If you need a spouse visa to join your partner in the UK, you will have to satisfy several criteria, including meeting the minimum income requirement. We explain what the UK spouse visa financial requirement is and how to show that you meet it.
Halliday Reeves is a specialist visa and immigration law firm, dealing exclusively with this niche area of law. We have a thorough understanding of the way in which UK Visas and Immigration handle spouse visa requests and we can prepare the strongest possible application on your behalf.
We are accredited by the Law Society for immigration and asylum work at the advanced level in recognition of both our legal expertise and our outstanding client service. We have a strong track record of obtaining visas for our clients, including in complex cases.
If you need advice or guidance on spouse visa financial requirements, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will be happy to help. You can also speak to us on 0330 133 7777.
“Fiance visa and Spouse visa both successful. Good help. Will come back to this company for next visa.”
Spouse Visa Financial Requirement
Spouse visa financial requirements are not always straightforward, and the amount required will depend on whether you will be relying on income or savings.
Spouse Visa Minimum Income Requirement
If you are relying on your income to meet the spouse visa requirement, the UK sponsor will need to show that they earn an income of at least £29,000 per year. (certain benefits provide an exemption from the financial requirement).
If you have dependent children, you will need an extra £3,800 for the first child and a further £2,400 for each subsequent child.
The figure is a gross figure, meaning the figure you earn before tax is deducted.
Earnings can come from different sources. The most common option is ‘Category A’ income, which is from salaried or non-salaried employment from a position which has been held for at least six months. There is an option under ‘Category B’ for employment that has been held for less than six months, in which case it will also be necessary to show that previous employment met the minimum requirement amount.
It is possible to use self-employment income if you or your partner are a sole trader or a partner in a business, or income received as a company director. We will need to show that you met the minimum requirements during the government’s tax year, not the business’s or company’s financial accounting year.
Other income options exist, and some may be combined towards the required total. If your income is from another source, such as property income or pension income, we can advise you of the amount required and check that you are eligible.
Spouse Visa Minimum Savings Requirement
Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate that you meet the financial eligibility through savings. Any cash savings over £16,000 in savings, held for six months or more prior to the date of your application, can be counted towards the minimum financial requirements.
If you will be relying solely on savings, you need a minimum of £88,500. Money from the sale of property or investments can also be used, provided that you can show that they were held by you or your partner during the six months before you submit your application.
Evidence That You Meet The Spouse Visa Financial Requirement
When you apply for a spouse visa, you will need to provide a substantial amount of documentation showing that you meet all of the eligibility criteria, including the minimum financial requirements.
Our spouse visa experts will go through the paperwork that you have available and select the documents that best support your application. Where necessary, we will work with you to obtain further items.
When Is It Not Necessary To Meet The Minimum Income Requirement?
If you or your partner are in receipt of benefits in respect of a disability or a role as a carer, then it will not be necessary meet the minimum income requirement. Instead, you will need to show that you have enough money for accommodation and living expenses for yourselves and any children you are supporting, without recourse to public funds.
If You Cannot Meet The Spouse Visa Financial Requirement
If it would be a breach of your human right to a private and family life to prevent you from coming to the UK, you may be able to secure a spouse visa even if you and your spouse are not financially eligible.
If you have a child who has lived in the UK for at least seven years, who holds British or Irish citizenship and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK, you may also be granted a spouse visa.
To discuss your application and how to demonstrate your eligibility, call us today and we will do all we can to help you.
Contact Our Solicitors To Fnd Out More About Spouse Visa Financial Requirements
If you would like to discuss whether you meet the spouse visa income requirements, we would be happy to hear from you.
To contact one of our expert visa solicitors, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”
