In a significant move for those looking to bring their family members to the UK, the UK government has announced a freeze on the UK family visa minimum income requirement. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, this pause in the income threshold increase provides relief for many foreign nationals.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will now review the financial requirements under the UK Family Immigration Rules to ensure a balanced approach that supports both families and the UK’s economic wellbeing.
Topics Discussed:
- Freeze on UK Family Visa Minimum Income Requirement
- Impact of the MAC Review on UK Family Visas
- Original Plans for Incremental Income Threshold Increases
- Restrictions on Bringing Family Members for Certain Visa Holders
Freeze on UK Family Visa Minimum Income Requirement
The UK Home Secretary recently announced that the UK family visa minimum income requirement, currently set at £29,000, will remain unchanged until the MAC completes its review. Initially, plans were in place to increase the minimum income threshold over the coming years, but this decision puts those plans on hold. The current freeze aims to balance the rights of families while maintaining the economic stability of the country.
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Impact of the MAC Review on UK Family Visas
The MAC review will reassess the financial requirements for family visas, ensuring that any future changes are based on solid evidence. The review will determine whether the current UK family visa income threshold appropriately supports family life and the UK’s economy.
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Original Plans for Incremental Income Threshold Increases
Before the freeze, the UK government had intended to raise the minimum income requirement in stages. By early 2025, the threshold was set to rise to £38,700. The first increase, on April 11, 2024, raised the threshold from £18,600 to £29,000, with further planned increases to £34,500. However, the current freeze halts these increments for now, and no further changes will be made until the MAC completes its review.
Restrictions on Bringing Family Members for Certain Visa Holders
While the family visa freeze benefits many, the UK has made significant changes to other immigration routes. For instance, most overseas students and care workers will face restrictions on bringing dependants. Additionally, the salary threshold for skilled worker visas has been raised to £38,700, aligning with the general salary threshold for UK workers.
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Conclusion
The pause in the UK family visa minimum income requirement offers a temporary reprieve for those seeking to reunite with their families in the UK. However, with the MAC review underway, further changes could be on the horizon. Staying informed about the latest UK family visa updates will help ensure that applicants are prepared for any future changes to the income threshold.
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