Q: You recently mentioned in your column that the probationary period for the UK Spouse Visa is set to increase. Do you have any news on when this change is set to take place, as it might affect me?
A: Yes, it seems that the rumours were indeed true. A leaked cabinet letter from the UK Home Secretary, Theresa May to Nick Clegg has revealed some stringent proposed immigration changes.
In the letter, a new income of £25,700 per year is proposed for anyone looking to bring a spouse, partner or dependant to the UK from outside the EU, from June 2012. This income threshold is a drastic rise from the current threshold of £13,700. This minimum income threshold is also set to rise with every dependant brought in.
It is further proposed in the letter that the current probation period for spouses and partners must be increased from 2 years to 5 years, before they can apply to live permanently in the UK. A higher level of English is also proposed. These changes are also to take effect in June 2012.
BIC would like to advise all clients who want to make use of the family migration route, to do so as soon as possible in order to avoid these possible stringent new immigration measures.
Please contact our offices for further information.
JP Breytenbach
Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited
www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com