Advisory: Family Income

Have they released any info about the ILR period increasing from 2 to 5 years?

I don't think that was part of the MAC's brief that was just to advise what the income level should be raised to if the government decides to raise it.
It will be the government that decides to increase the ILR.  If I understand it correctly.

Love pads x

I know I bring it up every time the income thing comes up....

But I hope there is a plan to bring to their attention that this income cap discriminates against the disabled. People on disability benefit (whatever the current name of the minute is for it) would come nowhere near this income threshold.

IF there is an income cap - surely the only way to keep it out of the courts would be to allow 3rd party sponsorship. Even the US does that.

My husband is a graduate engineer with a master's degree. He just got his 1st job and is going to be earning £21,500. A figure higher than that would mean he couldn't sponsor me for a spouse visa. I work full time, but his income would be more than enough to support us both. Fortunately, we did this over 2 years ago and I already have ILR, but I think that's ridiculous.

My husband is a graduate engineer with a master's degree. He just got his 1st job and is going to be earning £21,500. A figure higher than that would mean he couldn't sponsor me for a spouse visa. I work full time, but his income would be more than enough to support us both. Fortunately, we did this over 2 years ago and I already have ILR, but I think that's ridiculous.

Agreed it is ridiculous and as the OP said it also discriminates against the disabled.

Love pads x

I wrote an email to my MP last night. I am also very curious as to the results on the consultation with regards to income. As this will surely be taken into consideration too?

Have they released any info about the ILR period increasing from 2 to 5 years?

Nothing yet. 

*BUT* in response to a number of people's issues here about NHS debt, I now have a reading from the policy directorate.  I'm putting it down in the advocacy area. 

it has been approved in parliment it has to be approved in the lords is that right .

Under the current arrangements, the Lords actually *is* a part of Parliament.   

Oh right yeah but does it still get a separate reading there ?

Yes, a bill is given 3 readings in each house, and can be referred back to committee at any reading, including the Lords.   

I know I bring it up every time the income thing comes up....

But I hope there is a plan to bring to their attention that this income cap discriminates against the disabled. People on disability benefit (whatever the current name of the minute is for it) would come nowhere near this income threshold.

IF there is an income cap - surely the only way to keep it out of the courts would be to allow 3rd party sponsorship. Even the US does that.

jayen i am in the same boat,i UKC am disabled,i dont claim that amount in benefits,my USC wife is working....and we wouldnt be able to get any 3rd party support....she landed in UK may the 2nd 2010,and i looked on the calender including that actual day the earliest she could apply for ILR is the 5th April 2012.....so like you we are panicking a bit

Cross Posted

Flipping out finished with  

I wrote to my MP with regards to the report (MAC) and the potential effect this will have for many partners of non-EU citizens. My letter basically outlined the disadvantage this would be IF placed on the sponsor alone, women (who statistically earn less than their male better halves .. hate it, but it is evident) and those on disability AND those that earn below the average wage (female or male). Especially those of us that could still maintain there families if both partners were bringing in an income. E.G My DH a USC has a Masters in Ed and can work in many roles in the UK. I am currently in Wales where wages are lower, but if my DH worked we would be comfortable. In the three countries we have worked in we have never collected benefits so have a good and consistent past history.

Pads and I had a couple of messages and she actually made some great points and Pads if you are reading I did include some of these. Thank you!

I just got a reply back today:

Please be advised Huw Irranca-Davies MP has written to the Minister of State for Immigration on your behalf and I will contact you again when a response is received.

So whilst I am aware that one letter to one MP won't do a whole lot (but relieves a lot of unspoken stress) .. perhaps it will encourage you all to do the same about this matter and whatever other ways the current Government is planning to use to fudge meet it's proposed net migration figures.

Hopefully it will be a way for them to acknowledge the thousands of faces behind their figures and proposed policy changes.

Welsh girl very glad to be of help.  I hope you get a response to your letter soon and I am going to write to my MP also or get my son to write to him.

I think he should say he is a hard working british citizen who comes from a long line of british citizens.  His wife (all be it american) is from a long line of british citizens also.  Are the government now saying to him that he cannot bring his wife and his British child over here because he only earns' just above the minimum wage.  which he pays tax on.  Are the government going to say to my British grand daughter that they are sorry but because her daddy is on a low wage she is unable to live here.

Its ridiculous.

thanks again welsh girl.  And I hope you said to your MP that your two british children will be without there daddy if the proposals go ahead.

Best of luck to you.

Love pads x

Dear Sir

I have read with dismay the MAC report that gives the government guidance that the Income threshold required to support a foreign Non EU spouse should be raised to between 18.000 and 25.000 pounds gross.

I would like to tell you about my son who has a wife and a British child currently in America.  At the moment under the current proposals once he gets his bonus and pay rise in March he should qualify under financial grounds for a spouse visa for his wife which will enable her and his child to join him in the UK.

However if the new government proposals go ahead and they raise the income threshold to 18,000 pounds my son will fall way short of this figure.  He currently earns about 14.500 pounds gross although he works full time and earns above the national minimum wage.

My son works hard for his money and pays taxes he works shifts and some weekends which makes it difficult for him to get a second job to earn more money to reach the proposed income figures.

Are the government now going to say to my son they are sorry but because he does not meet the income threshold he cannot bring his British Child over to the Uk along with his wife.  He comes from a long line of British Citizens my Daughter in Law also comes from a long line of British and Irish Citizens.    They have chosen to make the UK there home as they both have family here.

Please could you give this matter your urgent attention.

yours Faithfully.



Names

This is what I am thinking of myself and son sending to our MP

Need to discuss it with my son first any comments or advice love pads x

Love pads x

Caution.  What are you intending to convey here?

He comes from a long line of British Citizens my Daughter in Law also comes from a long line of British and Irish Citizens.   

Are you suggesting that those of Anglo root stock should enjoy elevation over other British citizens?