The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has paused plans to increase the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family member on a family visa. This decision offers relief to foreigners looking to bring their families to the UK.
What is a Family Visa?
A Family Visa allows individuals to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months. It applies to spouses, partners, children, parents, or dependents of someone who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
To obtain a UK family visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including income requirements and proof of a genuine relationship with the sponsoring family member. These criteria ensure that the applicant can support themselves without relying on public funds while living in the UK.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a freeze on the current £29,000 minimum income requirement for family visas. The freeze will remain in place until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviews the financial criteria.
In a written parliamentary statement, Cooper said, “The Family Immigration Rules, including the Minimum Income Requirement, need to balance a respect for family life while ensuring the UK’s economic wellbeing.”
“To help ensure we reach the right balance and have a solid evidence base for any change, I will commission the Migration Advisory Committee to review the financial requirements. The Minimum Income Requirement at £29,000 and will not make any further changes until the MAC completes its review.”
Planned Increases Paused
The government initially planned to raise the income requirement incrementally in three stages, aligning it with the minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, set at £38,700.
The first increase was to £29,000, effective from April 11, 2024, aligning with the 25th percentile of the general salary threshold. A second rise to £34,500, matching the 40th percentile, was also planned.
On April 11, 2024, the minimum income threshold rose from £18,600 to £29,000 for new applicants. This change removed the separate child component, fixing the income requirement regardless of the number of children in the family.
Recent Changes to Student and Skilled Workers
In addition to the paused income requirement for Family Visas, the UK government has implemented several other changes to the immigration system:
1. Restrictions on Student and Graduate Visas: The UK government has tightened regulations on student and graduate visas to prevent visa abuse, including measures like stricter eligibility criteria and increased scrutiny of academic institutions.
2. Limits on Family Members: Most international students are now prohibited from bringing their family members to the UK, aiming to reduce strain on public services and prevent dependent visa abuse.
3. Care Worker Restrictions: Care workers and senior care workers are restricted from bringing their dependants to the UK, and care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor migrant workers.
4. Increased Salary Threshold: The minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas has been significantly raised from £26,200 to £38,700, ensuring that international workers receive competitive wages and do not displace UK workers.
5. Abolition of Going Rate Discount: Employers can no longer pay migrant workers less than UK workers in shortage occupations, eliminating the potential for exploitation and ensuring fair wages for all workers.
Family Visa Eligibility
You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months. However, you cannot apply if your family member is in the UK temporarily on a work or student visa. Instead, you must apply to stay as a dependant.
The UK’s decision to pause the increase in the family visa income requirement provides temporary relief to those wishing to sponsor family members. As the government reviews the financial rules, applicants should stay updated on potential changes that could impact their eligibility and preparation for family reunification.
