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Financial Requirements for Spouse/Partner Visa and ILR

Discussion in 'UK Visa and Immigration Help' started by Kuya, Sep 1, 2012.

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    Kuya The Geeky One Staff Member

    IMMIGRATION DIRECTORATE INSTRUCTIONS
    FAMILY MEMBERS UNDER APPENDIX FM OF THE IMMIGRATION RULES
    Annex FM Section FM 1.7
    FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT​

    SECTION CONTENTS
    1. Introduction
    1.2 Background
    2. Key operating principles of the financial requirement
    3. Calculating the financial requirement – children
    4. Overview: permitted sources for meeting the financial requirement
    5. Meeting the financial requirement
    5.1 Conversion of foreign currency
    5.2 Evidential flexibility
    5.3 Ways of meeting the financial requirement:
    5.3.1 Salaried employment for the last 6 months
    5.3.2 Salaried employment for less than the last 6 months
    5.3.3 Specified non-employment income
    5.3.4 Cash savings
    5.3.5 Pension and allowances
    5.3.6 Self-employment (last financial year)
    5.3.7 Self-employment (last two financial years)
    5.4 Further detail
    5.4.1 Earnings from salaried employment
    5.4.2 Earnings from self-employment
    5.4.3 Non-employment income
    5.4.4 Income sources that will not be counted
    5.4.5 Cash savings
    5.5 Specified evidence
    5.5.1 General
    5.5.2 Earnings from salaried employment
    5.5.3 Earnings from self-employment (partnership, sole trader, franchise)
    5.5.4 Earnings from self-employment (limited company based in the UK)
    5.5.5 Non-employment income
    5.5.6 Pension and allowances
    5.5.7 Cash savings
    6. Exemption from the financial requirement


    1. Introduction


    With effect from 9 July 2012, the Immigration Rules have been amended to introduce a financial requirement to be met by a person applying for leave to enter, leave to remain, further leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain in the UK on the basis of their family life with a person who is:

    -a British Citizen, or
    -present and settled in the UK, or
    -in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection.

    For the purpose of this guidance “applicant’s partner” means: an applicant’s fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same sex partner.

    An unmarried or same sex partner is a person who has been living with the applicant in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years prior to the date of application.

    For the purpose of this guidance, where the applicant is a child, references to “applicant’s partner” should be read as appropriate to mean the applicant’s parent’s partner and references to employment, income or cash savings of the “applicant” should be read as appropriate to mean the applicant’s parent.

    The financial requirement is applicable to those applying under the following provisions of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules:

    • EC-P (entry clearance/leave to enter as a partner),

    • R-LTRP (leave to remain as a partner),

    • R-IRLP (indefinite leave to remain as a partner),

    • EC-C (entry clearance/leave to enter for a child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain as a partner or parent),

    • R-LTR-C (leave to remain for a child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain as a partner or parent).

    The financial requirement only applies to those applying in the categories in Appendix FM set out above if paragraph EX.1 has not been applied. Where paragraph EX.1 applies, a financial requirement does not need to be met.

    The financial requirement only applies to those applying from 9 July 2012 under Part 8 of the rules under paragraph 314 (i)(a) and (d) unless both parents are settled and under paragraph 316A (i) (d) and (e).

    The financial requirement for the family route will not affect those migrants working or studying under the Points Based System who are able and wish to bring dependants to the UK under the Points Based System rules.

    An applicant who qualifies for an exemption from the financial requirement will be required to meet the existing maintenance requirement in the Immigration Rules, but without reliance on promises of third party support. For further information on exemptions from the financial requirement please refer to section 6, below.


    1.2 Background


    The family migration consultation conducted in 2011 proposed that the level of income for those sponsoring a non-EEA partner should represent what is needed to support them at a reasonable level that helps to ensure that they do not become a burden on the taxpayer and allows sufficient participation in everyday life to facilitate integration.

    The Migration Advisory Committee was commissioned by the Government to advise on what the minimum income threshold should be for sponsoring a partner and dependants in order to ensure that the sponsor can support them independently without them becoming a burden on the State.

    In the light of the Committee's advice, the financial requirement to sponsor the settlement in the UK of a non-EEA partner has been set at a minimum gross annual income of £18,600 for a British citizen, a person settled in the UK or (in respect of a partner with whom they formed a relationship after they left the country in which they were resident) a person in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection.

    There will be a higher threshold to sponsor a child under the age of 18 before the applicant reaches settlement: £22,400 for one child in addition to the applicant and an additional £2,400 for each further child.

    The relevant minimum income level will apply at every application stage: entry clearance/leave to remain, further leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain (settlement). Where a child is also sponsored, the relevant higher level will apply until the migrant partner qualifies for settlement, even if the child turns 18 before then.

    Where it applies, the new financial requirement replaces the existing maintenance requirement in the Immigration Rules. The applicant must also provide evidence of adequate accommodation.

    The new financial requirement reflects the level of income at which a couple, taking account of the number of children they have, generally cease to be able to access income-related benefits. This means that financially they can support themselves and the migrant’s integration without becoming a burden on the taxpayer.

    It is recognised that £18,600 (or the higher level for children) is not a determinant of a couple’s eligibility for income-related benefits in every case. There is no single number which can provide this, but a single threshold provides clarity and simplicity, consistent with a fair, transparent and predictable immigration system.

