The UK has recently introduced several updates to its family sponsorship visa process, aimed at streamlining applications and making the country more accessible for families. If you’re planning to sponsor a family member to join you in the UK, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:
1. Financial Requirement Adjustments
One of the most significant changes in the UK family sponsorship visa process is the adjustment to the financial requirements. Sponsors are still required to meet a minimum income threshold to bring family members, such as a spouse or children, to the UK. However, there have been slight modifications to account for fluctuations in cost of living and inflation. This income requirement remains an essential factor in proving the sponsor’s ability to support their family without relying on public funds.
The current minimum income requirement stands at:
- £18,600 per year for sponsoring a spouse or partner.
- An additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
2. Expanded Pathways for Adult Dependent Relatives
In the past, the rules for sponsoring adult dependent relatives were more restrictive, focusing on close family members like parents who required long-term care. Recent updates have expanded the criteria slightly to consider other close relatives who need support and are unable to care for themselves in their home country. This is particularly relevant for those who need to provide financial, medical, or emotional support to relatives facing severe difficulties.
However, sponsors must still provide strong evidence that their relative requires care, and there are no affordable or practical care options available in their home country.
3. Processing Time Improvements
The UK government has made efforts to improve the processing time for family sponsorship visa applications. Previously, applicants faced lengthy delays, sometimes up to several months. The Home Office has now implemented measures to reduce these delays, with a focus on clearing backlogs and improving efficiency. While the standard processing time remains up to 12 weeks, many applicants are now seeing decisions on their visas within 8-10 weeks, especially for straightforward cases.
Priority and super-priority services are still available for faster processing, at an additional cost.
4. Changes to English Language Requirements
Applicants must still meet English language proficiency requirements, which ensure that family members can integrate into UK society. The recent updates, however, provide more flexibility in how applicants can prove their language skills. In addition to passing an approved English language test, applicants can now present alternative qualifications, such as certain higher education degrees taught in English, which may be accepted in place of the test.
This change is especially beneficial for applicants from English-speaking countries or those with higher education credentials.
5. Impact of the EU Settlement Scheme
For EU citizens and their family members who were residing in the UK before Brexit, the EU Settlement Scheme continues to offer a simplified process for family reunification. However, as the post-Brexit transition continues, non-EU family members face stricter sponsorship criteria under the UK’s general immigration rules, similar to non-EU citizens. Those who applied before the scheme’s deadline have a more straightforward process for family sponsorship, but new applicants must now navigate the standard visa application routes.
6. Support for Refugee and Humanitarian Cases
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting refugee families and those seeking humanitarian protection. Recent updates include efforts to reunite separated refugee families under the family reunion visa scheme. Under this scheme, refugees already granted asylum in the UK can apply to bring their immediate family members, such as a spouse or children, to join them without needing to meet the typical financial requirements.
There is also increased legal support and guidance available for refugees going through the family sponsorship process, making it easier for them to reunite with their loved ones.
7. Visa Extensions and Permanent Residency
For family members who enter the UK on a sponsorship visa, the path to permanent residency (also known as indefinite leave to remain) remains a crucial factor. After living in the UK for five years under a family visa, individuals can apply for permanent residency, provided they meet certain requirements, such as continuous residence and passing the Life in the UK test.
The recent updates emphasize that family visa holders must remain compliant with UK laws and immigration rules throughout their stay, and any breaches may affect their eligibility for residency.
