The Government are pledging to lower migration and one of the hot topics at the moment is how it affects Spouse’s, Fiancée’s and unmarried partners of British Citizens wishing to live in the UK.

The Secretary of Statement announced in early December that that the income threshold which British nationals have to evidence will increase from £18,600 to £39,000 per annum. The Home Office have since backtracked and announced on the 22nd December 2023 that the increase to the financial requirement would be gradual. They have suggested the following:

 

  • “Early Spring” the British national partner needs to evidence that they earn £29,000 per annum.

 

  • “Later in 2024” the British national partner needs to evidence that they earn £34,500 per annum; and

 

  • “Early 2025” the British national partner needs to evidence that they earn to £38,700 per annum.

 

The proposed income threshold also means that there will be changes to how much the British National has in savings (if they are not relying on their income/or if their income is not enough to satisfy the financial requirement).

 

What if I am already in the UK on a Spouse Visa/Unmarried Partner?

Fortunately, those people who are currently in the UK on the “5 year Route to settlement” will not be affected by these changes. They will still have to continue to show that they are able to evidence the £18,600 income threshold.

The proposal still needs to be implemented and the Government have to give at least 21 days before the proposed changes come into effect.

 

Please get in touch with our Immigration Team on 01206 835270 for all your Spouse Visa enquiries.