UK Family Visas for Indians & Pakistanis: Reunite with Loved Ones, Stress-Free

 

For Indian and Pakistani families hoping to reunite in the United Kingdom, 2025 brings both opportunity and new challenges. The UK’s family visa framework remains one of the most commonly used routes for reuniting with loved ones, with dedicated paths for spouses, civil partners, children, and dependent parents. Chief among these is the Spouse or Partner Visa. Since April 11, 2024, the financial threshold for sponsoring a partner has risen significantly, now requiring a minimum annual gross income of £29,000—up from the long-standing £18,600 limit. This amount can alternatively be met through savings, with £88,500 accepted in lieu of income, or through a combination of both. For those with qualifying benefits such as disability allowances, exemptions exist, but all applicants must still provide proof of a genuine relationship, English language proficiency at CEFR A1 level, and suitable accommodation in the UK.

This hike in the income threshold has not gone unnoticed. Families across the UK, particularly from South Asian communities, have voiced concern about what many are calling a “tax on love.” Public pressure has led the Migration Advisory Committee to consider potential reductions to the requirement—possibly lowering it to between £23,000 and £25,000—but as of June 2025, the £29,000 threshold remains in effect for new applications. The good news is that those who applied before the April 11 change continue to be assessed under the previous rule, ensuring continuity for ongoing visa holders and those seeking extensions.

Understanding the application timeline is key to managing expectations. For applicants in Pakistan, standard visa processing takes about three to five months, though priority services can shorten this to as little as three weeks. In the UK, in-country applications typically process within eight to twelve weeks. Regardless of location, every case requires thorough documentation: a valid marriage or partnership certificate, evidence of ongoing communication, clean police and TB clearance certificates, and reliable proof that the UK-based sponsor meets the financial and housing criteria.

While the new income rules do make reunification more complex, the UK government has paused further threshold increases for now, offering a glimmer of stability. There are still paths forward for families facing exceptional circumstances—particularly through human rights provisions laid out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. These cases, however, are nuanced and best navigated with legal support from professionals experienced in UK immigration.

Reuniting with your partner or family member in the UK is far from impossible—it just demands thorough preparation and up-to-date information. Whether it’s securing financial documentation, prepping for English language tests, or choosing the right visa application centre, each step matters. With the right guidance and documentation, Indian and Pakistani applicants can still find their way back to loved ones in a system that, despite its hurdles, continues to offer a route home.