Can a Grant Count as Income for a Spouse Visa?
Co-author: Nelli Tesis
Many people assume that the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa can only be met through traditional employment or savings. But that’s not always the case.
In a recent FLR(M) application we successfully handled, the financial requirement was met entirely through a government-funded training bursary, demonstrating that grant income can qualify under the Immigration Rules when it is properly evidenced.
This case highlights an important point: grants and stipends can count as income, provided the evidence is structured correctly.
Grants and Bursaries Can Count Toward the Financial Requirement
Under the Immigration Rules, income does not always have to come from employment.
Maintenance grants and stipends connected to education or research can be relied upon as income, provided the requirements in Appendix FM-SE are met.
As the Rules state:
“To evidence a maintenance grant or stipend (not a loan) associated with undergraduate study or postgraduate study or research…”
Documents must confirm the person is receiving (or will receive within three months) the grant, that it will be paid for at least 12 months or a full academic year and confirm the annual amount of the grant or stipend.
Personal bank statements must also show the grant payments being received.
How Grant Income Met the Financial Requirement
In this case, the sponsoring partner had started a teacher training programme, which qualified them for a government-funded training bursary.
The bursary:
- Totalled £29,000 for the academic year.
- Was paid in 10 monthly instalments.
- Was confirmed in writing by the university.
- Was guaranteed for the duration of the training programme.
Therefore, the bursary met the £29,000 financial requirement under Appendix FM.
Need Help With an FLR(M) Application?
If your financial situation does not fit the usual employment model, there may still be solutions available.
Grants, bursaries, stipends and other alternative sources of income can often be relied upon – provided the evidence meets the requirements of the Immigration Rules.
We regularly assist clients with FLR(M) applications relying on a range of different income sources, including employment income, self-employment, savings, grants and other non-standard financial arrangements.
With the right legal advice, meeting the financial requirement may be more achievable than you think.
