Since April 2024, there have been changes in the UK spouse visa. The financial threshold has been increased to meet the current standards. This may impact several couples and families planning to apply for the visa.
Before applying for a spouse visa, it is essential to understand all the changes and new requirements to avoid application refusal. We will discuss all you need to know under the New Spouse Visa Requirements 2024. This guide will cover all the changes, required documents, and who’s eligible for the spouse visa.
New Changes in the Spouse Visa UK 2024
The increase in the financial requirement is to ensure the families moving to the county can self-sustain themselves. This economic stability is important, given the current expenses and increased cost of living over the years.
The new changes in the Spouse Visa UK 2024 may lead to some concussion in families dealing with the application. From April 11th, 2024, the new Spouse Visa Financial requirement was changed from £18,600 per annum to £29,000 per annum.
Besides, this previous financial requirement change will be increased to £34,500 by the end of the same year. It will then be changed to £38,700 by early 2025. If you wish to sponsor your foreign spouse visa in the UK, then you must meet the financial requirements.
What are the acceptable sources of income?
The acceptable sources of income include:
- Savings (£88,500)
- Pension (state and private)
- Self-employment, such as business
- Rental income
- Investment dividends
Knowing about these new changes will help you apply for the visa. Moreover, if you do not meet the new criteria, you may choose to wait to ensure your application doesn’t get refused.
Benefits of the UK Spouse Visa
The benefits of spouse visa in the UK has the following benefits:
Healthcare benefits: The UK spouse visa comes with the National Health Service (NHS), which is the country’s public healthcare system.
Right to work: The visa holder can seek employment or start a business and contribute to the family finances.
Education access: Those who have a spouse visa can access both public and private education in the country.
Possible citizenship: After being a resident for a few years in the UK on a spouse visa, you may qualify for citizenship or indefinite leave to remain. This will allow you to permanently settle in the UK.
Documents Needed for Spouse Visa
Here is a list of documents to prepare and submit for a spouse visa:
- Valid passport or other similar travel documents
- Marriage certificate/evidence of relationship
- English language test proficiency results
- Financial evidence (bank statements, savings proof, pay slips)
- Accommodation proof
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (If applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates and other documents
- Previous immigration history
- Sponsor’s passport and employment details
- Passport size photos
- Filled application form (online)
UK Visa Application Process
Since the UK spouse visa application process is complicated, it’s recommended that you hire a professional immigration expert to help you with the documentation and filling out the form.
Here is how the visa process is carried out:
- Understanding the visa requirements for you and your spouse.
- Fill out a spouse visa application form online and submit it.
- Make sure to fill out the form accurately with your details.
- Answer all the questions carefully about finances and English language proficiency.
- Compile all the required documents for submission and paperwork.
- Attend the biometrics appointment with your spouse.
- Pay the application fees to submit the form and start the application.
Why Choose an Immigration Law Firm for Spouse Visa Application?
Choosing an experienced immigration law firm for your spouse’s visa application can make the process easy and quick. It can also lead to success in getting the Immigration Spouse Visa 2024 without any hassle. Lawyers can connect you with immigration solicitors who are equipped with the right knowledge to deal with new changes and guide you better.
Here are some more reasons why you should hire a professional:
Easy application process: The professionals will offer step-by-step guidance throughout the application process. This will reduce any chances of errors in documentation and filing.
Immigration law expertise: The experts can handle any complex issues in the visa application. They will ensure you meet the specific requirements and have the required documents.
Document preparation: The immigration attorney may help you organize all the documents in the right format. This will help in meeting the strict Home Office guidelines.
Higher approval rate: Those who go for professional immigration firms have a high success rate. Hence, they won’t have to go through the hassle of applying again.
Legal advice: Get the right legal advice based on your current situation instead of relying on guesswork.
Save time: When you have an expert by your side, you’ll be able to make quicker decisions and focus that time on preparing for the application or required documents.
Wrapping Up
With the new financial requirements of the UK Spouse Visa, the whole process is more complicated. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and any chance of visa refusal, consider hiring a professional attorney to file for the process.
Whether you’re applying outside the UK or are already here, your chances of getting the visa will get better with a professional. Choose lawyers to connect with the best immigration law firms to handle your case. You can find the best immigration lawyer near me with the filter on the Lawyersorted website.
FAQs
How to overturn a spouse visa refusal?
You have the right to appeal an administrative review. Connect with a lawyer to prepare an appeal and submit it for review. While you wait for the decision, you can explore other visa options like a fiance or unmarried partner visa. Besides, you can reapply after addressing the refusal issues.
What is the processing time and fees involved with a UK spouse visa?
It may take up to 12 weeks for visa processing if you’re applying from outside the UK. If you’re applying within the UK, it may take up to 8 weeks. You may also expedite the process at an additional cost. The standard application fee will be £1,846 when applying from outside the country and £1,048 if applying from within the UK.
Why is there a sudden increase in the financial threshold?
One goal of the conservative government is to reduce net migration by 300,000. Another factor is that the minimum income requirement has not been increased for over a decade. The older financial threshold was no longer reflective of the self-sufficiency needed at the present.
How can new changes in the spouse visa application be tackled?
The changes in the UK visa requirements 2024 require a professional immigration solicitor to understand the new requirements and apply for the visa with a complete application. Collect all the required documents, show shared responsibilities, and intertwine finance if needed.
