The UK government has introduced significant changes to spouse visa requirements in 2024, impacting families and partners seeking to settle in the UK. These adjustments, part of broader immigration reforms, aim to reduce net migration while ensuring financial stability for those sponsoring their non-UK partners. As an immigration lawyer, it is crucial to understand these updates and their implications for visa applicants (Home Office, 2024).
One of the most critical changes is the increase in the minimum income requirement for spouse visas. Previously set at £18,600, the financial threshold has now risen to £29,000 as of April 2024, with further planned increases to £34,500 in 2025 and £38,700 in 2026 (UK Government, 2024). This change means that many British citizens and settled residents seeking to bring their spouses to the UK must meet significantly higher financial criteria. The increase is expected to affect thousands of families, particularly those on lower incomes, forcing many to consider alternative visa options or remain separated.
Applicants must now demonstrate that they meet the higher financial threshold through employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these sources (Migration
Advisory Committee, 2024). The rules for combining income remain strict, and reliance on third-party financial support is not permitted. The increase particularly affects individuals working in lower-paying sectors, limiting their ability to sponsor a spouse unless they have significant savings or a secondary income source.
Another major change is the tightening of alternative financial routes. While the government has previously allowed exemptions for those receiving benefits such as Carer’s Allowance or Disability Benefits, there is growing scrutiny on these cases, with applicants needing to provide more robust evidence of their dependency and financial circumstances (BBC News, 2024). This change makes it harder for individuals with disabilities or caring responsibilities to meet the visa requirements, potentially impacting vulnerable families.
The English language requirement remains a crucial part of the spouse visa process, requiring applicants to pass an approved English test at A1 level for the initial visa and A2 for extensions. However, the Home Office is considering future reforms that may introduce a stricter language proficiency level for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, which could impact long-term settlement planning (Universities UK, 2024).
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has also seen a significant rise, increasing from £624 to £1,035 per year per adult, and £776 per child. This increase further raises the financial burden on applicants, making the spouse visa one of the most expensive immigration routes (Home Office, 2024). The cost of applying for a UK spouse visa, including the visa fee, legal representation, and healthcare surcharge, is now higher than ever, requiring applicants to plan their finances carefully.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has also introduced stricter checks on genuine relationship requirements, with more in-depth scrutiny of marriage certificates, cohabitation evidence, and communication records between partners. The Home Office aims to prevent visa abuse and ensure that applicants meet the genuine and subsisting relationship criteria before granting a visa (UK Visas and Immigration, 2024). This means that couples must provide extensive evidence, including joint financial commitments, shared responsibilities, and proof of living together.
In addition, the government is moving towards a fully digital immigration system, eliminating physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by 2025. All visa holders will have a digital status linked to their passport, making it essential to keep passport details updated to avoid travel issues (UK Government, 2024). Employers and landlords will also need to verify immigration status through online tools rather than relying on physical documents.
These UK spouse visa changes in 2024 present significant challenges for many applicants. As an immigration law firm, we advise clients to assess their eligibility early, ensure they meet the financial and relationship requirements, explore alternative visa routes if needed, and plan for the increased costs associated with spouse visa applications.
If you need expert legal assistance to navigate these changes, contact our immigration lawyers today for a consultation.
References
BBC News, 2024. UK spouse visa changes: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-immigration
Home Office, 2024. UK Immigration Rules: Statement of Changes. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
Migration Advisory Committee, 2024. Financial thresholds for family visas. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/migration-advisory-committee
UK Government, 2024. Updated spouse visa income requirements. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/spouse-visa
UK Visas and Immigration, 2024. Genuine Relationship Requirements for Spouse Visas. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa Universities UK, 2024. English language requirements for UK immigration. [online] Available at: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