    The purpose is not to draw up a personal financial balance sheet for each couple (outgoings, credit card and other debts, mortgage, etc), but to take £18,600 (or the higher level for children) as a benchmark for financial stability and independence on the part of the partner or the couple. Circumstances may change over time, so they will be reassessed when the applicant applies for further leave to remain and for indefinite leave to remain.

    We expect to review the level of the financial requirement annually.


    2. Key operating principles of the financial requirement



    The previous maintenance requirement for family members has been replaced by the new financial requirement under Appendix FM.

    i. Applicants must meet the minimum gross annual income of £18,600 (or the relevant higher figure where a child or children are also being sponsored).

    ii. This can include the employment income of the applicant’s partner and the applicant (excluding the applicant’s at the entry clearance stage) and the non-employment and pension income, and income from certain contributory benefits, of the applicant’s partner and the applicant.

    iii. Cash savings above £16,000 (the level generally disqualifying a person from income-related benefits) can be used to meet all or part of the financial requirement, if they have been held by the applicant’s partner or the applicant for at least 6 months prior to the application and are under their control. The cash savings can have originated from a third party as a gift, but they must not be a loan.

    iv. Promises of support from a third party cannot be counted towards the financial requirement. The applicant and their partner must have the required resources under their own control, not somebody else’s. Promises of support from a third party are vulnerable to a change in that person’s circumstances or in the applicant’s or partner’s relationship with them.

    v. The applicant has to demonstrate and evidence the income/savings required to meet the financial requirement applicable to their application. They do not need to provide information in the first instance about any income/savings which they and/or the partner may have beyond this. However, caseworkers may request further information and evidence where they have concerns about the credibility of the application or supporting evidence submitted with it.

    vi. The applicant must meet:

    -The level of the financial requirement applicable to their application; and
    -The requirements specified in this guidance as to (a) the permitted sources of income/savings; (b) the time periods applicable to the associated employment, other income, assets and cash savings; and (c) the evidence required for each source.

    If any of these requirements is not met, the application will fall for refusal.

    vii. The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that the financial requirement is met in their case. Where they have not done so on the basis of the information and documentation they have submitted, the application for the 5-year family route to settlement will be refused. Caseworkers will not generally be expected to make further enquiries or request further information in an effort to establish whether the financial requirement is met.

    viii. Caseworkers have discretion to rectify minor errors in an otherwise compliant application, e.g. where the applicant has made a simple arithmetical error in adding up properly evidenced figures in the application form, or where the application would meet the financial requirement except that a piece of specified evidence is missing (e.g. one bank statement in a series) and contact with the applicant establishes that this can be submitted quickly. If the applicant fails to send the specified document(s) within the requested time period, the application will fall for refusal. Caseworkers will follow an approach akin to that on evidential flexibility under the Points Based System (see section 5.2).

    ix. Caseworkers have discretion to make further enquiries or request further information or evidence if the financial requirement appears to be met, but where they have concerns about the credibility of the information or evidence submitted and require further information or evidence in order to make a properly evidenced decision on the application. Under GEN.1.5 of Appendix FM, where caseworkers have reasonable cause to doubt the genuineness of any document submitted in support of an application and, having taken reasonable steps to verify the document, are unable to verify that it is genuine, the document will be discounted for the purposes of the application.

    x. Caseworkers will be able to refuse the application if they have evidence that the applicant or partner has deceived them as to the level and/or source of income, has tried to do so, or has withheld relevant information, e.g. that the cash savings relied upon are a loan. Caseworkers will also be able to refuse an application if they are told by the applicant, or establish, that the applicant’s or applicant’s partner’s circumstances have changed materially since the point of application, such that the applicant does not meet the requirements.

    xi. Caseworkers must not exercise any discretion or flexibility with regard to the level of the financial requirement: £18,600 (or the relevant higher figure for a child or children) is the amount to be met in all cases. It is a matter of public policy to introduce a financial requirement based on an income threshold for the sponsorship of partners and children, and a threshold means a threshold: it must be clear and consistent in all cases.

    xii. The financial requirement will be reassessed when the applicant applies for further leave to remain and for indefinite leave to remain.


    3. Calculating the financial requirement – children


    Reflecting the education and other costs arising in such cases, there will be a higher financial requirement where the application includes a child applicant at the same time, or at any time before the applicant reaches settlement.

    The higher level of income threshold applicable will be determined by the number of children being applied for at the point of application.

    As advised by the Migration Advisory Committee, additional gross annual income of £3,800 will be required for the first child sponsored in addition to the applicant and an additional £2,400 for each further child. The financial requirement will therefore be for example:

    • 1 child in addition to the applicant – £22,400.

    • 2 children in addition to the applicant – £24,800.

    • 3 children in addition to the applicant – £27,200.

    If the higher financial requirement and other requirements are met, the child or children will be granted leave in line with the applicant. If the migrant partner and child or children are applying to come to the UK together, and the higher financial requirement and other requirements are not met, all the applicants will be refused.

    The higher financial requirement will apply to biological children, step-children (in certain circumstances), adopted children (in certain circumstances, including de facto adoptions), and children coming for the purpose of adoption who are subject to immigration control and applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Appendix FM or the paragraphs of Part 8 set out in section 1, above.

    The higher financial requirement will continue to apply until the migrant partner achieves settlement on the 5-year family route. This will be the case even if the child turns 18 before the parent qualifies for indefinite leave to remain: the higher level of financial requirement will continue to apply, unless the 18+ year old has been granted immigration status in their own right, e.g. as a student.

