Can I still apply if my UK partner has lost their job?

Yes, you may still be able to apply, but you need another way to meet the financial requirement. Options include cash savings, your own UK earnings, or a combination of sources. The right route depends on your circumstances and the timing of the job loss.

How much is the financial requirement in 2026?

In 2026 the financial requirement for a spouse or partner visa is £29,000. This is tested at the first application, at extension, and at Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Always check the current figure on GOV.UK before you apply, because it can change.

What is the difference between Category A and Category B?

Category A is for income from employment held for at least six months with the same employer. Category B is for income that does not fit Category A, such as a job held for less than six months or variable income. If your partner starts a new job after a job loss, Category B may apply.

Can my own UK earnings count towards the requirement?

Yes, if you are already in the UK with the right to work, your own UK earnings can count. This is helpful if your partner has lost their job. You can also combine your income with your partner's income or with cash savings to reach the figure.

If Your UK Partner Loses Their Job: Spouse Visa Finances

Q: Can cash savings replace my partner's lost income?

Yes. You can meet the requirement through cash savings instead of, or alongside, income. The savings must usually be held for a set period before you apply. The amount needed is higher than the income figure, so check the exact rules and held-for period on GOV.UK.

The financial requirement of £29,000 in 2026 is tested at application, extension, and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If your sponsor loses their job, you have options: cash savings, your own UK earnings, or combining sources. This guide explains each route and the difference between Category A and Category B.

When the Financial Requirement Is Tested

The financial requirement is not a one-time check. It is tested at three points: your first application, your extension, and when you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In 2026 the figure is £29,000. Our financial requirement guide explains how it works in full.

Because the test happens more than once, a job loss at any of these points matters. The good news is that there is usually more than one way to meet the figure.

Option 1: The Cash Savings Route

You can meet the requirement using cash savings instead of income. This is often the clearest route if your sponsor has lost their job and has no current salary to rely on.

The savings must usually be held for a set period before you apply, and the amount needed is higher than the income figure. The exact sum and held-for period are set in the rules, so check the current position on GOV.UK before you rely on this route.

Option 2: Your Own UK Earnings

If you are already in the UK with the right to work, your own earnings can count towards the requirement. This is very useful when your partner has lost their job, because the income does not have to come from the UK partner.

This option applies at extension and at ILR, when you are already living and working in the UK. Our work rights guide confirms that a spouse visa lets you work without restriction.

Option 3: Combining Sources

You do not have to meet the figure from a single source. You can combine sources to reach £29,000, for example:

Your partner's income plus your own UK income.
Income plus cash savings.
A new job plus savings held for the required period.

Combining sources gives you flexibility after a job loss. Our income threshold guide shows how the figure is reached in practice.

Category A vs Category B

When you use income from employment, the rules split it into two categories. This matters a lot after a job loss, because a new job often falls under Category B.

Category A: income from a job held for at least six months with the same employer. This is the simpler category.
Category B: income that does not fit Category A, such as a job held for less than six months, or variable income. The checks are more detailed.

If your partner finds a new job soon after losing their old one, you will likely rely on Category B until the six months pass. The GOV.UK proof of finances pages set out the evidence each category needs.

Timing Around an Extension

If a job loss happens close to your extension, timing is key. You may choose to apply once savings have been held long enough, or once a new job has built up enough payslips. Our extension guide explains what you must show at that stage.

Do not let your current leave run out while you wait. Apply before it expires, even if that means using the savings route rather than income.

Looking Ahead to ILR

The same financial requirement applies at Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A job loss earlier in your route does not block ILR, as long as you can meet the figure at the time you apply. Our ILR requirements guide covers the full checklist for settlement.

What to Do Now

A sponsor losing their job is a setback, not the end of the road. Practical steps:

Work out which route fits you: savings, income, or a mix.
Check how long savings must be held before you can rely on them.
Note whether a new job falls under Category A or Category B.
Apply before your current leave expires.
Get advice if your timing or evidence is unclear.

If the job loss is linked to a wider change in your relationship, our guide on divorce and separation explains how that can affect your status.

If Your UK Partner Loses Their Job: Spouse Visa Financial Requirement