I have been told by a friend that the UK government is planning to increase the minimum level of income for a Spouse visa. Does anyone know if that is correct?
Its not correct, although it is subject to change of course. I think they are far more likely to put up the cost of the visa and NHS surcharge before the financial requirement.
Thanks fro replies. I got an email from someone with masons connections, he did not inform me of his source! I must say it seems likely given the current political climate. Lets hope if there is an increase it is reasonable.
makes more sense NOT to raise the income threshold--that could reduce the number of applications---and therefore reduce the fees income to the treasury. that went up a staggering 25% last month. so why kill the goose ?
I see where your coming from. I got married in January at the Hong Kong register office to my pinay bride. Now I find myself struggling to get the cash together for her visa, TB test, NHS surcharge and airfare. Be just my luck if the visa cost doubles just as I am about to apply!
Whichever way you look at it, it is expensive to bring your loved one to the UK, having said that I have personally found that with my wife now working and me no longer having to pay for four trips a year to the Philippines I am quids in so its not all doom and gloom.
if i were in your shoes....if you qualify as sponsor with the earnings--and have suitable accommodation----get her spouse visa app underway ASAP--even if you have to borrow the fees money. my feeling is--as soon as Mrs May gets in--with a big overall majority--she could well play havoc with immigration.
I think dear old Mrs May will wait until we have exited the EU before we see any drastic action being taken on immigration, only a couple of months back the non EU visa costs went up, lets hope the Tories are content with that for the time being I cannot see the financial requirement going up anytime soon, I could if wages were on the rise but wages have really been stagnant for some time. If and when the requirement does go up I'm sure it will be welcomed by the majority of the British public, us chaps with foreign spouses are very much in a minority and have no one to fight our corner. As you know, we just have to take what is thrown at us, we did have a choice of whether or not to bring the loved ones here so we can moan about it but nothing else
I think there will be annual increases in visa fees as the Government pursue full cost recovery of running UKVI (you can read online both the original public consultation and response on the subject.) As been said in other threads Joe Public does not give a stuff about the cost of non-EU spousal / fiancé fees - indeed a poll would probably indicate support for doubling or more!!! However, I doubt the income threshold will be raised...the Government was challenged unsuccessfully last year in the courts - another hike would undoubtedly result in a further legal challenge which could be more difficult to defend. P.S. - don't get me paranoid about masonic conspiracies - I may have to dig out David Yallop's book! Boaz.
