The government is raising the minimum income requirement for family visas from £18,600 annually to £38,700. It is going to be done in three stages. In spring 2024 the income threshold will increase to £29,000, then to £34,500 and finally to £38,700. There will no longer be a separate child element to the minimum income requirement.
There is not enough clarity yet about the exact transitional provisions we will have, but this is what we know so far.
- Those who already have a family visa within the five-year partner route, or who apply before the minimum income threshold is raised, will continue to have their applications assessed against the current income requirement and will not be required to meet the increased threshold. This will also be the case for children seeking to join or accompany parents.
- Anyone granted a fianc(é)e visa before the minimum income threshold is raised will also be assessed against the current income requirement when they apply for a family visa within the five-year partner route.
- Those already in the UK on a different route who apply to switch into the five-year partner route, after the minimum income requirement has been increased, will be subject to the new income requirement.