UK family immigration rules have tightened significantly in 2025. Rising income requirements and steeper NHS-related fees are increasing the financial barrier for families seeking to reunite or remain together.
1. Income Requirement Hiked to £29,000
As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold for sponsors (British citizens or settled persons) bringing a spouse or partner to the UK rose from £18,600 to £29,000 per year—no longer dependent on whether children are involved .
This amount represents the 25th percentile of earnings for roles typically sponsored and supersedes earlier proposed thresholds, which were considered but not implemented .
If the sponsor is already in the visa route pre-April 2024, the lower threshold continues to apply for extensions and ILR .
2. Scholarship of Savings Option Remains Complex
For those without qualifying income, a high bar remains for using cash savings. You must hold a minimum of £88,500 for six consecutive months to meet the threshold entirely via savings .
3. IHS Rate Jump to £1,035 per Year
From February 2024 onwards, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) jumped to £1,035 annually for most adult applicants, including family visas .
A reduced rate of £776 per year applies only to:
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Children under 18,
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Full-time students,
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Youth Mobility Scheme holders .
4. Total Cost for a Standard Spouse Application
According to 2025 fee data:
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Application fee for an entry clearance (overseas spouse visa): £1,938
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IHS (for a standard 33-month visa): ≈£3,105
Total estimated cost: £5,043 .
For in-country extensions (FLR(M)):
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Application fee: £1,321
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IHS (30 months): ≈£2,587.50
Total ≈£3,908.50 .
5. What’s Next? The MAC Review & Proposed Adjustment
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended lowering the threshold to between £23,000–£25,000 to avoid pushing genuine families apart .
6. Human Impact: Real-Life Struggles Shared
Families across the UK continue to feel the strain:
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A poignant Guardian story captures one British citizen’s experience—despite meeting the financial criteria, visa delays forced a painful year apart from his spouse and child .
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A more distressing narrative involves a 78-year-old man prepared to sell his organs just to afford the visa threshold for his wife—a stark illustration of the barriers hard thresholds create .
Summary Table: Key Changes and Costs
| Element | Before April 2024 | From April 2024 / 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Income Requirement | £18,600 | £29,000 |
| Savings Option | Lower threshold | £88,500 for savings only |
| IHS (per adult/year) | Lower amount | £1,035 |
| Family Visa Cost | ~£2,500 + IHS | ~£5,043 total (entry clearance) |
| MAC Proposal | — | Reduce threshold to £23,000–£25,000 |
What Should You Do Next?
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Review your eligibility — Can you meet the £29,000 requirement via income or savings?
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Monitor MAC updates to see if threshold reductions are approved.
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Seek exemptions or alternatives — e.g., Child in the UK, private life basis, or fee waiver routes.
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Plan strategically — These costs are a long-term commitment across visa stages.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we understand how deeply personal and financially complex these decisions are. If you’re evaluating options for a family visa, or need help exploring legal grounds where financial thresholds may be lowered, reach out for tailored support.
