Synopsis: The Labour government has paused the planned hike and launched its 2025 UK family visa review, asking the MAC to reassess the £29,000 income threshold amid criticism that it blocks thousands from reuniting with loved ones.
UK’s Family Visa Policy at a Crossroads
The UK’s immigration system is again in flux. In April 2024, under Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, sweeping changes to family and work visa policies were introduced with the aim of reducing net migration. However, critics called the changes draconian and out of touch with international human rights standards. Now, with Labour in power, a review of these policies has been initiated, potentially marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration stance.
According to BBC News, the most contentious change was the increase in the minimum income requirement to sponsor a partner for a UK visa, rising from £18,600 to £29,000. The Labour government has paused a further planned hike to £38,700 and has tasked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with reassessing the impact of this rule.
Current Immigration Rules for Families and Workers
Points-Based System for Workers
Since Brexit, most people seeking to work in the UK must apply via the points-based system (PBS). This system awards points based on skills, qualifications, salary level, and English proficiency.
The Conservatives tightened PBS rules in 2024, requiring a minimum salary of £29,000 for most skilled workers seeking to bring dependents. There was an exception for health and social care roles, but even then, overseas care workers were barred from bringing their families.
This move was part of a broader crackdown to address what the government described as “unsustainable” levels of legal migration, despite pushback from employers and social care leaders.
Family Visa Requirements
Arguably the most controversial change was the steep rise in income needed to sponsor a partner or spouse. As of 2024, the threshold stands at £29,000 annually. A further rise to £38,700 was scheduled, aligning it with the skilled worker salary threshold, but Labour has put this on hold.
Critics, including human rights advocates and legal experts, have denounced the policy as unjust. Many have called it a “tax on love,” arguing that it discriminates against low- and middle-income Britons who wish to reunite with their partners.
This sentiment is echoed by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, which argues that such high income thresholds effectively bar thousands of families from living together in the UK.
The Labour Government’s Review in 2025
Role of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
On June 10, 2025, the MAC submitted a preliminary statement suggesting that the current threshold of £29,000 is too high when compared to similar nations. Their analysis indicated that a lower range of £24,000 to £28,000 would be more appropriate.
Professor Brian Bell, Chairman of MAC, pointed out that the current policy fails to distinguish between the work and family routes, which have different objectives. He warned that tying family visa requirements to skilled worker salary thresholds could violate Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life.
Human and Economic Costs
The income requirement disproportionately affects young workers, women, and residents in economically deprived areas. In essence, many British citizens are now unable to live in their own country with their spouse unless they earn a salary far above the national median.
A Migration Observatory study revealed that over 40% of UK employees do not earn £29,000 annually. This means a large portion of the population is excluded from sponsoring loved ones unless they rely on exceptional savings or employment offers.
Additionally, MAC stressed that reducing the threshold would alleviate taxpayer burdens associated with single-parent households and facilitate better family integration outcomes.
Graduate Visa and the Bigger Picture
Graduate Route Scrutiny
The Conservative government had also called for a review of the Graduate visa route, which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years post-graduation without employer sponsorship. This pathway has been essential in attracting global talent to UK universities.
However, the 2024 review sparked fears of a crackdown. Labour’s current position remains cautious, though it has not yet reversed the review. Educational institutions and business groups have urged the government to retain this visa category to maintain the UK’s competitiveness.
The Russell Group warns that any rollback could deter international students and affect university funding models already under strain.
Broader Immigration Strategy
Labour’s approach appears to prioritize fairness and economic logic over hardline restrictions. By distinguishing family migration from skilled migration and reassessing the real-world implications, they aim to strike a more balanced, humane immigration policy.
Still, political considerations remain. Labour must tread carefully to avoid being perceived as soft on immigration, especially after net migration figures surpassed 700,000 in 2023.
Future Scenarios and What to Expect
Scenario 1 – Lowered Threshold to £24,000–£28,000
This option would reflect MAC’s evidence-based recommendation and align with international standards. It would open family reunification to a wider range of UK citizens without overburdening public services.
Scenario 2 – Maintained Status Quo
Retaining the £29,000 threshold may appease immigration skeptics but will likely continue to face legal challenges and exacerbate social inequities.
Scenario 3 – Reverting to Pre-2024 Rules
Highly unlikely under current political conditions, but such a move would be welcomed by family rights advocates and diaspora groups.
Conclusion: A Policy at a Moral and Political Crossroads
The UK’s family visa policy is under intense scrutiny. The shift from the Conservative regime’s rigid thresholds to Labour’s promise of review marks a potential turning point. The MAC’s recommendations, grounded in evidence and international law, provide a strong basis for reform.
Whether the Labour government follows through with lowering the threshold remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: for many families separated by income barriers, the outcome of this review could define their future in the UK.
For continuous updates on UK immigration rules and family visa reforms, follow trusted sources such as the Home Office, Migration Observatory, and BBC News
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current minimum income requirement to sponsor a partner’s visa?
As of April 2024, you must earn at least £29,000 per year to sponsor a partner’s visa in the UK.
2. Are there exceptions to the income requirement?
Yes. You may qualify for an exemption if your partner receives disability or carer’s benefits, or if you have sufficient cash savings.
3. Can I rely on savings instead of income?
Yes. Having £88,500 in savings held for at least six months can meet the requirement if you cannot meet the income threshold.
4. Does the income threshold increase with children?
For visas applied for after April 2024, the threshold is fixed at £29,000 regardless of the number of children.
5. What is the status of the Graduate visa route?
The Graduate visa currently allows a two‑year stay post‑graduation (three years for PhDs). A review is underway to possibly reduce this duration.
6. Can dependants join Graduate visa holders?
Only existing dependants can stay under the Graduate route. New dependants are generally not allowed after the visa is issued.
7. Will the minimum income threshold change?
The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended lowering the threshold to £24,000–£28,000, though the final decision lies with the UK government.
8. How long before a partner visa holder can apply for settlement?
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years on a family visa.
9. Are there new English language or good character rules?
Yes. The government plans to implement stricter English language and character checks across visa routes.
10. Will these changes reduce UK migration?
The Labour Party aims to reduce net migration by around 100,000 annually through a combination of reforms.
