Alert: Rule Changes

Here's the speech:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/speeches/making-immigration-work

Just found info that the 25,700 limit would be before taxes are taken out.My boyfriend makes about 36,000 so huge sigh of relief for me. I can see this being challenged the day it's implemented.

QUOTE:
'And it is the higher threshold which looks more likely to be implemented, judging by David Cameron’s approach in his high profile speech last month, which focused on family migration, and which used essentially the same threshold (the £20,000 post-tax figure in Cameron’s speech being equivalent to a pre-tax level of £25,700).'

So that's gross well at least that is something though its way over the head of a lot of working people, love pads x

I think that is technically below the poverty line isn't it?

i resent that. i get by just fine with it i have for many years and will continue to do so *knocks on wood

From the speech regarding Family-related Settlement:
"In our consultation on family migration, we have made clear that we welcome those who are in genuine relationships.  But there is an important caveat.     We want those coming here to be able to integrate fully and to be independent.  This means being able to speak English and having sufficient financial means to be able to prosper.    We asked the MAC to advise on an appropriate income range for the sponsor’s income, which they have suggested should be between £18,600 and £25,700."

From the speech regarding Employment-related Settlement:
"In our other consultation on employment-related settlement, we proposed to break the link between coming to work in the UK and staying on permanently.   We will end the assumption that settlement is an option for all those who come to work.   Instead, we will accord it to the brightest and best.   We took advice from the MAC on how to do this and they recommended using pay as the most appropriate selection criteria.   They suggested a threshold in a salary range of between £31 and £49k a year.    So again the system will become more selective.  "

**Emphasis mine

I think it's silly that the applicant's finances aren't taken into account. I make $80,000/yr here in the States, and I have enough in savings and investments to more than make up for my girlfriend's salary...but since she's a teacher, we'll have to wait 3 years before she meets the minimum income threshold (assuming the 25,700 figure) if we want to move to the UK.

I think it's crazy that someone who makes 26000/yr in London with no savings will be allowed in, but we have an immediate denial because she makes 21588/yr. Minimum income requirements that don't take housing costs and cost of living into account make absolutely no sense.

...actually, come to think of it, is it possible to take my savings and annuitize it somehow so I actually can count it as investment income? That would, hopefully, supplement her income and put us over the threshold. Is this possible, and would the UKBA accept it as an income source?

Oh well. Hopefully the minimum income will be set low enough that it won't be an issue. It looks like it's going to be on the high end, but I'll try to stay cautiously optimistic for now.

i resent that. i get by just fine with it i have for many years and will continue to do so *knocks on wood

I think q\what she meant is that according to the US Government's figures you are living close to or in poverty, by their definition.

Andy

I think it's silly that the applicant's finances aren't taken into account. I make $80,000/yr here in the States, and I have enough in savings and investments to more than make up for my girlfriend's salary...but since she's a teacher, we'll have to wait 3 years before she meets the minimum income threshold (assuming the 25,700 figure) if we want to move to the UK.

I think it's crazy that someone who makes 26000/yr in London with no savings will be allowed in, but we have an immediate denial because she makes 21588/yr. Minimum income requirements that don't take housing costs and cost of living into account make absolutely no sense.

...actually, come to think of it, is it possible to take my savings and annuitize it somehow so I actually can count it as investment income? That would, hopefully, supplement her income and put us over the threshold. Is this possible, and would the UKBA accept it as an income source?

We don't know yet if they are going to take the applicant's finances into account yet.

I doubt they won't take savings of either party into account. 

I can see them not taking the US spouse's job into account, the same way the US doesn't, because the job doesn't continue once you are here.

The US Federal Poverty guidelines linked below.  For two people it is 15,130 and to bring a spouse you need 125% (if earning or three times that in assets).

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml

Under the US system you can (used to?) use a co-sponsor to meet the 125% rule. That's what we had to do when I moved to the US. Perhaps the UK Gov will allow a co-sponsor also?

Andy

Do we think they might - or do they currently - take into account the applicant's UK job offer?

They allow co-sponsors now, perhaps things will be easier if there is a set amount, like they have in the US but only if the amount isn't too high.

I think it's crazy that someone who makes 26000/yr in London with no savings will be allowed in, but we have an immediate denial because she makes 21588/yr. Minimum income requirements that don't take housing costs and cost of living into account make absolutely no sense.

For the Tier 4 student visa route, UKBA requires different amounts of funding for Maintenance (£600/month outside London vs. £800/month Inside London).  It would be interesting/beneficial to see if they follow this same approach for Family based migration-- ie: using the lower £18,600/year if the sponsor lives outside London versus £25,700/year if the sponsor lives in London.  The difference between those two amounts is approximately the difference that DB and I pay in rent per year living in Nottingham vs. London.

I doubt they won't take savings of either party into account. 

I can see them not taking the US spouse's job into account, the same way the US doesn't, because the job doesn't continue once you are here.

The US Federal Poverty guidelines linked below.  For two people it is 15,130 and to bring a spouse you need 125% (if earning or three times that in assets).

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml

Since the new rules are more than likely going to be concentrated on earning potential and money in general it would make sense that they would be pleased if the applicant has a good amount of savings.

This turned out to be a big non-event.  

Long and short, DG delivered a speech.  Nothing at all was nailed down, the most important for this particular forum was the outcome of the family consultation.  He gave a few indications, but nothing solid.  A few people asked questions after the speech which gave a stronger indication of what's expected and I can put some of the answers in the advocacy area if there's strong interest.  

But net-net, the message seems to be don't marry somebody on benefits unless you can prove you are the best and brightest, or thick with the mean green.

But net-net, the message seems to be don't marry somebody on benefits unless you can prove you are the best and brightest, or thick with the mean green.

That right there isn't right, my fiance' is on benefits due to a mental disorder, he may end up being approved for Life in all honesty, so he could be punished for something that is beyond his control? To me that isn't right. It should be different if it's disability