    If they are continuing to attract the application of the higher level of financial requirement, the 18+ year old’s income and savings will be permitted to count towards the financial requirement.

    The financial requirement will not apply to a child who:

    • Is a British citizen (including an adopted child who acquires British citizenship);

    • Is an EEA national (except where a non-EEA spouse or partner is being accompanied or joined by the EEA child of a former relationship who does not have a right to be admitted to the UK under the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006);

    • Is settled in the UK or who qualifies for indefinite leave to enter; or

    • Qualifies otherwise under Part 8 of the Immigration Rules in a category to which the requirement does not apply.


    4. Overview: permitted sources for meeting the financial requirement


    The applicant will be able to meet the financial requirement for entry clearance, leave to remain, further leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain through one or more of the following sources:

    • Income from employment or self-employment of the partner and/or the applicant if or once they are in the UK with permission to work. (This means that the applicant’s earnings from employment or self-employment are excluded at the entry clearance stage. There is also scope for the applicant’s partner, if they have been working overseas, to count the income from a confirmed job offer in the UK).

    • Specified non-employment income of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant.

    • State (UK or foreign) or private pension of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant

    • Any Maternity Allowance and bereavement benefits received in the UK by the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant.

    • Cash savings of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant, above £16,000, held by the partner and/or the applicant for at least 6 months and under their control.

    • Income and cash savings of a dependent child of the applicant once the child has turned 18 years of age.

    • Exemption from the financial requirement, where the applicant’s partner is in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance in the UK.


    5. Meeting the financial requirement


    In addition to the key operating principles set out above, in all cases:

    • All employment and income must be lawful, and all cash savings must be lawfully derived.

    • Caseworkers must only accept the documents specified in the Immigration Rules and guidance.

    • Any documentary evidence must be the original (not a copy) unless indicated otherwise in any UKBA form or guidance.

    • Where a document is not in English or Welsh, the original must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator. This translation must include details of the translator’s credentials and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document. It must also be dated and include the original signature of the translator.

    • Where the gross (pre-tax) amount of any income cannot be properly evidenced, the net (post-tax) amount will be counted towards the gross requirement.

    • Income can be paid into, or cash savings held in, any bank account in the name of the applicant, the applicant’s partner or both jointly (but not in the name of, or jointly with, a third party), provided that (a) the financial institution is regulated by the appropriate regulatory body for the country in which that institution is operating; and (b) the financial institution does not appear on the list of excluded institutions under the rules of the Points Based System.


    5.1 Conversion of foreign currency


    Income or cash savings in a foreign currency will be converted to pounds sterling (£) using the closing spot exchange rate which appears on www.oanda.com on the date of application. Where there is income or cash savings in different foreign currencies, each will be converted into pounds sterling (£) before being added together, and then added to any UK income or savings, to give a total amount.


    5.2 Evidential flexibility


    The caseworker should normally refuse an application which does not provide the specified document(s). However, where document(s) have been submitted, but not as specified, and the caseworker considers that, if the specified document(s) were submitted, it would result in a grant of leave, they should contact the applicant or their representative in writing or otherwise to request the document(s) be submitted within a reasonable timeframe.

    Examples of documents submitted not as specified include:

    • A document missing from a series, e.g. a bank statement;

    • A document in the wrong format; or

    • A document that is a copy rather than the original.

    If the applicant does not submit the document(s) as requested, the caseworker may refuse the application.
    Where the specified document(s) cannot be supplied (e.g. because they are not available in a particular country or have been permanently lost), the caseworker has discretion not to apply the requirement for the specified document(s) or to request alternative or additional information or documents be submitted by the applicant.


    5.3 Ways of meeting the financial requirement


    Where the applicant is not exempt, the financial requirement can be met in one of the 7 ways set out in 5.3.1-5.3.7:


    5.3.1 Category A: salaried employment for the last 6 months



    Where the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work) is in salaried employment at the point of application and has been with the same employer for at least the last 6 months, the applicant can count the gross annual salary (at its lowest level in those 6 months) towards the financial requirement.

    If necessary to meet the level of the financial requirement applicable to the application, the applicant can add to this:

    • The gross amount of any specified non-employment income received by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12 months prior to the application, provided they continue to own the relevant asset (e.g. property, shares) at the date of application;

    • An amount based on the cash savings above £16,000 held by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly for at least the 6 months prior to the application and under their control. At the entry clearance/initial leave to remain stage and the further leave stage, the amount above £16,000 must be divided by 2.5 (to reflect the 2.5 year or 30-month period before the applicant will have to make a further application) to give the amount which can be added to income. At the indefinite leave to remain stage, the whole of the amount above £16,000 can be added to income; and/or

    • The gross annual income received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant from any State (UK or foreign) or private pension.
    Where the applicant’s partner is returning with the applicant to the UK to work
    In addition, where the applicant’s partner is returning with the applicant to the UK to work, the partner must have confirmed salaried employment to return to in the UK (starting within 3 months of their return). This must have an annual starting salary sufficient to meet the financial requirement applicable to the application, alone or in combination with any or all of the items in 5.3.1.


    5.3.2 Category B: salaried employment for less than the last 6 months



    Under Category B, the financial requirement must be evidenced in two parts.

    First, where the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work) is in salaried employment at the date of application and has been with the same employer for less than the last 6 months, the applicant can count the gross annual salary at the date of application towards the financial requirement.

