New Rules for UK Spouse Visa

The UK Spouse Visa is an immigration route designed for those who wish to relocate to their partner who is a British citizen or resident to be able to officially live together in Great Britain. Visa requirements change yearly, and it is important to stay updated on the latest rules. Let us discuss the 2024 UK Spouse Visa news and see what the current process of obtaining such a visa is.
What is the UK Spouse Visa?
It is the official permission for a foreign national to live with your British spouse or partner in the UK. Foreigners do not automatically get a residence permit even if they enter into marriage with British citizens, so they shall apply for the Spouse Visa. A couple should not necessarily be married to be eligible for this immigration route: such visas are granted to civil and unmarried partners as well.
Once the visa is obtained, the couple shall leave together and be able to prove their genuine relationship at any time. The visa duration is up to 2 years and 9 months. Afterwards, the foreigner can prolong the visa or apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to permanently settle in the country.
What has changed in the UK Spouse Visa Route?
New rules for the 2024 UK Spouse Visa include a stricter financial requirement. As of April 2024, the couple’s combined minimum gross annual salary has risen considerably from £18,600 to £29,000. This means that a foreign citizen will be able to move to their British spouse only if they officially earn at least the above-mentioned amount. Yet, the new requirement does not affect those who applied for their visa before 11 April: they still have to meet the previous £18,600 threshold.
According to experts’ predictions, this rule will still continue to be subject to adjustments. It is anticipated that the minimum salary requirement will gradually grow to £38,700 (probably in 2025).
What does this mean for applicants?
Basically, the new immigration rules for the Spouse Visa mean that only more affluent couples will now be able to officially live together in Britain. Those who do not meet the new salary requirement have several options:
- try to find a better-paid job,
- use another UK immigration route, or
- choose another country for settlement (either the foreign partner’s home country or some third country).
What does this mean for those who are already here?
Fortunately, new rules for the Spouse Visa do not affect foreign citizens who have already been granted their visa and successfully relocated to Great Britain. However, when they apply for a visa prolongation, they will have to comply with the new rule that will be in force on the day of their application.
Reasons for changes in the Spouse Visa Route
Immigration experts argue that a possible reason can be the government’s desire to improve the relocating population by means of admitting only affluent foreigners that are true professionals in their field.
Another reason relates to tax issues. Couples that earn more pay higher taxes and, therefore, make a better contribution to the UK’s economy.
Finally, the government may be willing to weed out couples whose relationship is not strong enough to struggle to comply with the new rules. If a couple is able to win through this legal procedure successfully, then they are more likely to stay together in the long run and have a happy life as a family.
How can we help?
Sterling Law is a certified legal firm with an established experience in helping foreigners relocate to the UK. We will provide you with a detailed consultation on whether you are eligible for the UK Spouse and Partner Visa, and if not – what can be done to help you meet the necessary requirements.
The main advantages of contacting Sterling Law for the obtainment or prolongation of your spouse visa:
- qualified immigration and family lawyers;
- professional assistance on each stage of the visa application process;
- affordable prices for legal services.
- entrust your UK Spouse Visa immigration route to Sterling Law experts.