Income & Financial Requirements — Family Routes & Variations
This guide explains income thresholds, savings tests and acceptable evidence for spouse and family settlement routes. Use our calculate your ILR timeline tool to combine financial readiness with qualifying dates and absences.
Income rules for family routes (overview)
The financial requirement for most spouse/partner routes is designed to ensure the sponsor can support the applicant without recourse to public funds. Typical elements include a minimum gross income threshold, acceptable savings, and documentary proof such as payslips and P60s. Thresholds differ if you have non-British children or if you rely on savings rather than income.
Check ILR income & financial requirements
Ensure your cash savings, employment salary, or self-employed income meet rules.
Typical thresholds and variants
- Main route (example) — the typical minimum income is the published baseline (historic common figure used was £18,600; official figures should be checked for the route and year you apply).
- With dependent children — higher thresholds apply if you sponsor a child, with additional amounts for each dependent.
- Savings route — large cash savings can substitute for income; there is a formula to convert savings into an equivalent income figure (check official guidance for the exact calculation).
Common documentation
- Payslips covering the relevant period (usually 6 months to 12 months depending on the route).
- P60 year-end certificates.
- Employment contracts and employer confirmation letters on company letterhead.
- Bank statements evidencing salary credits or declared savings.
- For self-employed applicants: SA302 tax calculations and business records.
One authoritative reference
Always verify the exact numerical thresholds and acceptable evidence on GOV.UK. The government guidance sets out the financial requirement rules and examples. GOV.UK — partner and family visa guidance (financial requirements)
Calculate your Spouse Visa settlement timeline
Track your 5-year partner pathway and financial requirement qualifying dates.
Practical checklist to prepare evidence
- Collect payslips and a covering employer letter confirming salary, hours and length of employment.
- Obtain P60s for the relevant tax years.
- If relying on savings, prepare an itemised savings statement and calculate the equivalent income using the official formula.
- For any irregular income (commission, bonuses), include explanatory notes and payroll summaries.
Common pitfalls
- Using bank statements alone — without employer confirmation — can cause requests for further evidence.
- Failing to reconcile payslips and bank credits (differences should be explained in a cover note).
- Not accounting for pension contributions or irregular overtime that affects gross/net comparisons.
Related guides
- Absence Calculator Guide — counting absences & the 180-day test
- Continuous Residence Guide — 5 and 10 year rules explained
- Settlement Route Eligibility Guide — choose the right pathway
FAQs
Can savings alone meet the financial requirement?
Yes, but only when savings exceed a specific threshold and are evidenced during the application. There is an official formula converting savings into an equivalent income; check GOV.UK for the calculation and documentary requirements.
What counts as acceptable income evidence?
Typically payslips, P60s and a signed employer letter on company letterhead are accepted. For self-employed applicants, HMRC SA302s and business bank statements are commonly requested.
Does time on a sponsored work visa count towards family route financial tests?
Financial tests are route-specific; previous immigration history does not substitute for the current evidence required. Use the Settlement Route Eligibility Guide for cross-route planning.
Updated: 7 June 2026 — prepare your financial evidence early and calculate your ILR timeline before applying.
Skilled Worker Salary Thresholds & SOC Codes
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Skilled Worker, you must meet the salary requirements defined by the Home Office. These rules were changed substantially in April 2024, raising the standard minimum salary threshold to **£38,700** per year.
However, your salary must also meet the "going rate" for your specific job, defined by its SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code. The going rates are set at the 50th percentile (median) of UK earnings for that role. This means that even if you earn £40,000, you could still be refused if the going rate for your SOC code is £45,000. New entrants (such as recent graduates transitioning from a Student visa) have a lower threshold of **£30,960**, but this is also subject to going rate comparisons.
The Per-Pay-Period Compliance Rule
A critical and highly scrutinized update that took effect on **8 April 2026** is the per-pay-period salary compliance rule. Previously, the Home Office assessed salary compliance on an annual basis, allowing employers to average earnings across the year.
Under the new rule, you must meet the minimum salary threshold in **every single pay period** (e.g. weekly or monthly) as shown on your payslips. If your base salary falls below the minimum in a single month—due to unpaid leave, sickness, or a payroll error—you will be considered non-compliant. This can break your continuous residence history for ILR. Note that bonuses, overtime, and commissions are generally not counted toward the core threshold unless they are guaranteed and paid regularly.
Spouse Visa & Family Route Financial Requirements
If you are applying for ILR under the 5-year Partner (Spouse) route, you must meet the financial requirement. This was increased to £29,000 in early 2024, with further rises planned.
You can meet the financial requirement through:
- Salaried or non-salaried employment of the applicant and/or partner.
- Self-employment income as a sole trader or director of a limited company.
- Cash savings held in a regulated bank account for at least 6 months (savings must exceed £16,000, and the exact amount needed depends on your salary gap).
- Pension income or non-employment income (such as rental income from property).
Documentary Proof of Income
Meeting the financial requirement is only half the battle; you must also provide perfect documentary evidence. For salaried employment, the Home Office requires:
- Payslips: 6 months of consecutive payslips (or 12 months if you have been with your employer for less than 6 months or have variable income).
- Bank Statements: Personal bank statements corresponding to the same period, showing the net salary deposits matching the payslips exactly.
- Employer Letter: An official letter on company letterhead confirming your job title, salary, employment type, and that your pay is genuine and meets the SOC code minimum.
Financial Compliance Checklist
Before submitting, perform these financial checks:
- Verify SOC Code: Check your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to find your SOC code and confirm your salary exceeds the June 2026 going rate.
- Audit Payslips: Check every payslip from the last 6-12 months to verify the gross pay meets the per-pay-period minimum.
- Match Deposits: Confirm the bank statement deposit amounts match the net pay on your payslips to the penny.
- Check Signature: Ensure the employer letter is signed, dated within 28 days of your submission, and includes contact details.
- Savings Source: If using cash savings, prepare a declaration explaining the source of the funds (e.g., house sale, savings).