Thank you for contacting me about immigration and visas as the Coronavirus outbreak continues.
This is of course an unprecedented time and I know the Home Office is working hard to ensure people are not unfairly affected by circumstances beyond their control. You may be pleased to know that the Government is keeping family immigration requirements under review and this includes the minimum income requirement. Ministers have and will continue make adjustments where it is necessary. It is important to consider that the minimum income requirement is set at the level which prevents burdens on the taxpayer and promotes integration.
I welcome measures to remain aligned with these aims whilst making adjustments to support those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. I welcome the fact that a number of adjustments have already been made.
These include, if an individual has experienced a loss of income due to Coronavirus up to 1 January 2021, the Home Office will consider employment income for the period immediately before the loss of income, provided the minimum income requirement was met for at least 6 months immediately before the date the income was lost.
In addition, if an individual’s salary has reduced because of furlough or they have been paid through the job support scheme, the Government will take account of income as though they have been earning 100 per cent of their salary.
It is also welcome that action has been taken to support those who are self-employed to ensure that a loss of annual income due to coronavirus between 1 March 2020 and 1 January 2021 will usually be disregarded, along with the impact on employment income from the same period for future applications.
I entirely appreciate the concern regarding visas and travel restrictions. You can find detailed information at the following link on what is required as the pandemic continues - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents.