How has the spouse visa income threshold changed?

The spouse visa income threshold was originally set at £18,600 in 2012. It has since been increased significantly. The government announced phased increases, with transitional arrangements for those already on the route. Check GOV.UK for the current threshold.

Which threshold applies to my application?

Transitional arrangements may mean you are assessed against the threshold that was in force when you first entered the route. If you received your initial spouse visa before a threshold increase, you may be assessed under the old threshold for extensions and ILR. Check the specific transitional rules.

Does the income threshold affect ILR applications?

Yes. When applying for ILR on the spouse route, you must meet the income threshold in force at the time of your application, subject to any transitional arrangements. If the threshold has increased since your initial visa, check which threshold applies to you.

Can I combine different income sources to meet the threshold?

Yes. You can combine employment income, self-employment income, non-employment income, and cash savings to meet the threshold. Both partners' income can be counted. See our guides on the different financial categories for details.

Income Threshold Timeline: How UK Immigration Thresholds Have Changed

The spouse visa income threshold has increased substantially from its original level of £18,600. The government introduced phased increases with transitional arrangements for those already on the route. Understanding which threshold applies to your specific application is crucial, particularly if you entered the route before recent increases.

Timeline of Changes

The income threshold for spouse and partner visas has undergone several changes:

July 2012:The minimum income requirement was introduced at £18,600 per year (or equivalent savings). Higher thresholds applied for applications including children.
2024-2025: The government announced significant increases to the threshold, to be phased in over time.
2025-2026: Further phased increases have taken effect, with transitional arrangements for those already on the route.

For the current threshold, check the GOV.UK family visa income page.

Transitional Arrangements

When the threshold increases, transitional arrangements typically protect people who are already on the spouse visa route:

Initial visa granted before the increase: You may be assessed against the threshold that was in force when your visa was first granted.
Extensions: Transitional arrangements usually extend to your first extension, meaning you can extend under the old threshold.
ILR: Whether transitional arrangements cover your ILR application depends on the specific rules. Check the current guidance.

Meeting the Threshold

There are several ways to meet the income threshold:

Category A: Employment income for at least 6 months with the current employer.
Category B: Employment income from the previous 12 months.
Self-employment income (see our self-employment guide).
Cash savings above the relevant threshold.
Combined income from both partners.

Impact on Different Groups

The threshold changes have affected different groups in different ways:

New applicants: Must meet the current threshold from the outset. See our visa fees guide for the full cost of applying.
Those extending: May benefit from transitional arrangements.
ILR applicants: May be assessed under current or transitional thresholds depending on when they entered the route.

For the broader picture of all 2026 changes, see our immigration rules changes guide.

The Skilled Worker Salary Threshold

The Skilled Worker visa has a separate salary threshold that has also changed. This is covered in our ILR salary threshold guide and the immigration salary list guide.

For the latest threshold information, always check GOV.UK.