Over 200,000 Filipinos live in the UK, with many migrating through marriage and long-term partnerships with British citizens and settled persons. However, the UK Spouse visa, which is the main immigration pathway for family reunification, is currently undergoing significant changes.
One of the most impactful changes was the increase in the minimum income requirement in 2024. The UK government’s continued efforts to reduce net migration have led to a tightening of the UK Spouse visa in 2025, culminating in an increase in application fees in April and the release of the Immigration White Paper in May.
This article discusses the changes to the UK Spouse visa requirements in 2025 and assesses their potential impact on Filipino immigrants.
Overview of the UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa is a vital immigration route that allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partners in the United Kingdom. Once granted, it enables holders to live, work, and study in the UK and provides a pathway to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years of continuous residence.
This visa is particularly important for Filipino-British couples, as it offers a legal means for families to build a life together in the UK.
To be eligible for the Spouse visa, the couple must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship through marriage or a civil partnership or by demonstrating they have lived together for at least two years. Applicants must also pass an approved English language test (unless exempt) and show proof of adequate accommodation in the UK.
A key criterion for obtaining the visa is the financial requirement. Before April 2024, Spouse visa sponsors were required to earn a minimum annual income of £18,600, with additional amounts needed for children. However, changes to the immigration rules mean British or settled spouses must earn a minimum of £29,000 to bring their partners to the UK. This fee is set to be further reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) by June 2025.
Key Changes to the UK Spouse Visa Requirements in 2025
On 9 April 2025, the Home Office increased the cost of applying for most UK visas, including the Spouse visa. Partners of British citizens or settled persons are now required to pay £1,939, a 5% increase from the previous fee of £1,846.
With the release of the UK government’s much-anticipated Immigration White Paper in May, more changes are expected for the Spouse visa route. The government noted that it has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirement for the family route under which the Spouse visa is domiciled.
The government proposed tightening the Suitability rules for the Family Visa to ensure that only people of good character can reunite with their UK-based families. The laws on “exceptional circumstances” that apply to those who didn’t meet the requirements but have compelling reasons to be in the UK will also be tightened.
The anticipated new family policy will also ensure that applicants and their sponsors meet clear relationship requirements so that only those in genuine, subsisting relationships will qualify for the visa. This policy aims to reduce forced marriage and protect victims of domestic abuse.
Changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship application requirements may also affect how Spouse visa applicants qualify for long-term residence in the UK. Under the new UK immigration policy 2025, visa holders can only apply for settlement after living for 10 years in the country, a significant change from the previous qualifying period of five years.
For Spouse visa holders, the White Paper specifically exempts partners of British citizens, but doesn’t specify if partners of ILR holders are exempt.
How Filipino Immigrants May Be Affected
The changes to the UK Spouse visa requirements may impact Filipino immigrants. According to the Immigration White Paper, Partner visa applications fell by 7% in 2024 after the increase in the minimum income requirement to £29,000. With a new increase in application fees and a planned review of the current income requirement, visa applications under the Spouse route might be reduced further.
Filipino-British couples, especially those already navigating long-distance relationships, may find their aspirations to reunite in the UK prolonged due to ineligibility. In some cases, families may be split, with spouses and children remaining in the Philippines while the UK-based partner attempts to meet the financial demands.
This situation can create severe emotional and financial strain, as families struggle with separation and the pressure of saving or seeking alternative means to qualify.
Although some may turn to cash savings or third-party support, new restrictions on exceptional circumstances mean that spouses may also face difficulties securing a visa based on compassionate grounds, reducing the flexibility once offered by this provision.
How Filipino Immigrants Can Navigate the Changes
The most immediate and impactful strategy revolves around financial planning. Sponsoring partners should understand and strive to meet the new, elevated income threshold. This may involve exploring various avenues, such as combining incomes if both partners legally work in the UK, increasing working hours, or seeking higher-paid roles within their current or new sectors.
Applicants should also explore permitted sources of income, including savings and pensions, to help meet the financial requirement. These can help bridge any gaps in employment earnings.
Finally, given the complexity of the new rules and the unique challenges often faced by migrant families, it is essential to seek expert legal advice. Immigration lawyers are experts in immigration laws and understand the nuances of the updated regulations. They can provide tailored guidance to increase the chances of a successful application.
Conclusion
The changes to UK Spouse Visa requirements in 2025 present considerable challenges for Filipino immigrants and their families. Partners must be proactive in navigating the new requirements and keep their families united. For instance, it’s essential to understand the changes and prepare to meet them before submitting an application.
