Combining Income for UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements

For a UK spouse visa, the financial requirement typically mandates that the sponsor (the UK-based partner) must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600. This amount increases if there are dependent children involved.

However, in certain situations, the applicant's income and the sponsor's income can be combined to meet the financial requirement. Here’s how you can combine incomes:

1. Employment Income: If both the sponsor and the applicant are employed, their salaries can be combined to meet the financial threshold. The sponsor's income must be from employment in the UK, and the applicant's income must be from employment or self-employment overseas or in the UK (if they are already in the UK on a visa that allows them to work).

2. Non-Employment Income: Income from non-employment sources such as rental income, dividends, and pension can also be combined. These sources need to be well-documented and consistent.

3. Savings: Savings can also be used to meet the financial requirement. If the combined employment income is not enough, savings can make up the shortfall. The formula for calculating the required savings is:

o Minimum savings required = £16,000 + (shortfall in income × 2.5).

o For example, if there is a £2,000 shortfall in annual income, you would need £16,000 + (£2,000 × 2.5) = £21,000 in savings.

4. Combination of Income and Savings: If neither the employment income alone nor the savings alone can meet the requirement, a combination of both can be used. For instance, a part of the requirement can be met through employment income, and the rest through savings.

Key Points to Remember:

• Documentation is crucial. You will need to provide extensive proof of income and savings, including bank statements, payslips, and employment contracts.

• The financial requirement must be met for at least six months prior to the application if relying on employment income.

• If using savings, the funds must have been held for at least six months.

It's always a good idea to consult the official guidance on the UK Government's website or seek advice from an immigration specialist to ensure all criteria are met and properly documented.