return to the UK. The requirement aims to guarantee that couples can establish a stable and comfortable life together without the need to access public funds.
Under the minimum income requirement, the sponsoring partner must have an income of at least £18,600 per year. This threshold is higher for sponsors with children: the income requirement is £22,400 per year for the first child, plus an additional £2,400 per year for each additional child.
Income Earned Abroad
Fortunately, there are various avenues through which British sponsors may meet the financial income requirement. These include employment income, alternative sources of income (such as property rentals), or even savings. In this post, we’ll focus primarily on how your income from employment or self-employment can play a significant role in fulfilling this requirement.
Meeting the financial requirement involves considering both retrospective and prospective aspects. Let’s start by examining how your past income can contribute:
Salaried Employment Abroad
If you have been employed overseas for a minimum of 6 months and your earnings surpass the gross annual threshold (which begins at £18,600 for sponsors without dependent children), you can utilize your overseas salary to meet the requirement.
Non-Salaried Employment
For those engaged in non-salaried roles, the average annual income is calculated by the annual equivalent of the person’s average gross monthly income from non-salaried employment in the six months before the date of application. This average should also meet or exceed the specified threshold.
Self-Employment Abroad
If you are self-employed, your income from the previous financial year or an average of the past two years can be considered. It’s important to note that the financial year aligns with the tax system of your overseas location, rather than the UK’s fiscal year.
You cannot combine income from different financial years, and you can’t combine savings to meet the minimum income requirement. You may combine Income under Category F or Category G with income from salaried and non-salaried employment, non-employment income and pension income to meet the financial requirement.
Future Earnings in the UK
Ensuring your future income aligns with the requirement is equally vital.
Confirmed Job Offer in the UK
Whether in a salaried or non-salaried position, having a confirmed job offer in the UK is crucial. This job should commence within 3 months of your return and specify a gross annual income that meets or surpasses the financial requirement of £18,600 or higher.
Continuing Self-Employment
For those who fulfilled the retrospective requirement through overseas self-employment, you can rely on self-employment to fulfil the forward-looking aspect. The British partner must demonstrate that their self-employment will continue in the UK or that they have a confirmed offer of employment starting within three months of arriving in the UK. Supporting evidence may be required, such as a signed employment contract or partnership/franchise agreement, however, this will depend on your circumstances.
How we can help
Understanding the nuances of the UK spouse visa financial income requirement and seeking professional advice when needed can help ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Contact our professional and friendly team to discuss your UK Spouse Visa application with an experienced adviser. Call us on +442087575751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you have the flexibility to combine various sources of income to fulfil the financial income requirement. For instance, if you’re employed overseas and your income falls short of the threshold, you can combine it with non-employment income, such as property rental or pension income. Similarly, if you’re self-employed, your income can be combined with other sources as long as they fall within the same financial year and are active during the application period.
If your income is in a foreign currency, you can convert it to pounds sterling (£) using the closing spot exchange rate available on www.oanda.com on the date of your application. This conversion ensures that your income is accurately represented in the required currency for visa assessment.
If your employment status has changed or you have gaps in your employment history, you’ll need to carefully assess how these changes might affect your ability to meet the financial income requirement. In cases of recent job changes or gaps, you might need to rely on a combination of income sources or consider using your average income over a specified period to demonstrate your financial capacity. It’s recommended to consult with immigration experts for personalized guidance in such situations.
