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Spouse visa ILR
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for a spouse visa is an important step in the UK immigration process, allowing spouses of UK residents to settle permanently. To be eligible for ILR under the spouse visa route, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as residing in the UK for the required duration, demonstrating the authenticity of their relationship, and fulfilling English language and financial requirements.
To apply for ILR as a spouse, you must have lived in the UK for five years under the spouse visa route.
Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa ILR
One of the key requirements when applying for Spouse Visa ILR is meeting the financial criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). This is to ensure that you and your partner can support yourselves in the UK without relying on public funds.
If you’re applying for a family visa as a partner, you and your partner typically need to demonstrate a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This is known as the ‘minimum income requirement.’
However, the financial requirements may differ if:
- Your partner is receiving certain disability or carer benefits.
- You first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are now extending that visa. This includes initial applications as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner.
How you prove your income will depend on its source. In some cases, you may be able to use savings instead of income to meet the requirement.
In addition to the minimum income threshold, you must also provide evidence of financial stability. This means proving that you have been earning the required income for at least six continuous months prior to your application. Relevant documentation, such as employment contracts, invoices, or business accounts, can be used to confirm your employment or self-employment status.
There are exceptions to the minimum income requirement, such as if your partner receives disability-related benefits or if you have savings or other sources of income to support your partner in the UK.
Failure to meet the financial requirements could lead to the refusal of your Spouse Visa ILR application. It is strongly recommended to seek professional advice to ensure that your financial documents meet the standards set by the UK government.
Ways to meet The Financial Requirement For ILR from a Spouse Visa
Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, the applicant must meet:
- the level of the financial requirement applicable to their application; and
- the requirements specified as to:
(a) the permitted sources of income/savings; and
(b) the time periods and permitted combinations of sources applicable to each permitted source relied upon; and
(c) the evidence required for each permitted source relied upon.
Income and cash savings must be held in the name of the applicant, their partner or on combined names. However, income and cash savings of a dependent child of the applicant can also be included once the child has turned 18 years of age.
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