Updated rules for UK Unmarried Partners Visa – Home Office update 2024

May 24, 2024

Updated rules for UK Unmarried Partners Visa – Home Office update 2024

For a long time, it’s been very difficult to sponsor an Unmarried Partner to live in the UK when you haven’t been living together for two years. On top of that, even if you have been living together for the required time, it can still be difficult to prove it with the correct documentation.

This was particularly disappointing if you were living apart for legitimate reasons such as religious beliefs, work or study commitments or family concerns. It was also challenging if you were living together but in a country where it was difficult to get hold of official evidence of an address that the Home Office would accept.

Well, thankfully a rule update in this route has allowed some form of leniency. So, let’s look at this new rule update and what it means for people who want to pursue the Unmarried Partners’ route.

‘Cohabitation’ no longer a must requirement for sponsoring an Unmarried Partner (though preferable)

In short, the Home Office is prepared to consider the non-cohabitation aspect. The couple in question now only need to have been in a ‘relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership’ for a period of two years plus other requirements below.

Therefore, the current qualifications are as follows:

  • The couple must have met in person;
  • The relationship must have resembled a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, indicating its authenticity and longevity;
  • The relationship must still be genuine and subsisting at the time of application;
  • The couple must demonstrate an intention to permanently reside together in the UK, along with fulfilling financial, accommodation, and other necessary requirements;
  • Any previous relationship must have broken down permanently.

There is one important thing to note. While a two-year cohabitation period is no longer mandatory, it does remain a significant factor in convincing the Home Office of the authenticity and longevity of the relationship when applying for a visa.

If the couple is not living together, they will need to prove that they have an ongoing commitment to each other by providing the following evidence:

  • Regular communication with each other;
  • Financial support for each other;
  • Support and care for any children involved together;
  • Time spent together as a couple such as going on holidays, events, weekly or monthly meetings.

The removal of this stipulation is going to make life easier for many, especially in a time when we are seeing an overall tightening of UK immigration laws. Lastly and most importantly, it is worth noting that the UK Unmarried Partner Visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement after a period of 5 years.

Putting together an Unmarried Partner visa application is a long process, requiring a strategic approach to documenting each aspect of the relationship and proving your eligibility for a visa. With this in mind, it’s never been more important to get the advice of an expert when you’re starting out on your immigration journey. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions will be by your side throughout the entire process. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

New UK Immigration rules effective April 2024 – increases to salary thresholds and ‘going rates’

April 30, 2024

It’s not easy keeping up with the changes coming down the pipeline from the UK Home Office. And in the month of April, we saw some major amendments to existing rules, from an increased general salary threshold requirement and an increase in ‘going rates’. As outlined in an explanatory memorandum from the government, they are both amendments to the Immigration Rules, ‘made under the provisions of section 1(4) and section 3(2) in the Immigration Act 1971, that are used to regulate people’s entry to, and stay in, the United Kingdom.’

In this article I’ll take you through the key points that you need to keep in mind from April 2024 onwards. Broadly speaking there are two sets of changes – those affecting skilled workers which will come into force from 4th April 2024, and those affecting family visas which will be effective from 11th April 2024. There are also changes in how the median salary or ‘going rate’ for specific occupations will be calculated – changing from the 25th percentile to the median. We will cover all that as well.

As always, it’s best to speak to a qualified immigration consultant to get the very latest interpretation of any new regulations.

So, in this article, we will cover:

  • Increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker & Global Business Mobility visas
  • New salary requirements for Partner and Child visas
  • Exemptions to the threshold and median salary increases (‘going rates’)
  • Increased salary thresholds for key visa categories: Skilled Worker & Global Business Mobility

These are the visa types which will see a change in the salary threshold:

  • Skilled Worker: There will be an increase in the minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers. The minimum salary requirement will move from £26,200 to £38,700 per year for any new migrant applying for the Skilled Worker visa.
  • Global Business Mobility: Salary thresholds for a number of sub-categories within Global Business Mobility will also be amended as follows:
    • Senior or Specialist Workers: £48,500
    • Graduate Trainees: £25,410
    • Scale-up: £36,300
    • Poultry Workers in Seasonal Worker Route: Their pay now aligns with the Skilled Worker rate, requiring a minimum of £38,700 annually or £15.88 per hour.

New salary requirements for Partner and Child Visas

Let’s now look at how Partner and Child visas will be affected.

