One of the biggest changes introduced this year is the increase to the minimum income requirements for spouse and partner visa applications.
At present anyone who is applying for the first time to either bring over or switch to the five year route to settlement in the traditional sense must meet a minimum income of £29,000.00. Those individuals who receive a qualifying benefit such as Adult or Child Disability payment, Carers Allowance, Personal Independence Payment etc would not need to show this earning threshold but instead a minimum adequate maintenance threshold based upon their family unit.
Salaried and non-salaried employment
It is important to understand the difference between salaried and non-salaried employment to ensure that financial calculation is correctly carried out and met.
Salaried employment is stated by the Home Office in their minimum income requirement guidance as “work paid at a minimum fixed rate (usually annual), which is normally subject to a contractual minimum number of hours worked”.
“Non-salaried employment includes work paid at an hourly or other rate, or paid an amount which varies according to the work undertaken”.
Key financial documents to demonstrate employment for a UK spouse or partner visa
To demonstrate employment for a UK spouse or partner visa, you need to provide specific documents that prove you meet the financial requirements. Here are the key financial documents required:
- Payslips: You must provide payslips for the last six months counting back from the day you apply.
It is important to be careful when calculating the six month period if you pay cycle is either weekly, fortnightly or four weekly basis so that you 1) are relying on the correct period of employment, 2) you meet the financial requirement and 3) your documents are within date
- Bank Statements: These should show your income and cover the same period as the payslips.
- Employer’s Letter: This letter must be on company headed paper and confirm the following:
- Your employment status. (e.g., full time, part time etc)
- Your job title.
- The date you commenced your employment.
- The type of employment (e.g., permanent, fixed-term, temporary etc.).
- Your gross annual salary i.e. income before any tax deductions.
- The duration you have been paid your current salary. (E.g., monthly, fortnightly etc.)
- Confirmation that the payslips issued are genuine.
These documents are essential to prove that you meet the financial threshold required for the visa.
Format of evidence for visa application
It is important to ensure that all documents provided are submitted in correct format, are up-to-date and accurately reflect your financial situation
Not providing the documents in the correct and specified format may lead to refusal even if you meet the requirements of the visa application.
Legal support on immigration rule changes
With the Immigration Rules forever changing it often becomes difficult to navigate around the changes and not be caught out. Our immigration specialist, Zahra Razaq can office assistance to you, whether it relates to the above or any other immigration enquiry. Zahira can be contacted by telephone on 0207 925 0303 or by email zrazaq@kiddrapinet.co.uk
This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s immigration solicitors. You can book an appointment with Zahira or any of our immigration lawyers in Canary Wharf using the form provided.
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