    If necessary to meet the level of the financial requirement applicable to the application, the applicant can add to this:

    • The gross amount of any specified non-employment income received by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12 months prior to the application, provided they continue to own the relevant asset (e.g. property, interest from shares) at the date of application;

    • An amount based on the cash savings above £16,000 held by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly for at least the 6 months prior to the application and under their control. At the entry clearance/initial leave to remain stage and the further leave stage, the amount above £16,000 must be divided by 2.5 (to reflect the 2.5 year or 30-month period before the applicant will have to make a further application) to give the amount which can be added to income. At the indefinite leave to remain stage, the whole of the amount above £16,000 can be added to income; and/or

    • The gross annual income from any State (UK or foreign) or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant.
    Second, the couple must in addition have received in the 12 months prior to the application the level of income required to meet the financial requirement applicable to it, based on:

    • The gross salaried employment income of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work);

    • The gross amount of any specified non-employment income received by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly;

    • The gross amount of any State (UK or foreign) or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant; and/or

    • The gross amount of any UK Maternity Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant.

    Where the applicant’s partner is returning with the applicant to the UK to work Category B operates differently where the applicant’s partner is returning with the applicant to the UK to work. The partner does not have to be in employment at the date of application.

    First, the couple returning to the UK must have received in the 12 months prior to the application the level of income required to meet the financial requirement applicable to it, based on:

    • The gross salaried employment income overseas of the applicant’s partner;

    • The gross amount of any specified non-employment income received by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly;

    • The gross amount of any State (UK or foreign) or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant; and/or

    • The gross amount of any UK Maternity Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant.

    Second, the applicant’s partner must in addition have confirmed salaried employment to return to in the UK (starting within 3 months of their return). This must have an annual starting salary sufficient to meet the financial requirement applicable to the application, alone or in combination with any or all of the items in 5.3.1.


    5.3.3 Category C: specified non-employment income


    The specified non-employment income (excluding pension and allowances under Category E) the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant has received in the 12 months prior to the application can count towards the financial requirement applicable to it, provided they continue to own the relevant asset (e.g. property, shares) at the date of application.

    This income can also be used in combination with other categories as described.


    5.3.4 Category D: cash savings


    An amount based on the cash savings above £16,000 held by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly for at least 6 months prior to the application and under their control can count towards the financial requirement applicable to it.
    At the entry clearance/initial leave to remain stage and the further leave stage, the amount above £16,000 must be divided by 2.5 (to reflect the 2.5 year or 30-month period before the applicant will have to make a further application) to give the amount which can be used.
    At the indefinite leave to remain stage, the whole of the amount above £16,000 can be used.
    The amount based on cash savings can also be used in combination with other categories as described.


    5.3.5. Category E: pension and allowances


    The gross annual income from any State (UK Basic State Pension and Additional or Second State Pension, or foreign) or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant can count towards the financial requirement applicable to the application. The annual amount may be counted where the pension has become a source of income at least 28 days prior to the application. This income can also be used in combination with other categories as described.

    The gross amount of any State (UK or foreign) or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant in the 12 months prior to the application can be used, alone or in combination with other income, for that period as described.
    The gross amount of any UK Maternity Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant in the 12 months prior to the application can be used in combination with other income for that period as described.


    5.3.6 Category F: self-employment (last financial year)


    The applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work) is in self-employment at the point of application and in the last full financial year received self-employment and other income (salaried, specified non-employment and pension) sufficient to meet the financial requirement applicable to the application.

    Cash savings cannot be used in combination with Category F.


    5.3.7 Category G: self-employment (last two financial years)


    The applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work) is in self-employment at the point of application and as an average of the last two full financial years received self-employment and other income (salaried, specified non-employment and pension) sufficient to meet the financial requirement applicable to the application.

    Cash savings cannot be used in combination with Category G.


    5.4 Further detail


    5.4.1 In respect of earnings from salaried employment:


    • Employment can be full-time or part-time.

    • Employment can be permanent, a fixed-term contract or with an agency.

    • Where the applicant and the applicant’s partner are in the UK, the applicant’s partner may work overseas, subject to the applicant’s partner being settled in the UK and the couple intending to live together permanently in the UK.

    • The applicant’s partner and/or the applicant in the UK must be in employment at the required level of income at the date of application (except, in Category B, where, at the entry clearance stage, the applicant’s partner is returning to the UK with the applicant to work).

    • Moving to another position with the same employer does not restart the 6-month period over which employment at the required salary level can be demonstrated, provided the employment is paid at at least the level of salary on which the application relies throughout that period. That period will restart where the applicant’s partner or the applicant changes employer.

    • In respect of an equity partner, e.g. in a law firm, the income they draw from the partnership will be treated as salaried income under Category A and Category B (5.3.1-5.3.2). Where the applicant’s partner is returning with the applicant to the UK to join an equity partnership in the UK within 3 months of their return, that will be treated as salaried employment under Category A and Category B.

    • When assessing salary, basic pay, plus skills-based allowances and UK location-based allowances (e.g. London weighting), will be counted as income. Any such allowances must form part of the contracted salary package and, if they exceed 30% of the total salary, only the amount which would correspond to 30% of the total salary will be counted towards the financial requirement.

    • UK and overseas travel, subsistence and accommodation allowances, and allowances relating to the additional cost of living overseas, will not be counted.

    • Overtime, commission-based pay and bonuses will be counted as earnings from salaried employment.

