UK Government Freezes Minimum Income Threshold for Family Visas, Eases Pressure on Foreign Families

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has made a significant decision to freeze the minimum income requirement for sponsoring family members on family visas. This pause in the planned increase offers relief to foreigners who wish to bring their families to the UK, particularly during a time of economic uncertainty.

Current Minimum Income Requirement Frozen

The UK Home Secretary recently announced a freeze on the existing £29,000 minimum income requirement for family visas. This decision will remain in effect until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) completes its review of the financial requirements associated with family immigration.

Official Statement from the Home Secretary

In a written parliamentary statement, Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for the Home Department, emphasized the need to strike a balance between respecting family life and maintaining the economic well-being of the UK. She stated:

“The Family Immigration Rules, including the Minimum Income Requirement, need to balance a respect for family life whilst also ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK is maintained. To help ensure we reach the right balance and have a solid evidence base for any change, I will commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements, in the Family Immigration Rules. The Minimum Income Requirement is currently set at £29,000 and there will be no further changes until the MAC review is complete.”

Planned Increases and Their Implications

The original plan aimed to gradually increase the minimum income requirement in three stages, ultimately aligning it with the minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which stood at £38,700 at the time of the announcement. The first stage, implemented on April 11, 2024, raised the threshold to £29,000, representing the 25th percentile of the general salary threshold. The second stage was set to increase this further to the 40th percentile, approximately £34,500, with the final stage reaching £38,700 by early 2025.

Changes Implemented in April 2024

As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income threshold for new family visa applicants increased from the previous £18,600 to £29,000. Additionally, applications made after this date no longer include a separate child component in the minimum income requirement, meaning the threshold is fixed regardless of the number of children in the family.

Broader Immigration Measures

The UK government has also continued with other measures aimed at reducing abuses within the student and graduate visa routes. These measures, announced earlier this year, include:

Restrictions on Overseas Students and Dependants

• Limiting the ability of most overseas students to bring family members to the UK.

• Restricting care workers and senior care workers from bringing dependants with them.

• Requiring all care providers sponsoring migrants to register with the Care Quality Commission.

Salary Threshold Increases and Pay Regulations

• Increasing the general salary threshold for skilled worker visas by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700.

• Abolishing the 20% "going rate" discount, ensuring that employers can no longer pay migrants in shortage occupations less than UK workers.

Understanding UK Family Visa Requirements

For those wishing to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months, a family visa is required. However, it's important to note that individuals cannot apply for a family visa if their family member is in the UK temporarily on a work or student visa. Instead, they must apply to stay as a dependant.

Conclusion

The UK government's decision to freeze the minimum income threshold for family visas provides temporary relief for many foreign families during a time of economic challenges. While the Migration Advisory Committee reviews the current financial requirements, the pause allows families more time to plan their immigration journey. At the same time, the government’s broader immigration measures continue to tighten regulations to protect the UK’s economic interests and ensure fair treatment for all workers.