Statement of Changes HC 259, published on 9 July 2026, made several targeted amendments affecting family applications from 3 August 2026. It did not increase the minimum income requirement for new partner applications, which remains £29,000 gross a year. Applicants relying entirely on qualifying cash savings generally need £88,500.
The changes instead affect matters including partners of people with protection status, care arrangements for children and the treatment of immigration bail in certain in-country applications. The full changes are set out in the official rules for 3 August 2026.
What changed for family applicants?
| Change | Who it affects | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Partner permission aligned with sponsor | Partners of sponsors granted 30 months’ permission on protection grounds | Permission can end on the same date as the sponsor’s permission |
| Child care requirement | Children applying under relevant Appendix FM provisions | Suitable care and accommodation complying with UK law must be demonstrated |
| Immigration bail wording | Certain applicants applying from inside the UK | The Part Suitability overstayer exception can now apply in specified bail situations |
| Part 8 child rules | Certain children seeking settlement with relatives | Eligibility wording has been revised |
| ETA criminality rules | Visitors requiring an ETA | Suspended sentences are now included in specified criminality provisions |
HC 259 expressly added a requirement that suitable arrangements must exist for a child’s care and accommodation in the UK and that those arrangements comply with relevant UK law.
The £29,000 financial requirement has not changed
For applicants making their first partner-route application on or after 11 April 2024, the combined minimum income requirement remains £29,000 a year. Qualifying income and savings can be combined in certain circumstances under Appendix FM.
Applicants who first entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner generally remain under transitional rules based on the previous £18,600 threshold, with relevant child additions capped so that the requirement does not exceed £29,000.
Where savings alone are used for entry clearance or further permission to stay under the current £29,000 requirement, the usual calculation produces a figure of £88,500. The savings must also satisfy the detailed source, ownership and holding-period requirements.
Timing under HC 259 needs care
It is important not to assume that every application submitted before 3 August automatically remains subject to the old rules. HC 259 contains express transitional protection for only specified amendments, including certain ETA and Child Student changes.
The Appendix FM amendments are listed among the provisions taking effect on 3 August but are not included in that protected transitional list. Applicants with cases submitted before 3 August should therefore check which particular amendment affects them rather than relying solely on the application date.
What does this mean for settlement planning?
The usual five-year partner route to settlement remains available to qualifying applicants who continue to meet the relevant requirements. Our indefinite leave to remain services explain the settlement stage, while British citizenship by naturalisation covers the next step for eligible applicants.
Applicants considering other routes can also review the UK Ancestry visa, the 10 year long residence route, the self sponsorship visa UK and switching from a Graduate visa to Skilled Worker.
For employers involved in a family member’s wider immigration planning, our guide to Certificates of Sponsorship explains the sponsorship documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Has the spouse visa income requirement changed in August 2026?
No. For new partner-route applicants, it remains £29,000 gross annual income.
Can I use cash savings instead of income?
Yes, subject to the Appendix FM rules. For an application relying entirely on savings under the £29,000 requirement, £88,500 is generally required.
Does the £18,600 threshold still apply?
Yes, transitional provisions generally protect qualifying applicants who first applied on the partner route before 11 April 2024 and continue with the same partner.
Did applications submitted before 3 August automatically keep the previous Appendix FM rules?
No. HC 259’s express pre-3 August transitional protection applies only to specified amendments and does not cover the Appendix FM changes.
If you want your finances and supporting evidence reviewed before submission, speak to our immigration advisers in Bromley or explore our UK immigration services for individuals and employers.