    • Where the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant (if they are in the UK with permission to work) is in receipt of maternity, paternity, adoption or sick pay, the relevant date for considering the time period for the employment will be the date of commencement of the maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave, not the date of application. So:

    -Under Category A, the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant must have been in the salaried employment for the 6 months prior to the commencement of the maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave, and can count the gross annual salary (at its lowest level in those 6 months) towards the financial requirement, alone or in combination with any or all of the items in 5.3.1.

    -Under Category B, the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant can count the gross annual salary at the date of commencement of the maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave towards the financial requirement, alone or in combination with any or all of the items in 5.3.2, and must have received in the 12 months prior to the commencement of the maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave the level of income required to meet the financial requirement, based on the items in 5.3.2.

    -But, under Category A and Category B, the relevant period for cash savings to be held, where these can be used under those categories, will remain the period of at least 6 months prior to the application.


    5.4.2 In respect of earnings from self-employment:


    • There must be evidence of ongoing self-employment at the date of application.

    • In demonstrating the required level of income to meet the financial requirement, earnings from self-employment can be combined with income from another source(s), including salaried employment, for the relevant financial year(s).

    • The applicant’s partner (or the applicant where they are in the UK) must be registered as self-employed in the UK.

    • Employment can be cash-in-hand if the correct tax is paid.

    • Where the self-employed person is a sole trader or is in a partnership or franchise agreement, the income will be the gross taxable profits from their share of the business. Allowances or deductable expenses which are not taxed will not be counted towards income.

    • Where the self-employed person has set up their own registered company and is listed as a director of that company, the income that will be assessed will be any salary drawn from the post-tax profits of the company.


    5.4.3. In respect of non-employment sources of income:


    • This must be in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly.

    • The relevant asset (e.g. shares, property) must be held by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly at the date of application.

    • Property rental income: The property, in the UK or overseas, must be owned by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly, and must not be their main residence (and therefore income from a lodger in that residence cannot be counted). If the applicant’s partner or applicant shares ownership of the property with a third party, only income received from the applicant’s partner’s and/or applicant’s share of the property can be counted. Income from property which is rented out for only part of the year (e.g. a holiday let) can be counted. The equity in a property cannot be used to meet the financial requirement.

    • Dividends or other income from investments, stocks and shares, bonds or trust funds: These must be owned by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly.

    • Interest from savings: The savings must be held in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly.

    • Maintenance payments from a former partner in relation to the applicant and former partner’s child or children dependent on and cared for by the applicant can be counted as a source of non-employment income.


    5.4.4. Income from the following sources will not be counted towards the financial requirement:


    • Any subsidy or promised financial support from a third party (other than maintenance payments from a former partner in relation to the applicant and former partner’s child or children dependent on and cared for by the applicant).

    • Income from others who live in the same household (except any dependent child of the applicant who has turned 18 and continues to be counted towards the higher income threshold the applicant has to meet until they qualify for settlement on the 5-year family route).

    • Loans and credit facilities.

    • Income-related benefits: Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

    • The following contributory benefits: contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

    • Child Benefit.

    • Working Tax Credit.

    • Child Tax Credit.

    • Any other source of income not specified as counting towards the financial requirement.


    5.4.5 In respect of the use of cash savings to meet any shortfall against the income threshold under the financial requirement:


    • To be counted, the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly must have cash savings of more than £16,000 (the level of savings at which a person generally ceases to be eligible for income-related benefits), held by the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly (but not with a third party) for at least 6 months at the date of application and under their control.

    • The amount of cash savings above £16,000 can be counted against any shortfall against the £18,600 income threshold (or the relevant higher figure where a child or children are also being sponsored).

    • This will be done on a basis that either multiplies the amount of the shortfall by 2.5 – the probationary period (30 months or 2.5 years) to be served before the applicant has to apply for further limited leave or for indefinite leave to remain – or, at the indefinite leave to remain stage, is equal to the amount of the shortfall.

    • For example, where the applicant’s partner and applicant have no income which may be counted towards the financial requirement, £62,500 in cash savings will be required for the financial requirement to be met at the entry clearance/leave to remain stage or at the further leave stage, i.e. the ‘floor’ amount of £16,000, plus 2.5 times the shortfall of £18,600. At the indefinite leave to remain stage, the same couple will require £34,600 in cash savings to meet the financial requirement by that means alone, i.e. the ‘floor’ amount of £16,000, plus the shortfall of £18,600.

    • The level of savings required to meet the shortfall income must be based on the level of employment-related and/or other income at the date of application.

    • The following table sets out some examples where £18,600 is the level of income threshold which applies:


    [TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
    [TR]
    [TD]Income (£)[/TD]
    [TD]Leave to enter/remain:[/TD]
    [TD]Further leave to remain:
    Savings required[/TD]
    [TD]Indefinite leave to remain:
    Savings required[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]No income[/TD]
    [TD]£62,500
    (16k+ (18,600 x 2.5)) [/TD]
    [TD]£62,500
    (16k+ (18,600 x 2.5))[/TD]
    [TD]£34,600
    (16k+ 18,600)[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Income of £15,000[/TD]
    [TD]£25,000
    (16k+ (3,600 x 2.5))[/TD]
    [TD]£25,000
    (16k+ (3,600 x 2.5))[/TD]
    [TD]£19,600
    (16k+ 3,600)[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Income of £18,000[/TD]
    [TD]£17,500
    (16k+ (600 x 2.5))[/TD]
    [TD]£17,500
    (16k+ (600 x 2.5))[/TD]
    [TD]£16,600
    (16k+ 600)[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]

    • The source of the cash savings must be declared. Any legal source, including a family member or other third party, will be permitted, provided that the applicant’s partner, the applicant or couple (as appropriate) can confirm that the money – which cannot be borrowed – is under their control.

