If you’re planning to join your spouse in the United Kingdom, you need to navigate the spousal visa application process, one of the requirements you must meet to get your visa is the income requirement.
There is no exception to this rule unless you are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering the UK. If you are currently seeking a UK spousal visa, here is a breakdown of the requirements and how you can meet them.
A UK spouse visa allows you to join your partner who is a British citizen or settled person in the UK. It’s a type of family visa that falls under the category of Family Route visas.
Income requirements for a spousal visa in the UK
For you to qualify for a UK spouse visa, you must meet the specific income requirements. If you are wondering why there is an income requirement, it is simply because the UK authorities do not want you to rely on public funds once you’re in the UK.
They want to make sure that your partner can financially support you when you get here. The income threshold varies depending on your circumstances:
- Minimum Income: Before you are deemed qualified for a UK spouse visa, you and your UK-based partner need to earn at least £18,600 per year. If you and your UK-based Partner earn less than this, you won’t be granted a spousal visa.
- Extra money for Children: If you have kids, there are extra money requirements. For your first child, you need an extra £3,800 per year, and for each additional child, you need an extra £2,400 per year.
- Different sources of money: You can meet these income requirements in different ways. It’s not just about your partner’s salary. You can also use money from self-employment, savings, and benefits (if you have any).
What documents should you provide as proof of income?
To prove you meet these income requirements, you can provide any of the following documents:
- Pay from work: If your spouse works, you can get things like pay stubs, work contracts, and bank statements that show their salary.
- Self-employment earnings: If your spouse is self-employed, you should provide tax records, business accounts, and evidence that the business is active.
- Savings and investments: You can also show that you have enough money saved by providing your bank statements, savings account details, and information about your investments.
- Property or rent income: If you own property or get money from renting, you can include documents about this.
- Pensions: If your spouse gets a pension, you should show pension statements as proof.
- Help from family: Lastly, if you’re getting money from family members, you can provide proof that they’re giving you this support.
Other requirements for a UK spousal visa
Relationship requirement
- Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based partner and you should have a genuine intention to live together in the UK.
Accommodation requirement
- You must have suitable accommodation for you and your family in the UK, and the accommodation should meet the Home Office’s housing standards.
Language requirement
- You need to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language and you can do this by passing an approved English language test or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Tuberculosis (TB) test
- Depending on your country of residence, you need to undergo a TB test and provide the results as part of your visa application.
Visa application form
- You must complete the online application form and pay the relevant visa application fee.
Healthcare surcharge
- You may need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application. This will give you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
Valid passport
- You must provide a valid passport.
Marriage/Civil partnership certificate
- You will need to provide proof of your marriage or civil partnership.
Proof of genuine relationship
- You also need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as photographs, communication records, and any joint financial commitments.
Additional documents
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents. During the visa application process, other requirements may come up depending on your situation and any changes made by the UK authorities on the visa process at the time you will be applying.
Generally, you need to meet all income requirements before you will be granted a visa, it makes sure you and your spouse can live comfortably in the UK without needing government help.
