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Family visas for the UK: update on the financial requirement and recent changes

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Over the past 12 months, there have been several changes to the financial requirements for UK family visas affecting British citizens and those settled in the UK who wish to sponsor their non-British partners and dependent children for a visa. Some of these changes will result in the need for careful pre-arrival planning for individuals and their families (and in some cases companies and employees). This article sets out a brief history of the changes and confirms the current position.

What has changed?

In order for a British citizen or settled person to sponsor their partner for a UK visa, there is a strict financial requirement which must be met. 

Prior to 11 April 2024, this could generally be met by showing an income of at least £18,600 per year or that the couple held cash savings of at least £62,500 over the last six months.  

On 11 April 2024, however, the former Conservative government increased the financial requirements for family visas so that the minimum is now £29,000 per year in income, or if relying on cash savings, then at least £88,500. This remains the case to date for new applicants, although there are some transitional provisions in place for people who were already in the UK under the old rules.

What will happen in future?

Whilst the former Conservative government had intended to implement further increases at the end of 2024 and again in 2025, these changes were put on hold by the incoming Labour Government, which has frozen the thresholds for now at £29,000 in income or £88,500 in cash savings for new applicants.

It remains to be seen what will happen next. The Home Secretary has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to undertake a review of the financial requirements for UK family visas. The Call for Evidence has now closed, and we expect the report to be published by June 2025, after which we should have clarity on whether the financial requirement will remain frozen at the current rates or change again.

Advice for applicants

For families looking to make a new application or extend their current visas, it is essential to take advice to ensure you understand what is required and plan accordingly – this is particularly important for two reasons. 

Firstly, the Immigration Rules are strict on exactly how the minimum level of income and savings are calculated and which documents are accepted to evidence this, and there are now different rules for pre- and post-11 April 2024 applicants. Incorrect financial documentation can often lead to the refusal of family visa applications even in cases where the family may well have more than sufficient funds to cover their living costs in practice. For example, where the applicant is applying for a visa from overseas, their income cannot be counted; rather, the couple can only rely on the British sponsor’s income for the purpose of the visa application. This can therefore be difficult for families where the foreign partner is the main breadwinner or where the sponsor works part-time.

Secondly, the financial time period under assessment will vary depending on the family’s specific circumstances. For example, in straightforward applications relying on employment or cash savings, the evidence required normally relates to the most recent six months. However, if relying on self-employment, then the Home Office will normally want to see documentation for the last full financial year, sometimes longer. Therefore, even applicants who are not planning to apply for another year or two may find that their income in the current financial year could have a knock-on effect on their eligibility in future.  

We therefore recommend that families take stock of their finances now and seek legal advice as soon as possible to maximise their chances of successfully obtaining their family visas.

If you would like further guidance on how the changes may affect you and your family, please contact our Immigration team as we would be happy to assist.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, January 2025

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About the authors

Sonia Cala-Lesina lawyer photo

Sonia Cala-Lesina

Senior Associate

Sonia is an immigration solicitor whose practice covers a wide range of personal UK and EEA immigration law, as well as asylum and British nationality law.

Sonia is an immigration solicitor whose practice covers a wide range of personal UK and EEA immigration law, as well as asylum and British nationality law.

Email Sonia +44 (0)20 3375 7314

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