    • The cash savings may be held in any form of bank/savings account, provided that the account allows the savings to be accessed immediately (with or without a penalty for withdrawing funds without notice). In the US (and any other country with such provision), this can include, for those of retirement age, savings held in a pension savings accounts which can be immediately withdrawn: 401k, Roth IRA.

    • Paid out competition winnings or a legacy which has been received can contribute to cash savings.


    5.5 Specified evidence


    The following specified evidence must be provided in support of an application using that source(s) to meet the financial requirement.


    5.5.1 In respect of the required evidence:


    • This must be in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both, as appropriate.

    • All the evidence set out in each category below must be provided unless otherwise stated.

    • For employment-related earnings, bank statements covering the period(s) of employment relied upon must be provided.

    • For non-employment income, only those bank statements which show the income being relied upon need to be provided.


    5.5.2 In respect of salaried employment, all of the following must be submitted:


    • P60 (if this has been issued) and wage slips for the 6-month period prior to the application, or as appropriate, for the 12-month period prior to the application.

    • Letter from the employer confirming the person’s employment and annual salary, the length of their employment (and the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application), and the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency).

    • A signed contract of employment.

    • Bank statements corresponding to the same period as the wage slips, showing that the salary has been paid into the person’s account.
    For a job offer in the UK (applicant’s partner returning to work in the UK):

    • Letter from the employer confirming the job offer and salary or enclosing a signed contract of employment, to commence within 3 months of the applicant’s partner’s return to the UK.

    For statutory/contractual maternity/paternity/adoption pay (in the UK):

    • P60 and wage slips for the 6-month (Category A) or 12-month (Category B) period prior to commencement of the maternity/paternity/adoption leave.

    • Letter from employer confirming the length of the person’s employment, gross annual salary (and the period over which it has been paid at this level), entitlement to maternity/paternity/adoption leave, and date of commencement and end-date of the maternity/paternity/adoption leave.

    For statutory/contractual sick pay (in the UK):

    • P60 and wage slips for the 6-month (Category A) or 12-month (Category B) period prior to commencement of the sick leave.

    • Letter from employer confirming the length of the person’s employment, gross annual salary (and the period over which it has been paid at this level), that the person is in receipt of statutory/contractual sick pay, and the date of commencement of the sick leave.


    5.5.3 In respect of self-employment – partnership, sole trader, franchise: evidence of all of the following must be submitted:


    • The amount of tax payable for the last financial year; the amount of tax paid for the last financial year; and the amount of any unpaid tax for the last financial year.

    • Latest annual self-assessment tax return to HMRC and Statement of Account (SA300 or SA302). If necessary, the same for the previous financial year if the latest return does not show the necessary level of income, but the average of the last 2 financial years does.

    • Proof of registration with HMRC as self-employed. Proof of registration must be original or certified copy of documentation issued by HMRC only.

    • Each partner’s Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR) and/or the UTR of the partnership or business.

    • Where the person holds or held a separate business bank account(s), monthly bank statements for the same 12-month period as the tax return(s).

    • Monthly personal bank statements for the same 12-month period as the tax return(s). These statements must show that the income from self-employment has been paid into the person’s account.

    • Evidence of ongoing self-employment: for self-employed persons, evidence of payment of Class 2 National Insurance contributions. For Directors, Current Appointment Reports from Companies House.

    One of the following documents must also be submitted:

    • Organisation’s latest annual audited accounts with the name of the accountant clearly shown. The accountant must be a member of an accredited accounting body (CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, etc).

    • Certificate of VAT registration and latest VAT return confirming VAT registration number if turnover in excess of £73,000.

    • Evidence to show appropriate planning permission or local planning authority consent is held to operate the type/class of business at the trading address (where this is a local authority requirement).

    • Franchise agreement signed by both parties. This is a mandatory document for any organisation that is a franchise.


    5.5.4 In respect of self-employment – limited company based in the UK: all of the following must be submitted:


    • Evidence of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House.

    • Latest Notice to file a Company Tax Return – CT603 and Company Tax Return – CT600. Both parts must be supplied.

    • Organisation’s latest audited annual accounts with the name of the accountant clearly shown. The accountant must be a member of an accredited accounting body (CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, etc).

    • Monthly corporate/business bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the tax return(s).

    • Monthly personal bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the tax return(s). These statements must show that the income from self-employment has been paid into the person’s account.

    • Evidence of ongoing self-employment: for self-employed persons, evidence of payment of Class 2 National Insurance contributions. For Directors, Current Appointment Reports from Companies House.

    One of the following documents must also be submitted:

    • Certificate of VAT registration and latest VAT return confirming VAT registration number if turnover in excess of £73,000.

    • Proof of ownership or lease of business premises.

    • Proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for the purposes of PAYE and National Insurance. Proof of PAYE Reference Number and Accounts Office Reference Number. Evidence of registration must be original or certified copy of documentation issued by HMRC only.

    • Proof of registration with the London Stock Exchange or with an international stock exchange approved by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. This is a mandatory document for a company registered on the London Stock Exchange or an FSA-approved international stock exchange.


