As part of the previously announced Statement of Changes to UK Immigration, the UK government will implement changes to sponsoring a partner or child(ren) under the family routes effective April 11, 2024.
Changes to the Partner Routes
- The financial requirement that must be met to sponsor a partner and child(ren) under the family rules, has increased to £29,000. This is the first step to bringing this requirement into line with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers of £38,700. This will no longer include an additional income requirement for children.
- The minimum income requirement (MIR) for HM Armed Forces partner route has also been brought into line with the HM Armed Forces salary minimum threshold, which is currently £23,496. This will similarly no longer include an additional income requirement for children.
- Other aspects of the MIR under both routes will remain unchanged, such as the various ways in which it can be met and the consideration of exceptional circumstances where it may not be met in certain cases. The rules also make transitional provisions for those already granted under the family or armed forces rules.
The current £18,600 minimum income requirement will continue to apply to existing family visa holders and to those who have applied before April 11, 2024.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Due to the rule changes, applicants may prioritize submitting and Family visa applications before the rule changes (April 11, 2024) to avoid the salary increases. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.