The UK Fiancé Visa is a vital route for couples who wish to live together in the UK and get married. However, one of the key aspects of this visa application is the financial requirement, which ensures that the British sponsor can adequately support their foreign fiancé without needing access to public funds. In this article, we will explore in detail the financial requirements for a UK Fiance Visa, the criteria for meeting these requirements, and common pitfalls applicants should avoid to ensure a successful application.
Overview of the UK Fiancé Visa
A UK Fiancé Visa allows a non-UK national to enter the UK to marry their British partner or someone who is settled in the UK. Once the couple is married, the foreign fiancé can apply to switch to a Partner visa UK, which provides a more extended stay and the opportunity to work. However, before the marriage can take place, the British sponsor must prove they can financially support their fiancé during the initial six-month visa period.
The Financial Requirement: A Core Component of the Fiancé Visa Application
The UK government requires applicants for a Fiancé Visa to meet a strict financial threshold. This financial requirement ensures that the applicant and their sponsor can live in the UK without needing financial assistance from public funds.
The financial requirement consists of two main parts:
- The Minimum Income Threshold
- Additional Income or Savings
1. The Minimum Income Threshold
The sponsor (the British partner) must meet a specific minimum income threshold to apply for a UK Fiancé Visa. As of 2024, the sponsor must demonstrate an annual income of at least £18,600. This amount is required to show that the sponsor can financially support their fiancé during the visa period.
What Counts as Income?
To meet the minimum income threshold, the sponsor’s income can come from various sources, including:
- Employment or self-employment income (either salaried or non-salaried positions)
- Income from non-employment sources, such as rental income or dividends from shares
- Pension income, if applicable
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, or sick pay
The income must be stable and ongoing. Temporary or fluctuating income sources may not qualify unless they can be demonstrated as reliable.
2. Meeting the Requirement with Savings
If the sponsor does not meet the £18,600 income requirement, they can rely on savings to make up the shortfall. There is a formula to determine how much savings are required, and these savings must be in place for at least six months before the application.
Calculating the Savings Requirement
If a sponsor’s income is below £18,600, they can use savings to cover the difference. For this, the following formula is used:
(Income shortfall x 2.5) + £16,000
For example, if the sponsor earns £16,600 annually, there is a shortfall of £2,000 (£18,600 – £16,600). The savings required to meet this shortfall are calculated as:
(£2,000 x 2.5) + £16,000 = £21,000
This means the sponsor needs £21,000 in savings to meet the financial requirement if their income is £2,000 below the threshold. These savings must be held in a bank account in the sponsor’s name for at least six months before the visa application.
What Counts as Savings?
- Cash savings in the bank (held in a personal bank account)
- Sale proceeds of investments, property, or other assets
- Inheritance (if the funds are accessible)
- Savings must be in the form of cash; property and other assets cannot be used directly.
It’s important to note that both income and savings can be combined to meet the financial requirement, provided they meet the required thresholds.
Financial Requirement for Sponsors with Children
The financial requirement increases if there are dependent children involved. For each child, the sponsor must demonstrate additional income or savings.
The thresholds for dependent children are:
- £3,800 for the first child
- £2,400 for each additional child
For example, if the sponsor and their fiancé have one child, the minimum income threshold rises to £22,400 (£18,600 + £3,800). If they have two children, the requirement is £24,800 (£18,600 + £3,800 + £2,400).
The savings requirement also increases accordingly if the sponsor needs to rely on savings to meet the financial requirement for themselves and their children.
Proving the Financial Requirement
It is essential to provide sufficient evidence when applying for a UK Fiancé Visa to prove that the financial requirement is met. The evidence must clearly show that the sponsor’s income or savings meet the minimum thresholds and are sustainable.
Acceptable Proof of Income:
- Payslips: The sponsor must provide at least six months’ worth of payslips if employed. These should show a consistent income that meets the threshold.
- Bank statements: Bank statements corresponding to the payslips, showing the sponsor’s income being deposited into their account, are also required.
- Employment letter: A letter from the employer confirming the sponsor’s employment status, salary, and length of employment should also be submitted.
- Self-employment records: If the sponsor is self-employed, they must submit business accounts, tax returns, and other relevant financial documents that prove their income.
Acceptable Proof of Savings:
- Bank statements: These should show that the required amount of savings has been held for at least six months before the application.
- Savings account statements or other evidence: This could include statements from investment accounts or other accounts where the funds are held.
All documents should be clear, accurate, and up to date.
What If You Don’t Meet the Financial Requirement?
Failing to meet the financial requirement is one of the most common reasons for UK Fiancé Visa refusals. However, if the sponsor is unable to meet the income threshold, there may still be options available, such as:
- Relying on savings: As mentioned earlier, savings can be used to make up any income shortfall.
- Exemptions: In some rare cases, the financial requirement may be waived. This typically applies if the sponsor is receiving specific benefits such as a disability allowance or carers’ allowance.
If a visa is refused due to financial reasons, it’s possible to reapply after addressing the shortfall, or appeal the decision with additional evidence.
Other Financial Considerations
It’s important to remember that the financial requirement for a UK Fiancé Visa applies not only to the initial application but also when applying for a UK Spouse Visa after marriage.
Once the couple is married, the foreign spouse must switch to a UK Spouse Visa, which requires the financial requirement to be met again. The income threshold remains the same at £18,600 (or more if there are children), and the sponsor will need to provide updated evidence of their financial status.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Meeting the financial requirement can be challenging, and many applicants encounter difficulties during the process. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Unclear Documentation:
One of the most common reasons for visa refusal is unclear or incomplete documentation. Ensure all evidence provided is clear, accurate, and covers the required time period.
2. Irregular Income:
If the sponsor has irregular or fluctuating income (e.g., freelance work), it may be harder to demonstrate that they meet the financial requirement. In such cases, careful planning and documentation are essential.
3. Not Meeting the Savings Requirement:
If relying on savings, ensure that the funds have been held in a bank account for at least six months. Failing to provide proof that the funds have been available for this period can result in visa refusal.
