2.2 Category B: Non-salaried/Variable

Best for:

• Sponsors who have changed jobs or employers within the last 6 months.
• Individuals whose income fluctuates because it is non-salaried (e.g., hourly pay, commission, bonuses, or irregular/variable hours).

How this category works

Unlike Category A, which only looks at the last 6 months, Category B is designed for those whose recent employment history is more complex. To satisfy the Home Office, you must pass a two-part test at the time of application:

1. Test 1 (Current Status): You must prove that your current annualised income (based on your current role/pay) meets the £29,000 threshold.
2. Test 2 (12-Month History): You must prove that the total gross income you actually received from employment over the 12 months prior to the application date also meets the £29,000 threshold.

Evidence Checklist 📋

• 12 Months of Payslips: You must provide all payslips for the last 12 months. This includes payslips from your current employer and, if you changed jobs, your previous employer(s).

• 12 Months of Matching Bank Statements: These must correspond exactly to the payslips and clearly show the income being deposited into your personal or joint account.

• Employment Letter(s): * A letter from your current employer (on official letterhead, signed and dated) confirming your job title, length of service, and your current gross annual salary or basis of pay.

• If you had multiple employers in the last 12 months, you should ideally provide a letter from each to verify the earnings shown on those specific payslips.

• Optional Supporting Docs: Employment contracts, P60s, or tax documents (like P45s) from previous jobs are highly recommended to fill any “gaps” in the timeline and ensure the caseworker can easily calculate your total 12-month earnings.

Pro-Tips for Success

• The “Two-Part” Requirement: Do not forget that passing only one test is not enough. If you have a high-paying current job but your total earnings over the last 12 months fall short of £29,000, you will likely be refused unless you can combine this with other permitted income (like savings).
• Annualising Variable Pay: If your pay is hourly or commission-based, the Home Office annualises your income by taking the total earned in the relevant period, dividing it by the number of months, and multiplying by 12. Double-check your own math before submitting to ensure it meets the £29,000 target.
• Multiple Employers: If you held two jobs simultaneously, you can combine the income from both to reach the £29,000 threshold. You must provide 12 months of full evidence for both jobs.
• Explanation Note: Since Category B can involve complex calculations, include a simple “Financial Summary” sheet at the front of your evidence. Clearly label: “Current annualised income calculation” and “Total gross income received in the last 12 months.” This helps the caseworker avoid errors.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. Always cross-reference your specific situation with the official GOV.UK Family Visas portal before submitting an application.