Government Review Proposes Relaxing UK Family Visa Rules

Key Takeaways

• MAC recommends lowering UK family visa income to £23,000-£25,000 per year from £29,000 since April 2024.
• Lower income threshold aims to help lower-paid workers and families reunite more easily in the United Kingdom.
• Government decides whether to accept MAC recommendations amid broader 2025 immigration reforms including work visa changes.

A major shift could soon be coming to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧’s family visa system. On June 9, 2025, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)—the government’s independent immigration advisor—published a review recommending that the minimum income requirement for a UK family visa be lowered to between £23,000 and £25,000 per year. This is a significant drop from the current threshold of £29,000, which was only introduced in April 2024. The government has not yet decided whether to accept these recommendations, but the review signals a possible easing of rules for British citizens and settled residents who want to bring their partners or family members to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

This news comes as part of a wider set of immigration reforms under the Labour government, which took office in summer 2024. The changes are part of a broader effort to balance economic needs, reduce net migration, and address concerns about fairness and family life.

Let’s break down what these recommendations mean, how the current system works, and what the future might hold for families hoping to reunite in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

What Did the Migration Advisory Committee Recommend?

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is a group of experts that advises the government on immigration policy. On June 9, 2025, the MAC released a detailed review of the minimum income requirement for UK family visas. This requirement is the amount of money a British citizen or settled resident must earn each year to sponsor a partner or family member to join them in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Key points from the MAC’s review:

• The MAC recommends setting the minimum income requirement between £23,000 and £25,000 per year.
• This is lower than the current threshold of £29,000, which was set in April 2024.
• The MAC’s analysis shows that most full-time workers earning the minimum wage would meet the new recommended threshold.
• The review aims to make it easier for British citizens and settled residents—especially those in lower-paid jobs—to bring their loved ones to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

The MAC’s recommendations are not law yet. The government must decide whether to accept and implement them. For now, the minimum income requirement remains at £29,000.

Why Is This Change Being Considered?

The push to review and possibly lower the minimum income requirement comes after years of criticism. Many people, including advocacy groups and legal experts, have called the high threshold a “tax on love.” They argue that it unfairly keeps families apart, especially those who work in lower-paid jobs or live outside expensive cities like London.

When the Labour government came to power in 2024, they promised to review the family visa system. The MAC’s review is part of this promise. The government’s May 2025 White Paper, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” outlined a plan to look at family visa rules before the end of 2025.

Why does the minimum income requirement matter?

• It decides who can bring their spouse, partner, or children to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
• If the requirement is too high, many families are forced to live apart.
• Lowering the threshold could help thousands of families reunite.

How Does the UK Family Visa System Work?

The UK family visa system is set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. It allows British citizens and people with settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain) to sponsor certain family members to join them in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Who can be sponsored?

• Spouses and civil partners
• Unmarried partners (if you’ve lived together for at least two years)
• Fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners
• Children under 18
• Adult dependent relatives (in very limited cases)

What are the main requirements?

• Minimum income requirement: The sponsor must show they earn at least the set amount per year (currently £29,000).
• English language: The applicant must meet English language standards.
• Accommodation: The sponsor must show they have suitable housing for the family.

How do you apply?

• Applications are made online using the official UK government website.
• You must provide documents showing your relationship, income, and other details.
• The main form for partners is the Appendix FM Partner Visa application.

How long does it take?

• The current standard processing time for family visa applications from outside the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is 12 weeks.
• You can apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date.

The History of the Minimum Income Requirement

The minimum income requirement was first introduced in 2012 at £18,600 per year. For over a decade, this amount stayed the same. However, in April 2024, the Conservative government raised the threshold to £29,000. They also announced plans to increase it further to £38,700 by early 2026.

These increases sparked strong criticism. Many people said the higher threshold would make it almost impossible for people in lower-paid jobs, young professionals, or those living outside London to bring their families to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

When the Labour government took office in 2024, they paused the planned increase to £38,700 and ordered the MAC to review the policy. The MAC’s June 2025 report is the result of that review.

What’s Happening with Other Immigration Rules?

The review of the UK family visa system is just one part of a much bigger set of immigration reforms. The government’s May 2025 White Paper, “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” introduced several important changes:

• Settlement for work visas: The time needed to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) on most work visas will increase from 5 years to 10 years.
• Work visa eligibility: Only jobs that require a university degree will qualify for most work visas.
• English language standards: Higher English language requirements for main applicants and, for the first time, for dependants.
• Life in the UK test: The government plans to review and update this test, which is required for settlement.
• Closing some visa routes: The Social Care Worker visa route will be closed.

It’s important to note that the settlement period for family visas is not changing. People on a UK family visa will still be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years in most cases, even though work visa holders will now have to wait 10 years.

Who Would Benefit from Lowering the Minimum Income Requirement?

