UK family visa: UK govt announces hike in income threshold required to sponsor a family visa

UK family visa: As a part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's strategy to reduce immigration rates, the United Kingdom government has announced a significant increase in the income threshold required to sponsor family visas.

As per the new tougher UK family visa rules introduced, individuals will now have to meet a higher income requirement to qualify as sponsors for family visas which has been surged from 18,600 pounds to 29,000 pounds - an increase of more than 55 per cent – with a subsequent elevation to 38,700 pounds slated for early next year. 

Official statement of UK government reads, "Today's change comes as the Home Secretary meets his commitment to implement his major package of reforms to the immigration system within weeks of announcing them - which came following the unveiling of measures to tighten the student visa route in May 2023."

The UK Home Office stated that this increase represents the final step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary James Cleverly's initiative to reduce legal migration and ensure that newcomers do not impose financial strain on taxpayers.

Cleverly emphasised the challenges posed by mass migration, acknowledging that finding a solution to reduce migration to levels deemed acceptable by the British public is complex. He underscored the government's commitment to taking decisive action swiftly, fulfilling promises made to address the issue.

James Cleverly statement reads, “I promised action and we have delivered at remarkable speed. We've acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers, and to build an immigration system fit for the future - and one the public can rightly have confidence in." 

Other Rules and regulations introduced by UK govt 

• UK government implemented stringent regulations on student visas
• Restricting care workers from sponsoring family members to join them in the UK
• Initiating a rapid review of the Graduate route for international students by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to prevent misuse and uphold the standards of UK higher education.
• 66 per cent escalation in the health surcharge for foreign nationals accessing the National Health Service (NHS). 

- With inputs from agencies

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