Key Updates for UK Spouse Visas in 2026
If you’re planning to bring your spouse to the UK or join your partner, it’s important to understand the rules for UK spouse visas in 2026. These rules affect not just family life but also financial planning, work opportunities, and long-term settlement in the UK.
Minimum Income Requirement
- For new applicants not covered by transitional protection, the sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 per year.
- This threshold applies to most applicants applying after April 2025. Transitional protection applies to those who initially applied under the former £18,600 limit.
Five-Year Settlement Route
- Spouses of British citizens can still apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
- There are no confirmed changes to extend the five-year settlement route to ten years for spouses of British nationals.
Earned Settlement Consultation
- The UK government has proposed changes linking settlement eligibility more closely to economic contribution, particularly for dependents of work visa holders.
- Important: As of 2026, these proposals do not apply to spouses of British citizens. The £12,570 personal allowance threshold applies only to economic migrants’ dependents.
Section A: How the UK Spouse Visa Works
The rules in effect on the date of your application determine eligibility. Any income or ILR changes proposed in consultations won’t affect applications already submitted.
Recent changes to the rules include:
- Income requirement increase from £18,600 to £29,000 (April 2025).
- Stricter Home Office suitability checks and compliance verification.
These adjustments affect financial planning for families and make it more important to meet requirements accurately when applying.
Section B: What Has Changed Recently
- Income Threshold: £29,000 minimum for most new applicants.
- Transitional Protection: Applicants who applied under the old threshold can continue extensions and settlements based on £18,600.
- Suitability Checks: Increased scrutiny of past immigration compliance, criminal history, and documentation.
Note: No increase to £38,700 has been enacted yet.
Section C: UK Spouse Visa Rules in 2026
- The minimum income requirement remains £29,000.
- Five-year settlement route still applies for spouses of British citizens.
- Digital immigration and eVisa systems are being rolled out, but these do not change eligibility requirements.
Planning Tip: Always check your UKVI account for correct status to avoid issues during re-entry or visa renewals.
Section D: Earned Settlement Concerns
- Proposals for earned settlement could require dependents of work visa holders to show taxable income over £12,570 for ILR.
- Spouses of British citizens are exempt from this rule.
- Families should monitor changes, especially if the primary visa holder is on a Skilled Worker visa.
Section E: Key Advice for Nigerian Families
- Ensure your sponsoring partner meets the £29,000 income requirement.
- Check if transitional protection applies if your application is based on an older threshold.
- Consider timing carefully, especially if the government introduces future reforms.
- Legal guidance from a UK immigration consultant can help clarify your eligibility and settlement timeline.
Section F: Common Questions
- Have spouse visa rules changed in 2026?
No major updates; the £29,000 income requirement and five-year settlement remain. - Do spouses need to meet the £12,570 income threshold?
No. This only applies to dependents of economic migrants. - Will the five-year route become ten years?
Not for spouses of British citizens. Ten-year settlement plans only apply to certain work visa routes. - Can earned settlement changes affect spouses in the future?
Possibly, but there’s no confirmed law change yet. Planning ahead is key.
Section G: Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| UK spouse visa | Allows the partner of a British citizen or settled person to live in the UK, subject to relationship, financial, and suitability requirements. |
| Minimum income requirement | The sponsor must meet a financial threshold (£29,000 for most new applicants in 2026). |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residency status allowing a person to live and work in the UK without restrictions. |
| Earned settlement | Proposed reform linking settlement eligibility to economic contribution for work visa dependents. |
| Dependant | A partner or child of a main visa holder on a work visa, such as Skilled Worker. |
| Personal allowance threshold | Annual income at which income tax applies (£12,570). Relevant for earned settlement proposals. |
| Five-year settlement route | Current qualifying period for spouses of British citizens to apply for ILR, subject to financial, relationship, and suitability requirements. |
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