Latest UK Dependent Visa, Family and Spouse Visa Changes starting April 2024
In December 2023, the UK government decided to drastically change the financial thresholds of the spouse visa and all other UK family visas, making applications much harder and more expensive from April 11th onwards. If you’re wondering why such drastic changes are being made, well, the current conservative government aims to reduce in net migration by approx three lakhs as it was estimated at 670 2000, in the year ending June 2023. The increase is part of efforts to reduce these numbers further. As you may know that the UK Spouse Visa allows a married partner of a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK to live, work and study within the country. However, this visa has new financial requirements which will change from 11th of April 2024. For now, since there are so many changes happening in the UK, some of you are confused which rules applies to you versus which rule doesn’t apply to you? So what I have done, I have reviewed all the previous comments that you posted in my last post,I have collected all of them here so that I can clarify it for you. First, let’s begin with difference in dependent visa versus the spouse visa: Latest UK Dependent, Family & Spouse Visa Changes
What is the meaning of dependent visa? This visa is given to the partner and children of student visa holder or graduate visa or skilled visa dependent, or any other visa category. However, people get confused with the family visa or spouse visa which is a different visa category. Family or spouse visa is only for people who got ILR, which is indefinite leave to remain, or someone who is already a British passport holder. So they are different. And if you have children, then it’s a family visa which includes your partner and children. I hope this is clear now.Now, since you have understood the difference, let’s start with your questions.
The new £29,000 minimum annual income requirement for dependent visa or spouse visa. This is only for spouse visa but only for new applications from 11th of April 2004. Please remember this minimum income will first increase to £29,000 on 11th of April and later 34,500 to future date in 2004, and finally to around 38,700 in early 2025. If you are extending your visa, you will fall under the old rule and hence new salary threshold doesn’t apply to you. If you are on dependent visa of skilled worker or any other visa category, this rule does not apply to you.
How can you meet the new income requirement for UK visa applications?
Well, you can meet the new income requirement through various means including employment. Pensions. Rental. Dividends from investment, self-employment savings, or a combination of your and your partner’s income.
What about those who want to switch to a spouse visa while being in the UK?
Individuals on different visa types who wish to switch into the five year partner visa route must meet the new income requirement from 11th of April 2004.
How does the new policy affect students wanting to bring dependents?
Students can bring dependents only if they are coming on a research based course. So anyone planning to do bachelors or masters cannot bring dependents from Jan 2024.
What if I’m on a skill dependent visa? Will this new salary impact me?
The answer is no as the new rule is only for spouse or partner visa and not for skilled dependent visa or skilled student visa.
What is the salary for student switching from student or SOC to skill visa for new entrant?
Minimum salary is 30,960 versus 70% of the going rate for SOC for 2024, whichever is higher. For example, say you’re applying for a production manager role. The code is 1121 and this 70% of the going rate is 36,050. So here you need to compare £30,960 versus £36,050. Whichever is higher will be your minimum salary needed for skill visa. Now refer to page 82 to go through the full list with new SoC code for 2020.
Can care workers who are already in the UK can bring their dependents?
So for anyone who is already in the UK, you will be part of the old role. So you can bring your partner, say you got your carer visa for two years and you are getting married in July. Yes, you can bring your dependents. However, say you are in the UK on a student visa. After you finished your studies you get a job as a carer. Now since this is the first time you’re applying for the carer visa, you will fall under the new rule so you cannot bring your partner on carer visa. I hope this is clear now.
Other requirements for spouse visa other than the salary requirement?
You will need to meet English language requirement like A1 CFR level if applying for entry clearance as a spouse. Second requirement is related to accommodation requirement. Whereas part of the Housing Act standards. You need to show that you have adequate accommodation available for yourself and your dependents and are not overcrowded and must be free from public health hazards. Third is you need to show evidence of genuine relationship.
What are the list of documents needed to apply? Spouse visa?
Well, they are passport proof of relationship, financial evidence, English language test results, accommodation evidence, tuberculosis test results, previous immigration history, sponsors information, children’s documents, photos and online application form. So those are the common questions which I have picked from the comment section.
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