Those who wish to sponsor a foreign spouse or partner for a visa in the UK must demonstrate that they have adequate maintenance funds equal to an annual income of at least £29,000. This is referred to as the “minimum income requirement” or the “financial requirement.”
Sponsors who are British nationals or who have permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK are subject to the financial criteria. For migrants who are bringing their partner to the UK on a dependent visa, there are different regulations.
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The majority of sponsors of spouse/partner visas must make £29,000 annually in the UK (formerly £18,600)
In July 2012, the coalition government implemented the financial obligation as part of reforms aimed at lowering net migration. It stated that families ought to be self-sufficient and not a financial burden on the public coffers. Between 2012 and 2024, the income threshold was £18,600.
Most of the time, the only way to meet the financial criteria is to rely on certain funding and revenue sources that are outlined in the immigration regulations. The circumstances and regulations are complex.
For instance, only the sponsor’s income typically counts if the couple depends on their employment income. Only if the applicant is currently employed lawfully in the UK and is transferring to a partner visa or renewing an existing one may their employment income be taken into account.
In rare cases, where denying the couple a visa would violate their human rights, there may be some leeway. Additionally, if the sponsor receives certain welfare benefits relating to a disability, the requirement is waived.
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What are the critics saying?
The minimal income requirement is discriminatory, according to migrant rights organizations and other concerned parties. The fact that it prohibits lower-income British residents from sponsoring their foreign spouse or partner is a major point of contention. In the UK, about half of workers make less than £29,000 annually.
Critics also draw attention to particular features or consequences of the policy. These include the stringent evidentiary requirements and their unequal demographic and regional effects. Although it is unknown, the effect on immigration numbers could be in the tens of thousands.
The court tested the previous £18,600 barrier. The Supreme Court affirmed the minimum income requirement’s legality in principle in February 2017, although its rulings necessitated a revision of the regulations to provide for greater flexibility.
Since its launch in 2012, the proposal has garnered significant parliamentary interest. In a 2023 report, the Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the House of Lords demanded reform.
The 2024 reforms implemented by the Sunak government sparked fresh parliamentary and public scrutiny. The idea will next be discussed by MPs in Westminster Hall on January 20.
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the Labour government maintains the income level at £29,000.
In April 2024, the Conservative administration raised the annual financial requirement from £18,600 to £29,000. Later in 2024, it intended to raise it once more to about £34,000, and in early 2025, it would boost it to around £38,700. Ministers contended that foreign partners shouldn’t be a financial burden on the state and that immigration is excessive.
People who have obtained or applied for a spouse/partner visa before April 11, 2024, will only ever need to fulfill the previous £18,600 requirement in future applications because the increases were not retroactive. However, the £29,000 threshold has applied to new applications starting April 11, 2024.
The Labour administration announced an independent study when they came to power in July 2024. Noting that the goal of the policy is to “maintain the economic well-being of the UK whilst respecting family life,” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper requested that the Migration Advisory Committee look into the income threshold’s level.
Reports from the committee are expected in June 2025. In the interim, the required amount of money will stay at £29,000.
Announcement: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06724/
