Are you applying for a UK spouse visa? Hold on. First, get ready to learn about the financial requirements. This blog will help you understand the spouse visa financial maze in 2024 to make sure you navigate the UK immigration spouse visa financial requirements like a pro.
First, Discover Whether You Are eligible to Apply for a Spouse Visa in the UK
The UK spouse visa is for people over 18 who are married to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. You can apply whether your spouse lives in the UK under refugee status or humanitarian protection. It does not matter if you are in a heterosexual or homosexual marriage. The main requirements are that you are legally married, both want to live together in the UK, and your spouse has status in the UK. If you meet these conditions, you can apply for a visa.
What’s the Buzz about the Financial Requirement of Super Visa?
First things first, let’s talk about the buzz around the spouse visa financial requirement. As of now, you’ve got to show a combined income with your partner of at least £18,600 per year. Seems pretty straightforward, right? But hold onto your hats because, according to the latest scoop from the Home Office, this figure is set to rise to £29,000 in Spring 2024 with phased increases to £38,700. Not to worry, though – we’ve got your back with the deets.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
Now, how do you meet this financial requirement? Well, you can do it through income, cash savings, or a mix of both. If you’re in the parent club, add a bit extra – £3,800 per year for your first munchkin and £2,400 per year for each additional kid. Here’s the quick math: 1 child = £3,800, 2 children = £6,200, and so on.
Proving Your Income
Let’s talk about proving your income. Payslips are the heroes of this show. If you’ve been with your job for at least 6 months, toss in payslips from the last 6 months. Less than 6 months or your income is a bit jumpy? No worries, we’ve got your back – provide payslips for 12 months.
But wait, there’s more! The financial proof party includes other documents like P60, a letter from your boss confirming your job details, and a bunch of other papers that prove your income.
In case you are self-employed, you need to show an annual self-assessment tax return sent to HMRC. You need to show proof of registration with HMRC as self-employed, your UTR (Unique Tax Reference Number), personal bank statements for the 12 months, VAT certificate, etc.
If you receive income as a director of a limited company, then you need to show the company tax return CT600 and evidence of filing with HMRC. You will also need to show proof of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House. You will also need to provide details of the annual accounts for the last full financial year, a current appointment report from the company’s house, a certificate of VAT registration and VAT return, and a few more documents.
Cash Savings – Your Financial Sidekick
Luckily, you can show enough finances through cash savings if you have £62,500 or more in the bank. This money needs to have been in your account for at least 6 full months before applying. And it must be held with a real financial institution – cash under your mattress or in a piggy bank does not count! As long as your savings meet these requirements, they can serve as proof of financial ability for the UK spouse visa.
Exemptions – When Rules Don’t Apply to You
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Take a breath because there are exemptions. If you’re specific public funds or benefits like Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, or Carer’s Allowance, you might get a golden ticket out of the financial requirement maze.
Now, even if you’re exempt from the financial requirement, you’ll still need to prove you’ve got enough funds to Stay in the UK without diving into public funds. Plus, if you don’t fit the financial bill or qualify for an exemption, don’t lose hope. There’s a Plan C – exceptional circumstances. If you can prove that denying you a spouse visa will lead to “unjustifiably harsh consequences”( under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights) for you and your family, you might be eligible for a spouse visa.
Final Words
Applying for a UK spouse visa means your application will be checked closely, so having competent immigration lawyers guide you is important.
At Intime Immigration Limited(Intime Solicitors), the best immigration solicitors and lawyers can advise and represent you through the process. We will help ensure you have the right documents and meet all requirements before applying since nobody wants their application turned down.
Getting support from our best spouse visa solicitors in Manchester, Stokes and other areas in the UK increases your chances of success.
Contact us to book a free consultation so we can start assisting with your spouse’s visa application.
