UK visas: when do I need income £29,000 and £38,700?

 

The UK Government has been using similar thresholds for different categories because they (deliberately) mix the term “dependants”. The overall “look” now is that it is harder to come to work or join a partner in the UK. Details, however, are different. 

Salary £38,700 per year: 

Applies to those sponsored on a work visa, called Skilled Worker, from 4 April 2024. Even then there are concessions on a lower salary, such as for health and care workers, or Students switching after completing a degree; or to under 26yo. 

Dependants of workers do not need any minimum salary or income (only the main worker doesn’t,a s above). Instead, they need savings of £1,270, plus about £285 per dependant, held for 28 days. Hardly a bank-breaking amount!   Even that can be certified by the Sponsor. Dependants include a spouse, partner of 2 years and children under 18yo. 

Salary £29,000 per year: 

Applies to those on a Skilled Worker who started in this category before 4 April 2024. They can continue under the old rules, but have to be given a payrise from the old threshold of £26,200. The new £29,000 threshold applies to extension, change of Sponsor and Settlement. 

Income £29,000: 

Applies to partners and families of British citizens, whose 1st application in this category is from 11 April 2024 onwards. Also to families of Irish citizens, of those with ILR and any status under EU Settlement Scheme. 

Note that we say “income”, not salary, and we don’t say “per year”. It can be a UK salary, but can also be income from a rental property, dividends, self-employment etc. It may be just over last 6 months or last 12 months, or can be income that just started, such as pension or scholarship.

Here savings can be used instead or together with income. From 11 April 2024 the amount is £88,500 held for 6 months. 

Income £18,600: 

Continues to apply to partners of UK citizens (and of the above-mentioned, Irish etc), whose first Partner/Spouse/Fiancee visa was issued before 11 April 2024. They can carry on under the old Rules for extension and settlement. If a child is also applying, the amount becomes £22,400 and then higher with additional children. Under the new rules it is always £29,000 regardless of the number of children. 

Again, savings can be used. Based on £18,600 threshold, the amount is £62,500 held for 6 months. 

Income £34,500 and £38,700:

These are proposals, they are not the confirmed rules yet. The above-mentioned £29,000 income thresholds for families of UK citizens are expected to go to to £34,500 later in 2024 and eventually to £38,700 (yes, that figure again) in early 2025. No dates confirmed. Unless these changes are cancelled after the elections, who knows! 

Online consultation with a lawyer – book here WhatsApp, Zoom or email. As always, a consultation fee counts towards our future services!

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC – accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. Website 1st4immigration.com