Spouse Visa Financial Requirement With a New Job

Who this applies to

• People who recently changed jobs
• People who have worked for their employer for less than six months
• Sponsors returning to the UK for employment
• People with a variable employment history

The two-part test

First, the sponsor must be in employment at the date of application with a gross annual salary that meets the requirement.

Second, the couple must have received the required level of income over the twelve months before the application, from employment and certain other permitted sources.

Gaps in employment

A gap between jobs does not rule you out, as long as total earnings over the twelve months reach the required amount. Someone who earned well for part of the year and had a short break can still qualify.

Returning to the UK

A sponsor who has been working overseas and is returning with their partner can rely on a confirmed job offer in the UK that starts within three months of their return and meets the threshold, together with their overseas earnings over the previous twelve months.

Evidence

• Payslips and bank statements covering all employment in the last twelve months
• Letters from the current employer, and from previous employers where possible
• The employment contract or signed job offer
• P60 or equivalent where available

Wait or apply now?

If your earnings over the past year fall short, waiting until you have six months with the new employer may be the simpler route. Other sources, such as savings, can also fill a gap.

Cash savings