The spouse visa financial requirement is one of the numerous criteria that must be met in order to qualify for a UK spouse visa. This implies that in order to qualify, you and your companion must earn a specific amount as outlined in the UK immigration regulations.
However, what happens if your income is below the minimum threshold? Does this imply that your registration will be automatically rejected? Not necessarily.
Although it is imperative to satisfy the financial requirement, there are alternative methods to comply with the regulations, such as qualifying for specific exemptions or relying on reserves. This article delineates the financial requirement, the available alternatives for applicants with low incomes, and the possibility of remaining eligible despite a salary that falls short.
Key Takeaways:
- Applicants with lesser incomes may still be eligible as a result of their savings, benefits, or combined income sources.
- The requirement can be independently satisfied by the cash savings of £88,500.
- The sponsor is exempt from achieving the income threshold due to certain UK benefits.
- In the event of exceptional circumstances or the presence of a British infant, additional options may be available.
- The evidence must be plainly documented and adhere to the strict Home Office guidelines.
- Although a low income does not necessarily result in rejection, it is crucial to exercise caution when planning.
What Is the Financial Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
In order to satisfy the financial requirements of the UK spouse visa, the sponsor, who is typically the British or settled companion, must prove a minimum annual income.
The financial threshold for all family visas in the United Kingdom is £29,000. These requirements are routinely revised by the United Kingdom government. For the most up-to-date information and advice on how to adhere to these financial standards through investments, pensions, savings, income, and more, please refer to our dedicated page or contact us directly.
The income must typically originate from permissible sources, including employment, self-employment, pension income, or specific other categories that have been approved by the Home Office.
Payslips, bank statements, or formal documentation that spans six months are typically required to verify income. The objective of the requirement is to guarantee that the couple can sustain themselves financially without the assistance of public funds.
Check Also: Biometric Appointment for UK Spouse Visa – A Guide
Can You Apply for a Spouse Visa on a Low Income?
Depending on your circumstances, you may still be eligible to apply for a UK spouse visa if your income is below the threshold. Other methods of satisfying the requirement include utilizing currency savings, pensions, or rental income.
In addition, certain applicants may be eligible to apply under exceptional circumstances, particularly when their right to family life would be violated by a refusal, as outlined in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Although a low income can restrict your options, it does not inevitably mean that the door is completely closed.
Benefits:
1. Live and Work in the UK
The UK Spouse Visa allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions, giving you the freedom to build a life with your partner.
2. Path to Permanent Residency
After 5 years on a UK Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
3. Access to Public Healthcare (NHS)
Once in the UK, you’ll have access to the National Health Service (NHS) after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Freedom to Change Jobs or Employers
Unlike many work visas, the spouse visa is not tied to a specific job or employer, giving you greater career flexibility.
5. Opportunity to Study
You can enroll in universities, colleges, or training programs without needing a separate student visa.
6. Family Reunification
The visa allows couples to live together legally in the UK, helping maintain strong family bonds.
7. Travel Flexibility
You can travel in and out of the UK freely, provided you don’t spend extended periods abroad that may affect your ILR eligibility.
8. Access to Dependent Benefits (in some cases)
Once you gain ILR or citizenship, you may become eligible for certain public funds or benefits.
Alternative Ways to Meet the Requirement:
If you are unable to achieve the threshold solely through salary, consider one or more of the alternative options outlined below. Each has its own documentation standards and requirements.
Combining Employment with Other Income Sources
You may be able to achieve the financial threshold by combining income from various sources. This could encompass dividends, renting income, pensions, or self-employment. The Home Office allows the combination of multiple income streams, provided that each source is adequately documented and falls within the accepted categories.
Using Cash Savings
Couples with considerable savings may utilize this as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, their income to satisfy the requirement. The savings must have been held in a regulated financial institution for a continuous six-month period and exceed a specified amount in order to qualify.
In situations where employment income is inconsistent or falls below the necessary threshold, this alternative is frequently implemented. If you intend to satisfy the requirement solely through savings, you will be required to submit £88,500.
Pension Income
The requirement may be satisfied by income from a state, occupational, or private pension. This is frequently pertinent for applicants who are retired or who are obtaining early pension payments. Pension income must be consistent, dependable, and verified through official documentation.
Investment Returns
Income generated from investments or shares may be utilized in specific circumstances. Nevertheless, in order to be considered for the financial threshold, these funds may need to be liquidated and held in cash for a qualifying period prior to the application. Timing is crucial, and the regulations are stringent.
Relying on Benefits
The standard financial requirement does not apply if the UK-based partner obtains a qualifying benefit. Conversely, the couple is required to satisfy a “adequate maintenance” assessment. This represents a demonstration that they are capable of adequately supporting themselves without the need for additional public funds. Only specific benefits are eligible for this exemption.
Joint Income Between Partners
In certain circumstances, the applicant’s income may be combined with that of the sponsor, particularly if both are employed in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, the applicant’s overseas income that will be unavailable upon their relocation will not be taken into account. Income sustainability is evaluated by the Home Office subsequent to one’s presence in the United Kingdom, rather than prior to it.
Other Legal Exceptions
Additionally, there are specific circumstances in which the financial requirement may be entirely waived. This encompasses cases in which the couple is unable to continue their existence together outside the UK due to significant obstacles, or cases in which they have British or long-resident children. These applications necessitate substantial evidence and are evaluated at the discretion of the committee.
Need Expert Help with Your Spouse Visa Application?
If you’re unsure whether your income meets the financial requirement, or if you’re exploring alternative routes such as savings or exemptions, our experts at Spouse Visa Lawyers can help. Our team has extensive experience handling complex spouse visa cases, including low-income and exceptional circumstances applications.
Get personalised advice and professional support to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for a UK Spouse Visa if my income is below the minimum threshold?
You can apply, but you’ll need to meet the financial requirement through alternative means, such as savings or your partner’s income (if applying from within the UK).
Can savings be used instead of income?
Yes. If you don’t meet the income requirement, you can use cash savings of £62,500 or more, held for at least 6 months, to meet the financial requirement on their own.
What is the minimum income requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
The minimum gross income requirement is £18,600 per year (subject to change). This increases if you have dependent children.