  • Partner and/or Child visa: The minimum income requirement needed to sponsor a partner and/or child for a 5-year visa increases to £29,000. However, the separate minimum income requirement for a child is eliminated.

Exemptions to the threshold and median salary increases
Certain groups are exempt from the new general thresholds and increased median salary requirements (‘going rates’).

  • Health and Care Workers: Applicants in this category requiring Health and Social Care visas are exempt from the new median salary requirements but will have to be paid a minimum salary of £29,000.
  • Existing Skilled Worker Applicants: Those who applied before 4th April 2024 and are seeking extensions, employer changes, or settlement before 4th April 2030, are exempt from the general threshold but will need to be paid at least £29,000.
  • Occupations with National Pay Scales: In these cases, the salary is determined using the latest ONS data.

Conclusion

It can be a little challenging for both individuals and organisations to figure out what does and doesn’t apply when it comes to any new visa changes from the UK Home Office. If you have any questions about this, please do get in contact. As an immigration consultant, I understand how daunting new government policies can be, and I’m committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Contact us at YI Solutions for a free consultation and let us assist you throughout your entire visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

Updated UK immigration policies: What are the new financial requirements and what are the changes in NHS charges?

January 31, 2024

It’s become pretty clear over the past few years that the immigration landscape in the UK is always changing, so let’s break down a few of the recent changes, focusing on the updated financial requirements as well as the new NHS charges – and what they mean for you. In this article, we will look at:

  • The Home Office initially increased the family financial requirement threshold from £18,600 to £38,700 in December 2023. 
  • The Home Office have now reduced that figure as of January 2024 to £29,000 and will come into effect on 11th April 2024.
  • The Home Office has also increased the Skilled Worker salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700 which will happen on 4th April 2024. 
  • The increase in NHS charges will significantly impact the majority of visa holders. 

 

In this article, we will explore the intricacies of these changes and their implications for individuals and families seeking a new chapter in the UK as well as the challenges for businesses employing foreign migrants. And we’ll discuss exactly what these new NHS charges will mean for your application.

Financial requirements: A welcome adjustment

The reduction in family financial requirements signals a somewhat more flexible stance by the Home Office. The threshold, originally increased to £38,700 has been revised to £29,000, making it more achievable for families to meet the criteria for settlement or visa extensions. The stated aim of this adjustment is to strike a balance between ensuring financial stability and accommodating the diverse economic circumstances of applicants.

New NHS charges for visa applicants

However, this shift in financial requirements comes hand-in-hand with a substantial increase in the immigration health surcharge, effective from 6th February 2024). For children, students, their dependants, and youth mobility workers, the surcharge will leap from £470 per year to £776 per year. The increase is even more pronounced for everyone else, who will see the charge surge from £624 per year to £1,035 per year.

Implications for visa holders

These new NHS charges will have a knock-on effect in a number of areas:

  • Financial flexibility vs healthcare costs: The reduction in financial requirements is undoubtedly a relief for families and individuals navigating the immigration process. However, the simultaneous rise in NHS charges raises concerns about the overall affordability of relocating to the UK.
  • Impact on students and youth mobility workers: Students and youth mobility workers, who were expecting a more lenient financial threshold, may find their budgets stretched by the increased health surcharge. This could influence decisions about pursuing education or work opportunities in the UK.
  • Balancing act for other visa holders: Professionals and workers falling outside the family category face a dual challenge of meeting the revised financial requirements while also grappling with the soaring immigration health surcharge. Businesses relying on international talent may need to reconsider budget allocations for employee relocation.
  • Government justification and public reaction: The government justifies these changes as necessary steps to strike a balance between economic responsibility and the demand for sustainable funding for public services. The reduction in financial requirements is seen as a proactive measure to acknowledge the economic realities faced by applicants. However, the substantial increase in NHS charges has sparked concerns about the potential deterrent effect on skilled professionals and students considering the UK as their destination.

Conclusion

As the UK recalibrates its immigration policies, the juxtaposition of reduced financial requirements and increased healthcare charges underscores the complexity of balancing economic considerations and public service funding. Visa applicants must now navigate these changes, weighing the financial implications against the opportunities the UK offers. The government’s U-turn signifies a willingness to adapt, yet the challenge remains to find a harmonious equilibrium that fosters immigration while ensuring the sustainability of essential public services.

With so many changes going on, it’s never been more important to get the advice of an expert when you’re starting out on your immigration journey. Contact YI Solutions for a free consultation and let us assist you throughout your entire visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.