UK Family Visa Rules: Minimum Income Requirement Freeze and Its Impact

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has decided to pause the planned increase in the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family member on a family visa. This decision is significant for foreigners who wish to bring their families to the UK, as it temporarily halts the financial burden associated with the process.

Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, announced that the current minimum income requirement of £29,000 for family visas will remain unchanged until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) completes its review of the financial requirements. Cooper emphasized the need to strike a balance between respecting family life and maintaining the UK’s economic stability. In a written statement to Parliament, she explained that the government wants to ensure any changes are based on solid evidence.

Originally, the government had planned to increase the minimum income requirement incrementally over three stages, aligning it with the general salary threshold for skilled workers, which was set at £38,700 at the time of the announcement. The first increase to £29,000 was implemented on April 11, 2024, with future increases planned to reach £34,500 in the second stage. However, the decision to freeze further increases means that the threshold will remain at £29,000 until the MAC review is complete.

As of April 11, 2024, new applicants must meet the £29,000 income threshold, a significant jump from the previous £18,600. This threshold is now fixed regardless of the number of children in the family, removing the previous child component in the calculation.

Despite this pause on family visa income requirements, the government continues to implement other immigration reforms aimed at reducing abuse within the student and Graduate visa routes. Key changes include restricting most overseas students from bringing family members to the UK and limiting care workers’ ability to bring dependants. Additionally, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has been increased by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700, and the 20% going rate discount for shortage occupations has been abolished, ensuring that employers cannot pay migrants less than UK workers.

To live with a family member in the UK for more than six months, individuals need a family visa. However, this visa is not available for those whose family member is in the UK temporarily on a work or student visa; in such cases, one must apply as a dependant instead.