For foreign nationals applying to join their partner or family in the UK, meeting the financial threshold is a critical requirement for obtaining a family visa. The minimum income threshold ensures that sponsors can financially support their family members without relying on public funds. Here’s a guide to understanding the UK family visa financial threshold, including income requirements, acceptable sources of funds, and possible exemptions.
1. What is the UK Family Visa Financial Threshold?
The family visa financial threshold sets a minimum income requirement for British citizens or settled individuals who wish to sponsor their non-UK spouse, partner, or children. The threshold was introduced to ensure that sponsors can support their dependents and prevent reliance on public benefits.
Key Points:
- Minimum Annual Income: £18,600 for sponsoring a spouse or partner.
- Additional Income for Children: £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- Exemptions: Certain cases, such as disability or a child’s best interests, may be exempt from the financial requirement.
Meeting these financial requirements is crucial to a successful family visa application.
2. Who Needs to Meet the Financial Requirement?
The financial requirement applies to sponsors of the following family members applying for a visa under the Family Route:
- Spouse or Partner: Including fiancés, civil partners, and unmarried partners.
- Dependent Children: Children under 18 who will live with the sponsoring parent or guardian in the UK.
Applicants applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the family route must also meet this threshold until they achieve settled status.
3. Minimum Income Threshold for Family Visa Applications
The minimum income requirement varies based on the number of family members being sponsored. Here’s a breakdown of the financial thresholds:
- For a Partner (Spouse or Fiancé): £18,600 per year.
- For a Partner + One Child: £22,400 per year.
- For a Partner + Two Children: £24,800 per year.
- For a Partner + Three Children: £27,200 per year.
These amounts cover annual gross income, which can come from various sources (e.g., employment, self-employment, savings).
4. Acceptable Sources of Income for Meeting the Financial Requirement
Sponsors can meet the financial threshold through different income sources, including:
Employment Income
- Salaried Employment: Income from a permanent job, calculated based on gross salary.
- Non-Salaried Employment: Income from variable-pay roles, averaged over 6 or 12 months.
Self-Employment and Business Income
- Self-Employment Income: Income from sole proprietorship, partnership, or small business operations in the UK.
- Document Requirements: Tax returns, audited accounts, and business bank statements are typically required to prove self-employment income.
Other Acceptable Income Sources
- Savings: Cash savings of £62,500 or more can be used instead of income to meet the requirement. If using both income and savings, only savings above £16,000 can be counted.
- Pension Income: For retirees or pensioners, proof of income from a state or private pension can be used.
- Investment Income: Interest, dividends, or rental income can also be used, provided they meet documentation requirements.
Combining Income Sources
If the sponsor’s income from a single source does not meet the requirement, they may combine income from different sources (e.g., employment income plus savings).
5. Exceptions to the Financial Requirement
Some applicants are exempt from meeting the standard financial threshold. Exceptions may apply to:
- Sponsors Receiving Specific Benefits: If the sponsor receives certain public benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Carer’s Allowance, they do not need to meet the financial requirement but must provide adequate housing and maintenance for the applicant.
- Best Interests of a Child: If the refusal of a visa would negatively impact a child’s welfare, the financial requirement may be waived.
- Human Rights Considerations: In certain cases, human rights considerations may provide grounds for exemption, such as significant hardship or family separation.
Those applying under these exemptions must still demonstrate they can adequately support their family.
6. Proving Financial Requirement with Documentation
Meeting the financial requirement involves submitting specific documents to verify income sources and amounts.
Required Documents for Employment Income
- Payslips: Payslips for the past six months if employed.
- Employer Letter: A letter from the employer confirming position, salary, and length of employment.
- Bank Statements: Showing regular salary deposits.
Required Documents for Self-Employment Income
- Tax Returns: Latest self-assessment tax return (SA302) from HMRC.
- Business Accounts: Certified financial accounts showing income and business expenses.
- Bank Statements: Showing self-employment income deposits.
Required Documents for Savings
- Savings Statements: Bank statements covering six months showing the required balance.
- Account Ownership Proof: Documentation proving that savings are owned solely or jointly by the sponsor.
Each document must be up-to-date and include clear information to support the application.
7. Tips for Meeting the Financial Requirement
To increase the likelihood of success in meeting the financial threshold, consider these tips:
- Plan Ahead with Savings: If relying on savings, ensure that you meet the threshold continuously for at least six months.
- Keep Documentation Accurate and Consistent: Ensure all submitted documents, including payslips and bank statements, match the amounts and sources listed in the application.
- Combine Income Sources if Needed: Don’t hesitate to combine various income sources (employment, pension, savings) if that helps meet the requirement.
- Seek Legal Advice for Complex Cases: If the financial requirement is challenging to meet or you qualify for an exemption, consider consulting an immigration lawyer.
Proper planning and thorough documentation will help streamline the process and improve the application’s chances.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the financial requirement for a UK family visa?
The minimum annual income requirement is £18,600 for a partner, with additional amounts required for children (£3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child).
2. Can I use savings instead of income to meet the financial requirement?
Yes, if you have cash savings of at least £62,500 and can prove that they are readily available.
3. Are any sponsors exempt from the financial requirement?
Yes, sponsors receiving certain benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance) or whose child’s welfare may be affected by refusal can be exempt.
4. Can I combine different sources of income?
Yes, income from employment, self-employment, savings, and other sources can be combined to meet the financial requirement.
5. How long do I need to maintain the required savings?
Savings used to meet the requirement must be held for at least six months before the application.
6. Is there any flexibility if my income slightly misses the threshold?
There is generally no flexibility for missing the threshold; however, alternative routes or exemptions may apply depending on the situation.