Meeting the UK settlement visa financial requirements during Covid-19

[Tony M]

There will undoubtedly be applicants and sponsors who cannot meet the financial requirements of the immigration rules during these difficult times. Apparently, the UK government has recognised this, but they have not yet provided any detail on how applications will be dealt with (when applications can actually be submitted again).  It could be that some concessions on the financial threshold will be made, or applications might automatically switched from the 5 - year route to the 10 - year route (the 10 - year route is normally imposed if an applicant cannot meet one of the requirements of the rules).

 

The Home Office,  at the Commons Home Affairs Committee yesterday (Today we take evidence on Home Office preparedness for Covid-19 from the Home Secretary, Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft CBE and Second Permanent Secretary Shona Dunn) , was asked about this potential problem, and has stated:

 

A Home Office official (Shona Dunn) had this to say about families struggling to keep their income level high enough to keep their spouse visa:

 

I can absolutely confirm that the Home Office will work with those individuals to make sure that we are supporting them through that process. There are a number of different ways in which people can meet that requirement beyond their salary. But also beyond that, and recognising the point that it’s important we don’t disadvantage people for things they cannot control, we will absolutely work flexibly with people in those circumstances.

 

Let's hope that's true.  When things get back to "normal", please remember that this forum is in place to assist, wherever possible, with guidance, or is a place to "rant" (within limits. of course). Personally, I hope that anyone who is currently affected by the current coronavirus problem is not also being forcibly separated from family. Stay safe.