Transitional Arrangements: £18,600 vs £29,000
What you need to know
- •New first-time family visa applicants must meet the £29,000 threshold as of 2026.
- •Existing visa holders granted leave under the £18,600 threshold may benefit from transitional protections on extension.
- •The government plans to raise the threshold to £38,700 but has not yet implemented this increase.
- •Transitional arrangements do not apply to entirely new applications, only to extensions and ILR on an existing family route.
- •Always check GOV.UK for the most current threshold before applying.
The spouse visa income threshold has risen from £18,600 to £29,000 for new applicants, with plans to increase it further to £38,700. Transitional arrangements protect existing family visa holders who were granted leave under the old threshold. If you are extending a visa originally granted at £18,600, you may still qualify at that rate. New applicants must meet the current threshold.
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Background: How We Got Here
The minimum income requirement for UK family visas was introduced in 2012 at £18,600 per year. This figure remained unchanged for over a decade. In late 2023, the government announced plans to increase the threshold significantly, first to £29,000 and ultimately to £38,700 to align with the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.
The first increase, from £18,600 to £29,000, took effect in stages. This represented a 56% jump in the amount sponsors must earn, causing significant concern among families planning to apply. In response, the government introduced transitional arrangements to protect people who had already been granted a family visa under the old threshold.
For full context on how the income threshold has changed over time, see our income threshold timeline.
The Current Position in 2026
As of March 2026, the position is:
- New first-time applicants: Must meet the £29,000 minimum income threshold.
- Existing visa holders (granted under £18,600): May be protected by transitional arrangements and can extend or apply for ILR at the £18,600 threshold.
- Future increase to £38,700: Announced but not yet implemented. The government has not confirmed a specific date for this increase.
The transitional arrangements are set out in the Immigration Rules Appendix FM on GOV.UK. It is essential to check the latest version of the rules before applying, as the position may change.
Who Qualifies for Transitional Protection?
Transitional arrangements generally protect you if:
- You were granted a family visa (spouse, partner, or parent route) under the Immigration Rules when the threshold was £18,600.
- You are now applying to extend that visa or to switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year route.
- You have been continuously on the family route since your original grant of leave.
In simple terms, if the Home Office granted you a family visa when the threshold was £18,600, they will not penalise you for the threshold increase when you apply to extend or settle. This is a fairness measure: you were accepted onto the route under certain rules, and the government does not want to change the goalposts mid-route.
Examples of Who Is Protected
- A spouse granted a 33-month visa in 2023 under the £18,600 threshold who is now applying to extend for a further 30 months.
- A partner on the 10-year route who was granted leave in 2022 at £18,600 and is now applying for their next extension.
- Someone approaching the end of the 5-year route who needs to apply for ILR and whose original visa was granted under the old threshold.
Examples of Who Is NOT Protected
- A person making a brand-new first application for a spouse visa in 2026. They must meet the £29,000 threshold.
- Someone whose family visa was refused or expired before the threshold change, and who is now applying afresh.
- A person switching from a completely different visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker) to a family visa for the first time.
How the Threshold Applies at Each Stage
Initial Application
If you are applying for a family visa for the first time, the threshold in force at the date of your application applies. In 2026, this is £29,000 for most applicants. There is no transitional protection for new applications.
Extension (Further Leave to Remain)
If you are extending an existing family visa, the threshold that applied when your current leave was granted may still apply, provided the transitional arrangements cover you. If your original visa was granted at £18,600, you can typically extend at £18,600.
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
At the ILR stage, the same transitional protection applies. If you have been on the family route continuously since a visa granted under the £18,600 threshold, you should be able to apply for ILR at £18,600. See our ILR requirements guide for more on what is needed at settlement stage.
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The Planned Increase to £38,700
The government has stated its intention to raise the minimum income threshold to £38,700, matching the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa. As of March 2026, this increase has not been implemented.
If and when the £38,700 threshold is introduced, it is expected that similar transitional arrangements will protect existing visa holders. However, this has not been confirmed, and the details could differ from the current transitional provisions.
If you are planning a family visa application and your income is between £29,000 and £38,700, you may want to apply sooner rather than later to lock in the lower threshold. However, do not rush an application with incomplete evidence just to beat a potential deadline.
What If You Fall Between the Thresholds?
If your income is between £18,600 and £29,000, your options depend on your circumstances:
- Existing visa holder at £18,600: You are likely protected by transitional arrangements. Apply as normal.
- New applicant earning between £18,600 and £29,000: You do not meet the current threshold through income alone. Consider using savings to top up your income. See our combining income and savings guide for the formula.
- New applicant earning under £18,600: You will need a significant amount of savings or alternative income sources. Consider whether the timing of your application can be adjusted to allow for salary increases.
Evidence for Transitional Arrangements
If you are relying on transitional protection, you do not need to submit any special evidence to claim it. The Home Office will check your immigration history and determine automatically whether you qualify. However, it is sensible to:
- Include a cover letter with your application noting that you believe transitional arrangements apply
- Provide evidence of your original visa grant (e.g., your BRP or previous visa vignette)
- Ensure your financial evidence meets the £18,600 threshold clearly
Do not assume the caseworker will automatically apply the transitional arrangements. Making it clear in your application reduces the risk of an error.
Impact on Different Visa Routes
5-Year Partner Route
On the standard 5-year route, you apply for an initial visa (33 months), one extension (30 months), and then ILR. Transitional protection should cover you at each stage if your initial visa was granted under the old threshold.
10-Year Partner Route
On the 10-year route, you make multiple extension applications. Transitional protection should similarly apply at each extension if you entered the route under the £18,600 threshold.
Parent Route
The parent route has a lower income threshold (£22,400 for the sole responsibility route). Transitional arrangements may also apply to parents who were granted leave under previous threshold levels.
What to Do If You Are Unsure
The interaction between transitional arrangements and the current rules can be confusing, particularly if your immigration history is complex. If you are unsure which threshold applies to you:
- Check the latest version of Appendix FM on GOV.UK
- Contact an immigration solicitor for advice specific to your case
- Do not assume you are protected without checking. The rules are specific about which circumstances qualify.
A refused application based on failing to meet the income threshold is costly and stressful. Getting clarity before you apply is always the better approach.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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