Relocating to the UK to join your spouse is an exciting journey, but the process of applying for a UK Spouse Visa can be challenging. To be eligible, your spouse must be a British or Irish citizen, have settled or pre-settled status in the UK (if they started living in the UK before 1 January 2021), hold a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker Visa, or have protection status (such as refugee status or permission to stay as a stateless person).
A critical element of the application is understanding the financial requirements, especially in light of new regulations introduced by the Home Secretary on 5 December 2023 and further changes introduced on 11 April 2024. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these updated requirements when applying for entry clearance or an extension in 2025.
Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa Applications (Exemptions and Future Changes)
The financial requirement for a UK spouse visa is designed to ensure that the sponsoring partner can financially support their spouse without relying on public funds. As of 2025, the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family member has increased from £18,600 to £29,000. If you are using cash savings to meet the requirement, you must have £88,500 in savings, raised from £62,500. This amount must be held in your bank account for six months without dipping below the required figure. The amount may vary if there are children applying as your dependants.
While these requirements are currently set, future changes could occur as reviews are underway. Initially, there were plans to increase the minimum income requirement to £34,500 and £38,700 by 2025. However, these increases have been paused, and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is reviewing the family immigration rules. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent body that provides migration policy advice and recommendations to the UK government. They are currently reaching out to applicants to conduct independent research and gather feedback on their views regarding the financial requirements for the family visa. Depending on the results of this review, the financial thresholds could be adjusted or halted or if they higher threshold, including the £38,700 income requirement and potentially £112,750 in savings.
This review is expected to take up to nine months, and any changes will depend on the MAC’s findings and government decisions. If you’re concerned about potential changes, holding £112,750 in savings for six months may help ensure you meet the new threshold if it is enacted.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to demonstrate financial stability. You can meet the requirement through various routes, such as employment, savings, pensions, or investments. Our legal team at Quastels specialises in guiding couples through complex family visa applications and can help you explore the best options for demonstrating your financial capability.
Exception for Those Who Started the Immigration Process Before Fee Increases
If you began your Spouse Visa journey before the recent fee increases implemented in April 2024, there is an important exception. Individuals who started the application process under the previous financial requirements can still rely on the original threshold when applying for visa extensions or settlement. This means that even if the financial requirements have increased since your initial application, you can continue using the original threshold for extensions or permanent residency, ensuring consistency, and reducing financial pressure during the process.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK spouse visa process in 2025 requires careful attention to the financial requirements. With the current minimum income requirement at £29,000 and the possibility of further changes, it’s crucial to stay informed and ensure all documentation, including income and savings, is in order. If you are unsure about the process or have questions regarding your application, it is always a good idea to consult with an immigration advisor to guide you through the specifics.
