In Spring 2024, the minimum income requirement (MIR) to be eligible for the Family Visa in the UK increased from £18,600 per year to £29,000 per year. Plans under the previous Government proposed to increase the MIR further, first to £34,500, then to £38,700.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) commissioned Revealing Reality to explore how these financial requirements may influence decision making and impact couples wanting to live together in the UK, to understand the choices they make and their experiences proving eligibility for the Family visa.    

We conducted qualitative research to gain in-depth insights into applicants’ experiences through 30 interviews with applicants in different financial situations, including a mixture of both successful and unsuccessful applicants. This approach allowed us to understand people’s lived experiences of applying for Family visas, including their decision-making, challenges, and impacts on family life, while mapping their journeys through the application process. 

The MAC has now published our full report.