Meeting the financial requirement is one of the toughest parts of applying for a UK Spouse Visa. Applicants must prove that their British or settled partner earns at least £29,000 per year (for applications made on or after 11 April 2025).
This guide answers a key question: when can three months of payslips be enough to meet the financial requirement? It explains how the Home Office assesses employment income, which rules apply under each income category, and what evidence is needed for approval.
What Is the Financial Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
The financial requirement ensures that the UK-based partner can support their spouse without relying on public funds.
From 11 April 2025, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 gross per year. This income can come from employment, savings, pension, or other approved sources, but the documentation must follow strict Home Office rules under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE.
The Home Office will assess:
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Whether the sponsor meets the required income level
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Whether the income is continuous and verifiable
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How many months of payslips are needed, depending on the income category
What Are the Home Office Income Categories?
To understand when three months of payslips are acceptable, you need to know which income category applies.
The six categories are:
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Category A – Same employment for 6 months or longer
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Category B – New employment under 6 months or variable income
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Category C – Non-employment income (e.g., rental income, dividends)
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Category D – Cash savings
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Category E – Pension income
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Category F/G – Self-employment or company director income
The 3-month payslip rule only applies under Category B, where the sponsor has been with their current employer for less than six months.
When Can You Use Only 3 Months of Payslips?
Under Category B, a sponsor can provide three months’ payslips — but only if they pass two key tests from Appendix FM-SE paragraph 2(a)–(b):
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Gross Annual Salary Test – The sponsor’s current gross annual salary must meet or exceed £29,000.
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12-Month Income Test – The total income received in the 12 months before the application (from all jobs) must also be at least £29,000.
✅ Example:
If the sponsor started a new job three months ago at £31,000 a year and earned £29,500 in the previous 12 months across different jobs, both tests are met.
❌ If either test fails, the application will be refused.
What Documents Are Required Under Category B?
Applicants relying on three months of payslips must submit:
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3 recent payslips from the current employer
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3 corresponding bank statements showing salary deposits
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An employer letter confirming job title, start date, contract type, and gross annual salary
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Evidence of previous employment (if needed) to meet the 12-month income test
All documents must cover the same consecutive period and be dated within 28 days before the online application is submitted.
What Are Common Mistakes with Financial Evidence?
Even when sponsors meet the income level, many spouse visa refusals happen due to technical errors such as:
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Mismatched payslip and bank statement amounts
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Missing details on the employer letter
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Incorrect calculation of the 12-month income period
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Unverified or unsigned electronic payslips
Each piece of evidence must match precisely and follow the formatting rules in Appendix FM-SE.
How Many Payslips Are Needed Under Category A?
If the sponsor has been with the same employer for 6 months or more, they fall under Category A.
They must provide:
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6 months’ payslips
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6 months’ corresponding bank statements
Three months of payslips are not sufficient for Category A.
The Home Office focuses on the current salary rather than past earnings, as long as employment is stable and ongoing.
Can You Combine Income Sources?
Yes, some income categories can be combined — but only if explicitly allowed.
Employment income may be combined with:
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Category C (non-employment income)
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Category D (cash savings)
To calculate the savings needed, the Home Office formula is:
(Shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000 = Minimum savings required
✅ Example:
If the income is £27,000 (a £2,000 shortfall), at least £21,000 in savings is required.
Can You Use Savings Instead of Payslips?
Yes, under Category D, applicants can rely solely on cash savings.
To replace income completely, they must hold £88,500 or more in savings (calculated as £16,000 + 2.5 × £29,000).
These savings must be:
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Held for 6 continuous months
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Under the control of the sponsor or applicant
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From a lawful source
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Kept in a regulated financial institution
How Can You Avoid Refusal Due to Document Errors?
Even strong applications are refused when the documents don’t meet Home Office standards.
To avoid mistakes:
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Payslips must include the employer’s name, address, payment date, and deductions.
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Electronic payslips should be verified by an employer’s letter confirming authenticity.
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Bank statements must show identical salary deposits matching payslips.
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Employer letters must include salary, contract type, and employment status.
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All evidence must be issued within 28 days of the application date.
A small error, even an outdated payslip, can lead to refusal.
How LawSentis Can Help
Navigating the UK Spouse Visa financial requirement can be complex — especially when determining whether three or six months of payslips are needed.
LawSentis helps couples prepare fully compliant visa applications by:
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Reviewing income documents and ensuring Appendix FM-SE compliance
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Advising on whether Category A, B, or D applies
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Preparing accurate employer and financial letters
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Preventing technical refusals due to missing or outdated evidence
Our team ensures your UK Spouse Visa application is clear, compliant, and ready for Home Office approval.
Book a consultation with LawSentis today to get expert guidance on your spouse visa case.
You can also read our Complete Guide to UK Spouse Visa Requirements
Top 10 FAQs
1. What is the minimum income requirement for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025?
£29,000 gross per year for applications made on or after 11 April 2025.
2. Can I use three months of payslips for a UK Spouse Visa?
Yes, only under Category B if you’ve worked with your current employer for less than six months and meet both income tests.
3. What is the difference between Category A and Category B for income?
Category A – same employer for 6+ months.
Category B – new job or variable income under 6 months.
4. How many months of payslips are required if I’ve worked with my employer for over six months?
You must provide six months of payslips and matching bank statements.
5. Can savings be combined with income to meet the financial threshold?
Yes, using the formula (shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000 to calculate the required savings.
6. What documents must I submit with my UK Spouse Visa application?
Payslips, bank statements, an employer letter, proof of relationship, and valid ID documents.
7. Are electronic payslips accepted by the Home Office?
Yes, if issued directly by the employer or verified by an official employer letter.
8. How long must savings be held before applying for a Spouse Visa?
At least six consecutive months in the applicant’s, sponsor’s, or joint names.
9. Can I apply if I just changed jobs recently?
Yes, under Category B, as long as you meet both income tests and provide evidence from past and current jobs.
10. What are the most common reasons for UK Spouse Visa refusals?
Incomplete financial documents, incorrect payslip periods, missing employer letters, or outdated bank statements.