While the previous government proposed raising the threshold to £38,700, the MAC’s new report, published on 10 June 2025, suggests a different approach—strongly advising against any further increases and highlighting the detrimental effects the current financial threshold is already having on British families.
What is the Minimum Income Requirement?
The MIR is the minimum income a British citizen or settled individual must earn to sponsor a partner or family member under the UK family visa route. Since its implementation, the MIR has been a controversial subject, with many arguing that it separates families unnecessarily and disproportionately affects lower-income individuals.
Key Findings from the MAC Review
1. Significant Harm to Family Life
The MAC received the highest number of personal responses ever in its history for this review—evidence of the deep concern across society.
Their report underscores how the MIR:
Separates families for extended periods—even years.
Creates emotional and mental health challenges for partners and especially children.
Can result in financial hardship due to the absence of the overseas partner’s support.
Particularly affects British children who suffer mental health consequences and difficulties forming bonds with the absent parent.
“The MIR can have significant negative impacts on the family life of British citizens or settled residents, and their children.” – MAC Report, 2025
2. The UK’s MIR is High Compared to Other Countries
The MAC compared the UK’s MIR to similar high-income nations and found that the UK’s £29,000 threshold is unusually high.
Countries like Canada, Germany, Australia, and Japan do not impose a fixed income requirement.
Instead, they use other mechanisms like financial support declarations or assessments of self-sufficiency.
This raises questions about the UK’s prioritisation of economic considerations over the right to family life.
3. MIR Doesn’t Predict Economic Outcomes Accurately
Interestingly, the MAC concluded that sponsor income is a weak predictor of overall economic wellbeing, stating:
“Sponsor income is not an accurate way to predict the impact of the partner on broader measures of economic wellbeing for the country as a whole.”
This calls into question the justification behind such a high financial bar, especially when it fails to achieve its intended policy outcomes.
MAC Recommendations: Options Between £23,000 and £25,000
Rather than recommending a fixed new threshold, the MAC suggests a range of viable MIR options, including:
A new threshold of £23,800, based on the National Living Wage.
Removing barriers to combining cash savings with self-employment income.
Simplifying self-employment income rules.
Considering UK job offers for applicants.
Ensuring at least 12 months’ notice before any future threshold changes.
A MIR based on the NLW would result in only a modest increase in immigration, with an estimated additional 10,000 immigrants and 8,000 net migration—minimal in the national context.
Particularly Notable for Families with Children
One standout concern is how families are forced to remain separated simply due to administrative requirements, such as the need to show six months of payslips.
“Some couples experience periods of separation not because they fail the MIR, but because of the practicalities of meeting it.”
What This Means for Our Clients
At EA Law, we regularly support families facing exactly these challenges. The MAC’s findings reflect what we see every day—people struggling to reunite with loved ones because of inflexible and overly harsh financial rules.
The possibility of avoiding a rise to £38,700 will come as a huge relief to many. While we welcome the MAC’s recommendations, it’s important to note that the UK government is not obligated to follow them. That said, MAC reviews often heavily influence immigration policy.
Our View: A Step in the Right Direction
The MAC review signals a potential shift toward a more compassionate and pragmatic immigration policy. Lowering the MIR to a figure aligned with the National Living Wage and allowing more flexibility in how financial requirements are met would bring the UK more in line with international standards and support the right to family life.
EA Law stands ready to assist families through this complex landscape, whether you’re preparing a new visa application or need support navigating changing financial thresholds.
Need Advice on Family Visas or MIR?
📞 Contact EA Law today for expert legal advice on family immigration matters. Our experienced solicitors can help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the visa application process with confidence.
👉 Book your consultation now at www.ealaw-solicitors.com
📩 Or email us at ukvisa@ealaw-solicitors.com