The year 2024 was an unsettling one for UK Citizens and people with Settled Status who had foreign partners. In December of the prior year, the then Home Secretary, James Cleverley announced a raft of changes to cut immigration, including proposed changes to Spouse Visas. These changes would progressively increase the minimum income threshold requirement over the following 12 months.
The first of these proposed changes took effect on 11th April 2024 and increased the minimum income threshold from £18,600 to £29,000. However, following this change, a snap election was called by the ruling Conservative Government, which initially announced the changes. The opposing Labour Party won this election, and the subsequent increases have yet to be enacted.
This article will look at what’s likely to happen next and will address the question, “Are new rules coming for Spouse Visas in 2025?”
The changes to Spouse Visas were focused entirely on the minimum income threshold required to be eligible. Since 2012, this income threshold has been set at £18,600, but under the Conservative Government’s proposals, it would have more than doubled to £38,700. The misguided rationale behind the decision was to attempt to align it with the new level for Skilled Worker Visas.
Recognising the enormity of the increase, the Conservative Government proposed to introduce the change in stages:
The only other change to Spouse Visas was the removal of additional income requirements for any dependant children. While only a nominal amount of additional income needed to be shown, this change was a welcome one and helps to simplify applicants understanding of the eligibility requirements.
It’s important to note that these changes only impact new applications, not anyone who has already applied or is currently on one of the impacted visas. The extension criteria for a Spouse Visa are typically the same as when you first apply to ensure that existing applicants are not unfairly disadvantaged.
To date, the only statement around changes to Spouse Visa criteria has been made by Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary. In a written statement on 30th July 2024 she stated:
“The Family Immigration Rules, including the Minimum Income Requirement, need to balance a respect for family life whilst also ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK is maintained. To help ensure we reach the right balance and have a solid evidence base for any change, I will commission the MAC to review the financial requirements, in the Family Immigration Rules. The Minimum Income Requirement is currently set at £29,000 and there will be no further changes until the MAC review is complete.”
The MAC review is not expected to be complete until May 2025 giving potential Spouse Visa applicants an opportunity to apply before any potential changes. Given the uncertain outlook, it is certainly worth considering an application sooner rather than later if you meet the eligibility requirements
Since coming into Government the Labour Party has faced a raft of social, economic and geopolitical challenges. This meant that immigration, particularly legal immigration, has been lower down the agenda and the government has largely remained tight lipped.
However, this all changed on the 28th November 2024 when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the latest migration numbers showing net migration of 728,000. The report also revised up net migration from the prior year from 740,000 to 906,000. These significant numbers have brought immigration back onto the political agenda.
It’s likely that immigration will be a key issue in 2025, so the government will need to be seen to be taking action. However, there are a number of reasons to have confidence that the minimum income requirement won’t increase further:
While there are grounds for optimism, the future remains uncertain. We therefore suggest applying at the earliest opportunity to minimise any risk. If you’re uncertain on your eligibility or have any questions about Spouse Visas, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at First Migration.