I am a British citizen. I have been living in Thailand with my Thai partner for 4 years. I work at an international school, she works in marketing at a hotel. We are planning to try living and working in the UK together in a year or 2, so I’ve started looking into the evidence we will need. I am confused by the information on this page:

 

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income

 

Is this proof of income only required for those who are already in the UK on a family visa, seeking indefinite leave to remain? If so, what are the financial requirements for those applying for their first family visa?

 

If the requirements on this page are for those seeking their first family visa, I’m confused about how I can meet them. The page states that only earnings from employment in the UK can be used as evidence of the required £18,600 a year. As I have been working in Thailand for 4 years, does this mean I would have to go and work in the UK for a while without my partner to meet this requirement? Or would proof that I have a UK job with that salary lined up for when we arrive suffice? Alternatively, can savings from our employment in Thailand be used? The page vaguely states that cash savings above £16,000 can be used. So am I looking at us having to save £16,000 before we can think about applying?

 

Yes, that is a bit confusing, this gives more details and is more appropriate for you guys.

 

 

Appendix_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement_Final.pdf

1 hour ago, theoldgit said:

Yes, that is a bit confusing, this gives more details and is more appropriate for you guys.

 

 

Appendix_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement_Final.pdf 768.2 kB · 1 download

So according to that, as long as I can evidence 6 months of Thai annual salary over £18,600 at the time of applying, and have an £18,600 salaried job lined up in the UK starting within 3 months after arrival, we will be eligible to apply. I understand now, thank you very much!