When did the Spouse Visa income threshold increase?

The threshold increased from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024. A further increase to £38,700 has been announced but has been delayed. As of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000.

Why was the income threshold increased?

The government increased the threshold to reduce net migration and ensure that family visa sponsors can financially support their partners without relying on public funds. The increase was part of a broader package of immigration reforms.

When will the threshold increase to £38,700?

The government has not confirmed a specific date for the increase to £38,700. It was originally expected in phases, but has been subject to repeated delays. It may happen later in 2026 or may be phased in over time.

How many people are affected by the income threshold increase?

Analysis suggests that at £29,000, roughly 40-50% of UK workers would not earn enough to sponsor a spouse. At £38,700, this figure could rise to around 60-70%, with higher proportions in lower-wage regions.

Does the threshold increase affect existing visa holders?

If you already hold a Spouse Visa, the current threshold applies when you apply to extend. If the threshold has increased by the time of your extension, you must meet the new higher figure at that point.

Is there any exemption from the income threshold?

There is no general exemption from the income threshold. However, you can meet it through savings if your income is below the threshold. In exceptional circumstances involving Article 8 human rights considerations, the threshold may be assessed differently.

Income Threshold: Timeline and Impact

The UK Spouse Visa income threshold has increased from £18,600 to £29,000, with a further rise to £38,700 announced but delayed. This guide provides a complete timeline of changes, explains the impact on families, and looks at what may happen next.

The Full Timeline

The income threshold for the UK Spouse Visa has changed several times since it was first introduced. Here is the complete history:

Before July 2012: No Fixed Threshold

Before 2012, there was no specific income figure. The Home Office assessed whether the sponsor could "adequately maintain and accommodate" the applicant without recourse to public funds. This was a subjective test, which led to inconsistent decisions.

July 2012: £18,600 Introduced

Following a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the government introduced a fixed threshold of £18,600. Additional amounts applied for children: £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

This figure was based on the level at which a couple would stop being eligible for income-related benefits. It was controversial from the start, with critics arguing it was too high for many parts of the UK.

December 2023: Government Announces Increases

As part of a major package of immigration reforms, the government announced that the income threshold would increase in stages to £38,700 (the median salary for skilled workers). The first stage would raise it to £29,000.

April 2024: Threshold Rises to £29,000

The first increase took effect. The threshold jumped from £18,600 to £29,000. The additional amounts for children were removed, simplifying the system. This was the largest single increase in the threshold's history.

2025-2026: £29,000 Remains

The planned second-stage increase to £38,700 has been delayed. As of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000. The government has not confirmed a new date for the increase.

Why the Increase Happened

The government gave several reasons for increasing the income threshold:

Reducing net migration: The family visa route accounts for a significant portion of immigration to the UK. Raising the threshold reduces the number of people who can sponsor a spouse.
Financial self-sufficiency: The government argues that sponsors should be able to support their families at a level where they do not need to claim public funds.
Alignment with Skilled Worker threshold: The planned £38,700 figure matches the Skilled Worker salary threshold, creating consistency across immigration routes.

Impact on Families

The income threshold increase has had a significant impact on families:

Fewer People Can Sponsor

At £18,600, most full-time workers in the UK earned enough to sponsor a spouse. At £29,000, a significant proportion of workers, particularly those in lower-paid jobs, outside London, or early in their careers, fall below the threshold.

Regional Disparities

The threshold affects people differently depending on where they live. Average salaries in the North East, Wales, and Northern Ireland are significantly lower than in London and the South East. A threshold that seems reasonable for London may be unreachable for many workers in other regions.

Separated Families

Some couples have been separated because the UK-based partner does not earn enough to meet the threshold. This is particularly common for younger couples, people in caring or public sector roles, and those living in lower-wage regions.

Savings as a Workaround

More people are relying on savings to meet the financial requirement. However, the savings threshold is also high (£16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall), which puts it out of reach for many.

Will the Threshold Reach £38,700?

The planned increase to £38,700 remains government policy, but the timing is uncertain. Several factors may influence whether and when it happens:

Political pressure: There has been significant pushback from MPs, charities, and affected families. Some have called for the increase to be abandoned.
Legal challenges: The threshold has faced legal scrutiny on human rights grounds, particularly under Article 8 (right to family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Economic conditions: If wages rise across the economy, more people will naturally meet the higher threshold over time.
Government priorities: Changes in government or shifts in immigration policy could affect the timeline.

For the current threshold and how to meet it, see our income threshold 2026 guide.

What You Should Do

If you are planning to apply for a Spouse Visa, here is practical advice:

Apply now if you can: If you meet the current £29,000 threshold, apply before any further increase takes effect.
Build savings: If your income is below the threshold, start building savings now. Remember they must be held for 6 months before your application date.
Monitor announcements: The government will announce any threshold change before it takes effect. Stay informed through Home Office updates on GOV.UK.
Get advice: If you are close to the threshold or unsure about your eligibility, consult an immigration solicitor.
Prepare your documents early: Use our Spouse Visa documents checklist to gather everything you need well in advance.