MINIMUM SALARY FOR SPONSORSHIP OF DEPENDANTS UNDER FAMILY ROUTE TO BE RAISED

November 16, 2011

Today, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its review of the minimum income requirement for sponsorship under the family migration route which can be viewed here. 

As part of the government”s recent review of family migration and settlement in the UK, the MAC was asked to research and put forward a salary threshold which would “prevent any sponsor, their spouse or their dependents from becoming a burden on the state.” 

They were to consider what the minimum income threshold should be for a British resident sponsoring a spouse, partner or dependent for UK settlement under the family route.

The MAC has recommended a minimum salary of between £18,600 and £25,700 (before tax) should be introduced for UK residents sponsoring a spouse or dependent for citizenship.

Presently the threshold is an annual income of £5,500 after tax, excluding housing costs. This is equivalent to £13,700 before tax and including housing costs.

A salary threshold of £18,600 would reduce settlement through the family route by 45 per cent, the MAC estimates.  A minimum of £25,700 would reduce it by 63 per cent.

Chairman of the MAC, Professor David Metcalf CBE, said:

‘The current threshold of £5,500 seems low considering the government’s desire to ensure new migrants settling in the UK are not a burden on the state.

Our recommendations are made on a purely economic basis and we recognise that family migration is not determined by economics alone.  However our analysis suggests there is justification for raising the pay threshold.’

Newland Chase advises that if you are considering making a spouse visa, dependant visa or settlement application on behalf of your dependant(s), and you do not meet the proposed new salary threshold, you proceed with your application without any delay.  We will be happy to assist with all applications or offer further guidance on this topic.