    5.5.5 In respect of non-employment income:


    Property rental income:

    • Evidence confirming that the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant owns the property for which the rental income is received, e.g. title deeds of the property (if held), mortgage statement.

    • All bank statements required to show the income relied upon was paid into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12-month period prior to the application.

    • Rental agreement, e.g. tenancy agreement, contract.

    Dividends or other income from investments, stocks and shares, bonds or trust funds:

    • Certificate showing proof of ownership and amount of investment.

    • Portfolio report (for a financial institution regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK).

    • All bank statements required to show the income relied upon was paid into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12-month period prior to the application.

    • Profits from the sale of investments can contribute to cash savings and will not be treated as income from investments.
    Interest from savings:

    • Bank statements showing the amount of the savings held by the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant and that the interest has been paid into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12-month period prior to the application.
    Maintenance payments (from a former partner to maintain their and the applicant’s child or children):

    • Evidence of maintenance agreement, e.g. court order, voluntary agreement, Child Support Agency documentation.

    • All bank statements required to show the income relied upon was paid into the applicant’s account in the 12-month period prior to the application.


    5.5.6 In respect of State or private pension:


    • Official documentation from HMRC (in respect of the Basic State Pension and the Additional or Second State Pension), an overseas pension authority, and/or a pension company confirming pension entitlement and amount.

    • At least one bank statement showing payment of the pension into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly.


    In respect of one or more of UK Maternity Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance:

    • Department for Work and Pensions documentation confirming the applicant’s partner (or, where they have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions, the applicant) is or was in receipt of the benefit.

    • All bank statements required to show the income relied upon was paid into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly in the 12-month period prior to the application.


    5.5.7 In respect of cash savings:


    • All bank statements required to show the cash savings have been held in an account in the name of the applicant’s partner, the applicant or both jointly for at least the 6-month period prior to the application.


    6. Exemption from the financial requirement


    Where the applicant’s partner is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or any of the following disability-related benefits in the UK, the applicant is exempt from the new financial requirement in respect of that application stage:

    • Disability Living Allowance.

    • Severe Disablement Allowance.

    • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

    • Attendance Allowance.

    To evidence their exemption the applicant must provide:

    • Official documentation from HMRC confirming the applicant’s partner’s entitlement and the amount received.

    • At least one bank statement showing payment of the benefit or allowance into an account in the name of the applicant’s partner.

    The applicant is required to demonstrate that they will be adequately maintained without recourse to public funds and without relying on promises of third party support. The relevant guidance is set out in IDI Chapter 8 section 1.7a.

    The new financial requirement will apply at the next application stage if the applicant does not remain exempt from it.

    The basis for and operation of the new financial requirement will be reviewed in line with the implementation of the Government’s welfare reforms. These include the introduction of Personal Independence Payment from April 2013 and the roll-out of Universal Credit from October 2013. In particular, before April 2013 the Government will review the treatment under the financial requirement of disabled people and carers, with a view to ensuring that the basis for and operation of the financial requirement properly reflects the Government’s welfare reforms. Any changes will be announced in due course, but an applicant – sponsored by a person in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance – who will be exempt from the financial requirement from 9 July 2012 cannot expect that they will necessarily remain exempt from April 2013.

    • Agree Agree x 3
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  2. SINGERS
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    SINGERS Member

    The whole process fills most Citizens with dread - No doubt.


    This is interesting and adds a human/compassionate touch. IMO
    6. Exemption from the financial requirement
    Where the applicant’s partner is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or any of the following disability-related benefits in the UK, the applicant is exempt from the new financial requirement in respect of that application stage: • Disability Living Allowance.

    Tom
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  3. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    The sponsor still has to prove adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds.
    Means just the same as pre July 9th rules, but this time without third party support.
    Exemption and 'old-rules' maintenance and accommodation will still need to be demostrated during the 5 year process including at ILR.
    The new welfare reforms look to be a danger for this exemption route too.

    It was certainly a welcomed and just exemption but is also rather fragile. Unfortunately.
  4. ad4ms3
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    ad4ms3 Member

    The more i read about financial requirements the more it stresses me. My gross annual salary on my last P60 is just above 18600 pounds so I fit into the category A. But still I dont really understand saving issues, how much savings is required? How much should I have left on my account after all payments (direct debits, standing orders)? Saving £16k from my salary is a dream that will never come true..
  5. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Yes, there are numerous twists and turns in this Financial Requirement.
    Which in my personal opinion is an absolutely disgrace.
    But anyways until someone will challenge the UKBA in the courts, the rules will not change.

    As you realise, you need to prove you have earnings equivalent to a minimum of £18000 per year.
    This threshold needs to be proven in very specific (and some would say illogical) methods.