If the government accepts the MAC’s recommendation to lower the minimum income requirement to between £23,000 and £25,000, it would make it easier for many people to sponsor family members. Here’s who would benefit most:

• People in lower-paid jobs: Many workers in sectors like retail, hospitality, and social care earn less than £29,000 but more than £23,000.
• Young professionals: Those early in their careers often do not meet the higher threshold.
• People outside London: Wages are generally lower outside the capital, so the current threshold is harder to meet.
• Part-time workers: People who work part-time due to caring for children or other reasons could qualify more easily.
• Families with children: The rules allow for higher income requirements if children are included, so a lower base threshold helps these families.

Example:
Sarah, a British citizen living in Manchester, works full-time in a supermarket and earns £24,000 per year. Under the current rules, she cannot sponsor her husband from India because she does not meet the £29,000 threshold. If the MAC’s recommendation is accepted, Sarah would qualify and could apply for a UK family visa for her husband.

What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?

The MAC’s recommendations have been welcomed by many immigration experts and campaigners. Advocacy groups have long argued that the high minimum income requirement is unfair and keeps families apart. Some groups are calling for the requirement to be scrapped altogether.

Social care sector:
Leaders in the social care sector are worried about other recent changes, especially the closure of the Social Care Worker visa and new restrictions on bringing dependants. They say these changes could make it even harder to fill thousands of job vacancies in care homes and hospitals.

Universities and students:
Universities are also watching these changes closely. In January 2024, new rules made it harder for international students to bring family members with them. This has already led to a big drop in both student and dependent visa applications.

VisaVerge.com reports that the MAC’s review is seen as a positive step by many, but there is still uncertainty about whether the government will act on the recommendations. Some experts warn that if the government keeps the threshold high, more families will be forced to live apart or move abroad.

What Happens Next?

The MAC’s review is just a recommendation. The government must now decide whether to accept it and change the law. The May 2025 White Paper promised a full review of family visa policies before the end of 2025, so more announcements are expected soon.

What should families do now?

• Stay informed: Watch for government updates on the official UK Visas and Immigration website.
• Check the current rules: The minimum income requirement is still £29,000 as of June 2025.
• Plan ahead: If you are thinking about applying for a UK family visa, gather your documents and check your income.
• Seek advice: Immigration rules can change quickly. Consider speaking to a qualified immigration adviser to understand your options.

Practical Steps for Applying for a UK Family Visa

If you are planning to apply for a UK family visa, here’s what you need to know:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the relationship, income, and accommodation requirements.
2. Gather documents: You will need proof of your relationship, income (such as payslips and bank statements), and suitable housing.
3. Apply online: Use the official UK family visa application page.
4. Pay the fees: Application fees and the immigration health surcharge must be paid when you apply. Check the latest amounts on the government website.
5. Wait for a decision: The standard processing time is 12 weeks for applications from outside the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Important:
If you mention any official forms, such as the Appendix FM Partner Visa application, always use the official government link to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.

What Are the Risks and Challenges?

While the MAC’s recommendations could help many families, there are still challenges:

• Uncertainty: The government has not yet said if it will accept the new lower threshold.
• Changing rules: Immigration policy can change quickly, so families must keep up to date.
• Complex requirements: Even with a lower income threshold, families must still meet strict rules on documents, English language, and accommodation.
• Impact on other groups: Some sectors, like social care and higher education, are worried about the impact of other immigration changes.

Conclusion: What Should Families Do Now?

The UK family visa system is at a crossroads. The MAC’s recommendation to lower the minimum income requirement could make it easier for thousands of families to reunite in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. However, until the government makes a final decision, the current threshold of £29,000 remains in place.

Actionable steps:

• Monitor official updates on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
• Check your income and documents to see if you qualify under current rules.
• Consider professional advice if you are unsure about your situation.
• Be prepared for changes—the government may announce new rules before the end of 2025.

For families separated by borders, these changes could bring hope. As analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests, the next few months will be crucial for anyone hoping to bring loved ones to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Stay informed, plan ahead, and use official resources to guide your next steps.

Learn Today

Migration Advisory Committee → Independent UK government group advising on immigration policy and rules like visa income requirements.
Minimum Income Requirement → The annual earnings a sponsor must demonstrate to bring family members via UK family visas.
UK Family Visa → Visa allowing UK citizens or settled residents to sponsor certain close family members to join them.
Indefinite Leave to Remain → A UK immigration status granting permanent residency, typically after five years on a family visa.
Appendix FM → Section of the UK Immigration Rules outlining eligibility and rules for family visa sponsorship.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK Migration Advisory Committee proposes reducing the family visa income minimum from £29,000 to £23,000–£25,000 annually, easing family reunifications, especially for lower-income earners. Pending government decision, this change signals potential relief after criticisms of the high income requirement and fits broader 2025 immigration reforms by the Labour government.
— By VisaVerge.com