Overview of the UK Spouse Visa with Self-Employed Income

The UK Spouse Visa falls under the Family visa category and is designed for individuals intending to live with their partners in the UK for more than 6 months. This visa is available if your partner is a British citizen, a refugee in the UK, or a UK permanent resident. To initiate the application process, you must meet the income requirements and prove the authenticity of your relationship.

Understanding Self-Employment Under Immigration Rules

To be recognized as self-employed by the Home Office, you must be a sole trader, part-owner, or shareholder of a business. Additionally, if you are an employee or director of a specified limited company registered in the UK, this qualifies as self-employment. Importantly, the business must be operational at the time of your Spouse Visa application.

Meeting the Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Through Self-Employed Income

Financial eligibility is crucial, requiring an annual income of at least £18,600 until Spring 2024, with adjustments anticipated thereafter. There are two categories for proving self-employed income:

• Category F: Demonstrating income from the last financial year.
• Category G: Presenting the average income from the last two financial years.
  Spring 2024 Changes

Starting in Spring 2024, the minimum income requirement will increase to £29,000, with planned increases to £34,500 and ultimately £38,700. Those considering applying should act quickly—submitting your application as soon as possible will facilitate navigating these upcoming changes. A significant policy shift beginning in Spring 2024 is the removal of a separate child element from the minimum income requirement, streamlining the financial aspect of the application process. This means no additional funds are required per child.

Individuals currently holding visas or applying before the income threshold rises will have their applications assessed based on existing requirements, including those on a fiancé visa planning to transition to a spouse visa. However, for those applying after the changes take effect, the updated criteria will apply. Staying informed about these changes is vital for a smooth and successful application process.

How to Calculate Financial Requirements for Self-Employed Applicants

Verification of your financial income involves reviewing the self-assessment tax return for the relevant financial year. You can combine various income sources—such as salaried or non-salaried income, dividends, rental income, allowances, pension income, and cash savings—to meet the financial requirement.

Required Financial Documents

To demonstrate a minimum income of £18,600, you'll need to provide specific documents based on your self-employment status:

For Sole Traders, Part Owners, or Shareholders:

• Annual self-assessment tax return (SA300/SA302)
• Proof of a unique tax reference number
• Personal and business bank statements
• Proof of registration with HMRC as self-employed
• Proof of franchise agreement
• Certificate of VAT registration and return (if turnover exceeds £79,000)
• Unaudited and audited accounts for the financial year
• Evidence of local planning authority consent for your business’s location

For Employees or Directors of a Specified Limited Company:

Company registration with the Registrar of Companies
Audited and unaudited accounts for the financial year (with accountant’s confirmation)
Current appointment report
Company Tax Return (CT600) filed with HMRC
Personal and business bank statements for the last financial year
Proof of business premises ownership or rental
Proof of PAYE reference number
For Salaried Employment:

Payslips
Bank statements for the financial year
P60

For Dividend Income:

Dividend vouchers for the financial year
Additionally, proof of pension income for the relevant financial year is also required. Providing all necessary documentation will help ensure a smoother Spouse Visa application process.

Other Required Documents for Self-Employed Spouse Visa Application
Applicants must also demonstrate the genuineness of their relationship.

Required documents include:

• Passports
• Biometric residence permits
• National insurance numbers
• Tuberculosis test results
• Photos of the couple
• Social media chat logs
• Evidence of shared financial responsibilities

Additional Spouse Visa Requirements

Beyond financial eligibility, applicants must meet age requirements, and at least one partner must be permanently settled in the UK. If not yet married, proving the genuineness and duration of the relationship is essential.

Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Application Denial

To avoid rejection, it's important to understand common pitfalls, such as:

• Failing to meet financial requirements
• Inability to prove the genuineness of the relationship
• Criminal history
• General ineligibility

How Anyvisa Supports Your UK Spouse Visa Journey

Navigating the complexities of a UK spouse visa application, which involves numerous required documents, can be challenging. That’s where Anyvisa comes in. Our experts are here to assist you in preparing a robust application by guiding you on the necessary documentation.

We recognize the importance of family reunification at Anyvisa, and our dedicated immigration experts are committed to making that process as smooth as possible. Here’s how we can help you:

Conducting video or in-person consultations at your convenience.
Assessing your documents to ensure their suitability for the application.
Evaluating your eligibility for the Spouse Visa.
Assisting you in accurately completing your application form.
Ensuring you have ample proof of the genuineness of your relationship.
Providing support in drafting a letter of representation to accompany your application.
Representing you in the event of a review if your application faces rejection.