Good news for UK immigration applicants as new £38,700 visa rule comes into force in 2025

The implementation of the plans, which require people to earn £38,700 a year before bringing their family to the UK, will now take place in two stages, with the initial increase to £29,000 coming into effect next spring, followed by the full increase in early 2025.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking in Lincoln, defended the decision, stressing the need for individuals to financially support their dependents when they bring them into the country as family members.

“The principle here is absolutely correct that if people are bringing dependents into this country as part of their family, they should be able to support them. We’re doing exactly what we said we were going to do. We’re just doing it in two stages. So it will go up in a few months and then the full amount will go up again in early 2025,” Sunak explained.

Sunak further justified the move by expressing concerns about the current high levels of immigration, stating, “Immigration levels are too high. They must be reduced.” The government’s decision to adjust the cap comes amid estimates of record net migration, reaching 745,000 in 2022.

Labor is expected to be tested on its stance on the proposed rules ahead of the next general election in January 2025.

The government’s announcement earlier this month, which included changes to family visas and a requirement for foreign workers to earn at least £38,700 for a UK skilled worker visa, was criticized for potential upheaval in households.

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who resigned over disagreements with Sunak’s approach to illegal immigration, stressed the need for the new visa rules to be implemented immediately to avoid a rush of applications under the current system.

The Home Office has confirmed that people renewing a family visa will not be subject to the new earnings limit.

While a government fact sheet suggested the £29,000 limit could contribute to a “low tens of thousands” of legal immigration reductions, critics, including Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, argued the government had failed to adequately consult on proposals and did not consider the impact on families.

As the details unfolded, a British citizen called Josie, who lived with her Italian husband in Ancona, Italy, expressed uncertainty about returning to the UK despite the late implementation of the £38,700 limit.

Josie, a scientist, cited policy flip-flopping as a factor eroding confidence, highlighting the UK’s appeal as a great place for scientists.