Meeting the financial requirement is one of the most important elements of the England spouse visa application. The UK Home Office sets this requirement to ensure that couples can financially support themselves without relying on public funds. Applicants may fulfil this requirement through employment income, savings, or a combination of both.
The following detailed guide explains each route step by step, helping you understand how to meet the financial threshold confidently and correctly.
1. Understanding the Minimum Income Requirement:
The first step is understanding the basic threshold. The current financial requirement for sponsoring a spouse is £18,600 per year. This minimum amount increases if dependent children are included, but for a partner-only application, £18,600 is the standard. The sponsor, who must be either a British citizen or a person settled in the UK, is responsible for proving this income. The Home Office accepts income from employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, or some types of non-employment income. However, every category has strict documentation rules that must be followed precisely.
2. Meeting the Requirement Through Employment Income:
Employment income is the most commonly used route to meet the financial criteria. The Home Office divides employment income into categories depending on the applicant’s job history and earning pattern. Evidence must be accurate, consistent, and submitted in the exact format required.
Employed for Six Months or Longer:
Category A applies when the sponsor has been working with the same employer for at least six continuous months before the application. Under this category, the sponsor must show that their annual salary is at least £18,600, and the payslips must demonstrate that this income has been received consistently during the six-month period. Income may include basic salary, bonuses, overtime, and commission, provided these appear in both payslips and bank statements.
To satisfy Category A, applicants must submit six months of payslips, six months of corresponding bank statements, and an employer letter confirming employment status, job title, start date, salary, and authenticity. This category is usually the most straightforward because it focuses on stable and proven income.
Employed for Less Than Six Months or With Irregular Income:
Category B is used when the sponsor has been with their current employer for less than six months or when their income varies significantly. This category is more complex because two separate tests must be met. First, the sponsor’s current annual gross salary must meet or exceed £18,600. Second, the sponsor’s actual income during the last 12 months must total at least £18,600. If either test fails, the financial requirement is not met under Category B.
Applicants must submit 12 months of bank statements, 12 months of payslips (if applicable), and a letter from the employer confirming the salary and employment terms. This route is ideal for individuals with a recent job change, zero-hour contracts, or variable pay structures.
3. Meeting the Requirement Through Cash Savings:
If the sponsor does not earn enough income, they may use cash savings either alone or combined with employment income. Cash savings must meet strict rules to qualify.
Required Savings Amount:
If relying entirely on savings, the sponsor must have at least £62,500 in cash savings held for a minimum of six consecutive months. The amount cannot fall below the required level at any point during the six-month period. These savings must be accessible, meaning they cannot be tied up in assets or investment products that cannot be immediately withdrawn.
Acceptable Sources of Savings:
Savings may come from personal accounts, joint accounts with the partner, proceeds from the sale of property, fixed deposits, or investment accounts that can be liquidated. However, applicants must prove the origin of funds, especially if a large deposit appears within the six-month period. Evidence includes bank statements, proof of property sale, investment withdrawal records, and declarations explaining the source of funds.
4. Meeting the Requirement Through a Combination of Income and Savings:
In many cases, applicants combine employment income and savings to meet the requirement. This hybrid approach is useful for those with part-time jobs, variable income, or recent employment changes. Using the formula mentioned earlier, the income shortfall is calculated and then covered through savings. This flexibility allows many couples to meet the requirement even if neither income nor savings alone is sufficient.
5. Avoiding Common Reasons for Refusal:
Many spouse visa applications are refused not because applicants do not meet the requirement but because the evidence is incomplete or inconsistent. Common mistakes include mismatched payslips and bank statements, missing employer letters, savings not held for six months, or selecting the wrong employment category. It is essential to review every document carefully and ensure it complies with Home Office standards. Even minor errors, such as incorrect dates or missing signatures, can lead to delays or refusal.
6. Final Thoughts:
Meeting the England spouse visa financial requirement is entirely achievable through employment income, cash savings, or a combination of both. Understanding the categories, preparing the correct documents, and ensuring accuracy at every step significantly increases the likelihood of a successful application. With careful planning and full compliance, couples can meet the financial threshold confidently and move forward with their visa process.
