Given the recent increases in the financial requirements for a Family Visa application, we will address which minimum income threshold should be applied.
On 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement for a Partner Visa increased from £18,600 to £29,000 per annum, under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. However, if you made your first application as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or spouse before 11 April 2024, and you were granted permission on the five-year route to settlement, you may benefit from transitional financial requirements.
To qualify for these transitional arrangements, you must:
- Have permission as a partner on the five-year route to settlement or as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner at the date of application.
- Have made your first application as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or partner before 11 April 2024.
- Have been granted permission as a result of that application.
- Be applying to stay with the same partner for which you were last granted permission.
For those who qualify under the transitional arrangements, the minimum income requirement is £18,600 without dependent children. However, if you’re sponsoring a child, the requirements increase. You’ll need an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
For applications made on or after 11 April 2024, if you don’t meet the above criteria, you’ll need to meet a higher financial threshold of £29,000 unless exempt, for a new Spouse Visa Application.
If you are on the 10-year route to settlement, you cannot benefit from these transitional rules. However, you may be able to combine your income and savings to satisfy the new minimum income requirement when switching to the 5-year route.
Children Applying Under Appendix FM
The financial requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules for Children are aligned with the parent’s requirements. If the parent is exempt from the minimum income requirement, the child is also exempt. If the parent is applying on or after 11 April 2024 and is new to the five-year route or applying with a new partner, they must meet the £29,000 threshold.
If the parent qualifies for the transitional arrangements, the child will also benefit from the lower threshold of £18,600 plus the child component, capped at £29,000.
What are the Requirements for a New Family Visa Application?
Despite the increase in the minimum income requirement, the criteria for a new Family visa application include:
- You and your partner must be 18 years of age
- Your partner must be either a British citizen or settled in the UK, or hold pre-settled status under Appendix EU
- You and your partner are not within a prohibited degree of relationship and your relationship is genuine and subsisting
- Your marriage is legally valid and recognised in the UK
- Any previous relationships have permanently broken down
- You and your family must have adequate accommodation
- You must demonstrate English proficiency to the required level
- You may need to prove that you do not have tuberculosis
- You must demonstrate that you meet the financial requirement of £29,000 per annum
- You speak and understand English to the required level.
The requirements that apply to your situation will depend on your circumstances.
How we can help
To discuss your UK Family Visa application with an experienced immigration adviser from our team, contact us on 020 8757 5751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
No, the transitional rules only apply if you’re staying with the same partner. A new partner means you must meet the higher £29,000 income requirement.
If you qualify, the minimum income requirement is £18,600 plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child, capped at £29,000.
No, the transitional financial requirements only apply to those on the five-year route who applied before 11 April 2024. You may apply to switch to the 5-year route if you satisfy the requirements.
