Introduction

Applying for a UK spouse visa can be an overwhelming process for those who are not familiar with the requirements. One of the most important requirements is the financial requirement. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the savings requirement for a UK spouse visa application.

What is the financial requirement for a spouse visa?

The financial requirement is a minimum amount of savings and/or income that the sponsor in the UK must have in order to support the applicant in the UK. The amount of savings and income required depend on the applicant's circumstances and their sponsor's employment situation.

How much money is required for a spouse visa?

The minimum amount of savings required is ￡62,500, or equivalent in foreign currency, held in the sponsor's account for at least six months. This amount can be reduced to ￡18,600 if the sponsor has a job in the UK and meets the income requirement. The income requirement varies depending on the type of job and the number of dependents.

How to meet the financial requirement?

If the sponsor has a job in the UK, they must provide evidence of their income for the previous six months. The income can be from employment, self-employment, or a combination of both. If the sponsor is self-employed, they must provide financial documents such as tax returns, business accounts, and bank statements.

If the sponsor cannot meet the income requirement alone, they can rely on savings held jointly with their partner or savings held solely by the applicant. In this scenario, the required savings amount must be held in the account for six months prior to the application.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when meeting the financial requirement?

One common mistake is relying solely on the income from a new job. Applicants must provide evidence of the income for at least six months, so a new job with a high salary may not be enough to meet the income requirement.

Another mistake is not providing sufficient evidence of the savings held. The savings must be held in an account in the sponsor's name or joint names with the applicant. The account must be in an acceptable financial institution, and the sponsor must provide bank statements showing the amount and length of time the savings have been held there.

Conclusion

Meeting the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa can be challenging, but with careful planning and documentation, it is possible to demonstrate the required savings and/or income. Applicants should seek professional advice to ensure they meet the requirements and avoid any mistakes that could lead to their application being refused.