The minimum income requirements for Family Visa applicants were significantly altered by the UK government in 2025, which had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of families who aspired to remain together or reunite in the UK. The financial threshold that sponsors must meet in order to bring their companions or dependants to the UK has been significantly increased by this updated policy, which represents a significant change in immigration criteria. The Home Office’s objective is to guarantee that families are self-sufficient and less dependent on public funds. Nevertheless, the modification has generated a significant amount of discussion, with some critics contending that it could have a disproportionate impact on lower-income households and impede the family life. This in-depth examination delves into the definition of the new regulations, the demographics that are impacted, and the methods by which applicants can navigate the changing immigration landscape in 2025.
What Is the UK Family Visa Financial Requirements Review?
This review, which was conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and published in June 2025, assesses the fairness, legality, and practicality of the current income rules for family visas, particularly in light of the UK’s recent migration policy reforms and its departure from the EU.
What Has Changed in the Family Visa Financial Requirements?
Here are the key changes you should know if you’re applying for a UK Family visa now or in the near future:
1# Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) Raised:
- For years (since 2012), the MIR was £18,600.
- The threshold for new applicants was increased to £29,000.
- This increase has been entirely implemented and is applicable to the majority of standard partner visa applications.
2# No Further Increases (For Now):
The previous government planned to raise the MIR further:
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- £34,500 (40th percentile of Skilled Worker income)
- £38,700 (50th percentile)
3# Armed Forces Sponsors Have a Lower Threshold:
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- The income threshold for members of the HM Armed Forces is £23,496.
- This is a fixed rate; there is no surcharge for minors.
4# EU Citizens Now Subject to Financial Requirements:
- EU family members are no longer permitted to travel freely following Brexit.
- If you are submitting an application to transport a family member from the EU, they must now satisfy the same financial criteria as non-EU nationals under the Family visa route.
5# Who Can Apply and From Where?
- The most prevalent method of applying for a UK family visa is from outside the country.
- If you are currently in possession of a valid visa (e.g., Student or Skilled Worker), you may also transition to the Family route from within the United Kingdom.
How Did These Changes Impact Applications?
there was a significant increase in the number of applications as individuals hurried to submit their applications under the previous £18,600 rule.
- It is possible that the increased £29,000 threshold made it more difficult for certain individuals to qualify, which is why applications decreased in early 2025.
- The number of partner visa applications in Q1 2025 was 10,900, which is consistent with the averages from prior to the pandemic.
Check Also: Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK – Apply Here
What About People Who Can’t Meet the £29,000 Threshold?
If your income is below the threshold, you may still qualify in special circumstances:
1# Use the Adequate Maintenance (AM) Test (Ref) if:
- Certain UK benefits, such as disability-related benefits, are granted to you or your companion.
- The AM test evaluates whether your household income is sufficient to sustain your family after housing expenses, as determined by government data.
- Nevertheless, it is implemented in fewer than 10% of applications.
Data Gaps & Recommendations from the Review The MAC also highlighted:
- A dearth of accurate data from the Home Office regarding the individuals who employ the MIR vs AM test.
- A request for the government to enhance its oversight of financial barriers and application outcomes.
MAC also rejected aligning the MIR with the Skilled Worker salary threshold (e.g., £38,700), saying it would separate too many families and is unfair.
Summary for New Applicants on MIR after June 2025:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| MIR (standard partner visa) | £29,000 (flat, no child top-up) |
| MIR (HM Armed Forces) | £23,496 (flat) |
| EU family members | Now subject to MIR rules |
| Apply from abroad | ✅ Most applicants do |
| Switch inside UK | ✅ Only from certain visa types |
| Use AM test | ✅ Possible for low-income benefit recipients |
| Future MIR increases | ❌ Cancelled as of mid-2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the minimum income requirement in 2025?
As of June 2025, the minimum income requirement (MIR) is:
£29,000/year – applies to most new applicants.
This rate has been in effect since 11 April 2025, replacing the previous £18,600 requirementWill the MIR increase further in 2025?
It was planned to rise to:
£34,500 in last year,
£38,700 in early 2025,
But as of June 2025, the Labour government has paused these increases, pending a review. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended a lower threshold instead (see below).What does the MAC recommend?
In June 2025, the MAC proposed:
Reducing the MIR to £23,000–£25,000,
Scrapping the child income uplift, and
Simplifying the visa process and rules.
Status: These are only recommendations—they haven’t yet been adopted into law.
