Quote Originally Posted by briancol View Post
yea i read that about the 5 year change,only thing about that is that she would have 5 years before she can apply which gives her 5 years to find a job,as it is its two year when she has to apply or become an illigal immigrant if she doesnt,i presume.i read that the amount required/they expect is 18,000 pounds a year,how much was it before the changes? thanks.
Well with this new 5 year immigration journey you have also to renew the visa again after 30 months with initial spouse visa.
That's a cost of £578. Then another 30 months later it's ILR at £1051
At each visa application there is a requirement to once again meet all Financial Requirements. Income benchmark currently set at an annual gross income level of £18,600.

The rule under which your wife applied and will continue to be treated under is a quick 2 years to ILR, no interim visa's to apply for and no income benchmark to meet.
She just needs to demonstrate adequate accommodation and maintenance. Just as you did at initial visa application.
This is traditionally based on income support levels. Currently £112.55 per week for a couple.