Applying for a UK spouse visa can be a complex process, especially when it comes to understanding the financial requirements and exemptions. This article aims to demystify these aspects, providing a comprehensive guide to the spouse visa financial requirements, the financial requirement spouse visa UK, and the various exemptions that may apply. Whether you’re looking to bring your spouse to the UK, or you’re a UK resident sponsoring a spouse, this guide will help you navigate the financial aspects of the process.
Understanding the Financial Requirement
The financial requirement for a UK spouse visa, also known as the Appendix FM financial requirements, is a set of criteria that the applicant must meet to prove they can support themselves and their spouse without relying on public funds. The spouse visa financial requirement is currently set at £18,600 per annum for a couple with no children. This figure increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
The income can come from various sources, including:
- Employment or self-employment
- Pension
- Non-employment income, such as property rental
- Cash savings above £16,000
It’s important to note that the financial requirement spouse visa UK applies to both the UK partner visa financial requirements and the unmarried partner visa UK requirements.
Exemptions to the Financial Requirement
There are several exemptions to the spouse visa financial requirement. If the UK sponsor is receiving certain benefits or allowances, they may not need to meet the income threshold. These include:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carers Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
It’s worth noting that the carers allowance spouse visa requirements still apply, even if the sponsor is exempt from the financial requirement.
Additional Financial Considerations
Aside from the financial requirement spouse visa, there are other costs to consider when applying for a UK spouse visa. These include the spouse visa cost, which is currently set at £1,523 for applications made outside the UK, and £1,033 for applications made within the UK. There may also be additional costs for the Immigration Health Surcharge and the English language test.
If the applicant is pregnant, the UK spouse visa if pregnant rules still apply, and the couple will need to meet the financial requirement unless they qualify for an exemption.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
Meeting the spouse visa financial requirement can be challenging, especially for those on lower incomes or those who are self-employed. However, there are several ways to meet the requirement:
- Increasing your income: This could be through taking on additional work, increasing your hours, or asking for a pay rise.
- Using savings: If you have cash savings above £16,000, these can be used to meet the financial requirement.
- Using income from property rental or dividends: If you have additional income from property rental or dividends, this can be used towards the financial requirement.
Conclusion
Understanding the UK spouse visa financial requirements and exemptions is crucial when applying for a spouse visa. Whether you’re applying for a marriage visa, a fiance visa, or an unmarried partner visa, being aware of the financial requirements and how to meet them can make the process smoother and increase your chances of a successful application.
Remember, if you’re unsure about any aspect of the spouse visa financial requirements, it’s always best to seek professional advice. There are many organisations and legal professionals who can provide spouse visa help, ensuring you have the best chance of success in your application.