    It really depends on which category you will select.
    Most folks will come under 5.3.1 Category A: salaried employment for the last 6 months
    Now just be sure that you have 6 months payslips and that the one with the lowest amount of pay is going to meet the minimum (ie £1550 minimum) as that's the one that UKBA will use for the base calculation.
    Talk about small print eh.
  6. ad4ms3
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    ad4ms3 Member

    Is your example of £1550 a gross pay? Court challenge takes years, I don' even want to think how costly it will be..
    By the way.. I noticed just now that on my payslip are two payments: first one is total payment and second one taxable payment (total payment - pension). Which one will be taken towards my application?
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2012
  7. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Gross payment only. No deductions.
    BTW, I understood from your previous posts that you qualify as a EU citizen claiming Treaty Rights here in UK. Means Family Permit, means free of charge, means no Financial Requirement, means no English Language test, etc etc

    Maybe I misunderstood something?
  8. ad4ms3
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    ad4ms3 Member

    You see, it is all confusing..
    What does ukba mean by a person who is present and settled in the UK?
  9. Kuya
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    Kuya The Geeky One Staff Member

    Be careful with 6 months worth of pay slips as the UKBA will take the lowest paid of those 6 and multiply it by 12 to come to a yearly figure! This would mean that I would fail if I just sent in 6 months as I get quarterly bonuses and work overtime when I can (doing 12 hour days this week). So, for me personally, I need to submit 12 months worth of payslips and 12 months worth of bank statements to show that I am in control of that income.

    But most importantly for me is:

    In effect, if you earned over £18,600 in the last year and are likely to earn the same or more - a pass on finances must follow!
  10. ad4ms3
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    ad4ms3 Member

    It is really unfair as I work different shift pattern (I'm working in the hospital). I am being paid more on night and weekend shifts. If I don't do any weekends (I'm doing set of nights every month) my salary is not that high.. and sometimes it does not exceed £1550, but overall on my P60 gross annual pay is over 18600 pounds.. In this case I will have to follow Kuya's advice to provide payslips and bank statements from the past 12 months..

    By the way I will re-post my previous question just in case it would be missed: what does ukba mean by a person who is present and settled in the UK?
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2012
  11. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Be very careful Kuya.................
    if you have been employed by the same employer for 6 months or more then the reckoning is based on the current level of gross income or the lowest of 6 months of payslips only. Not 12 months of payslips totals

    if you have been employed by the same employer for less than 6 months then you are allowed to be accepted on current pay at the time of application and the previous 12 months earned income.

    Lot's of twists and turns await many.
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2012
  12. Kuya
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    Kuya The Geeky One Staff Member

    True. Just to clarify I am submitting 12 months worth of information because my basic salary is less than the required £18,600 but for the last 2 years I have earned over that threshold but mainly due to bonuses and overtime. So, to play it safe I am going to provide extra details to minimise the likelihood of a rejection.
  13. Gorgoeuswifey
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    Gorgoeuswifey New Member

    Hi Kuya,
    Thank you for the informative thread. It is very difficult to provide everything if you dont have it, whilst on the other hand if you have all the requirement needed it will be easy as 1,2,3. and as long as you are genuinely applying to be with your fiancee or spouses you'll be able to get through this.
    p.s. always prepare everything that ukba requirement before passing any documents.
    Have a good dayeveryone. :)
  14. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    I do understand what you're saying.

    Just a heads-up Kuya, be sure that the 6 months payslips are fully compliant with requirements for your category. Especially the one payslip with the lowest pay.(in cases where income varies month to month).

    Don't expect that a caseworker or ECO will review any documents that fall outside the immigration rules.
    Don't expect that a caseworker or ECO is in a position of discretion or flexibility in strictly applying immigration rules.

    :like:
  15. Methersgate
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    Methersgate Well-Known Member Lifetime Member

    This does indeed fill me with dread.

    It ought not to - I have worked at the same place for eight years, and my salary is comfortably above the threshold, but it is the need to supply "all" the documents that gets me.

    Why on earth do they need copies of bank statements as well as pay slips as well as a letter from my employers, all saying the same thing, and why do they need my contract of employment as well as a letter confirming the job offer?

    Do I need to go back to paper Bank statements, just so that I can "provide originals"?

    Have I misunderstood something?
  16. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    Although my wife's application was under the old rules, I understand your annoyance. It would seem that on the one hand, one can submit a "weaker" or minimalistic portfolio of evidence etc or go the other way and minimise risk. What is sufficient is hard to be certain about and where should we draw the line, so I suppose erring on the side of too much rather than too little is probably safer.

    When my wife applied I used an adviser and often they would say to me, well, you can submit this or that but it would add very little or nothing to the strength of your case. I went with that approach and their advise and my wife got the visa. Looking back, maybe we should have submitted more material, just in case, but where does one draw the line?

    Having said that. We didn't submit a job offer letter or a P60 or a contract of employment.
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2013
    • Informative Informative x 1
  17. Dave_E
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    Dave_E Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    That is a very good idea. :like:

    I opted out of paper Bank statements at the banks suggestion a few years ago, then a couple of years later opted back in.
    • They are often required as proof of Income / Wealth.
    • They can be used to prove your Address / Existence.
    • Needed as proof to open another bank account.
    • The bank pays me zero interest on my current account, so why should I save them money.
    • "Saving the planet" and similar green lefty ideas are not really my cup of tea.
    I have a three drawer filing cabinet crammed full of useless paperwork, everything is kept for a minimum of six years!
  18. Anon220806
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    Anon220806 Well-Known Member

    Yes. If anything we have gone the other way too. We have been collecting as much paper as possible for ILR application purposes.
  19. Methersgate
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    Methersgate Well-Known Member Lifetime Member

    Thank you both.

    Yikes!
  20. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    If it helps you UKBA does allow electronic copies of bank statements properly authorised:-

    Source:- http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/v...rtingevidence/previousearnings/bankstatements

    Some folks claim that their banks have put up barriers. Certainly whenever I need to get a printed copy and have it stamped etc I've never had any problem.

    At least you have a choice.

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