UK Partner Visa allows a non-British applicant to join their partner/spouse in the UK who is a British citizen or has settled status (such as one with indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. If you are already in the UK on a different visa, you can apply to switch to a UK partner visa once you enter into a civil partnership or get married to an individual who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK your partner in the UK must sponsor you.
You need to meet various eligibility requirements to be able to apply for a UK partner visa and meeting financial requirements is one of the key eligibility requirements.

Financial Requirements for UK Partner Visa and How to Meet Them

As of now, under Appendix FM financial requirements for a UK partner visa stand as mentioned below.

Minimum Income Requirement

You must meet the minimum annual income of at least £18,600 (or £29,000 if you are applying after 11 April 2024). If you are applying for the first time from outside the UK and you are earning overseas then only your UK-based partner income will be counted. However, if you are already in the UK and earning you can combine your and your partner’s income to meet the minimum income threshold.
If you have children under 18 you must have an additional £3,800 per year for your first child and £2,400 per year for any additional children.
You can meet the minimum income threshold through employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, and non-work income (e.g. property rental or dividend). 

Changes in Minimum Income Requirement

There was a recent announcement in December 2023 UK’s Home Secretary stated to increase the minimum income threshold for UK Family Visa starting in Spring 2024. This is important to note here that it is highly likely that the proposed hike in minimum income requirement will become a reality.  
The minimum income requirement for UK partner visa applicants is expected to increase as follows:
1. from £18,600 to £29,000 is expected to happen Spring of 2024
2. from £29,000 to around £34,500 is expected to happen in late 2024, and
3. from £34,500 to around £38,700 is expected to happen in early 2025

The increased minimum income threshold will eliminate the separate child element to the minimum income requirement. This means that you don’t need to meet any extra income requirement for any number of children included in your application when the minimum annual income of £29,000, £34,500, and £38,700 becomes applicable. 

If You Apply before the Spring of 2024

You need to meet the current minimum income threshold of £18,600 if you apply for a UK partner visa for the first time from outside the UK or apply to switch to it before the Spring of 2024.

If You Apply for a UK Partner Visa Extension

If you are already in the UK on a UK partner visa and would want to apply for your visa extension, you still would be required to meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 even if you apply after the Spring of 2024.

If You Apply for Settlement through the UK Partner Visa Route

If you already have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously and want to apply for ILR, your application will still be assessed against the current £18,600 income requirement even afterSpring of 2024.

If you are granted a UK Fiancé Visa before the Spring of 2024

If you are granted a UK Fiancé visa before the new minimum income threshold applies and later on you apply for a UK spouse visa when the new income requirement becomes reality, your application will still be assessed against the current £18,600 requirement.  

What if you don’t meet the Financial Requirement?

Exceptional circumstances such as the following will continue to be applied when considering applications for a UK partner visa where applicants cannot meet the minimum income requirement. 

• If you have a child in the UK who is a British citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years, it would be unjustifiably harsh or unreasonable of them to leave the UK
• If you and your partner would have to face significant difficulties if you were to live outside of the UK
• If it would make a visa refusal a breach of your own human rights, or if it would cause unjustifiably harsh consequences for you, your spouse, or your children

 Should you want advice and assistance to apply for a UK Partner Visa contact Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261 or email us info@visaandmigration.com