Category D: Cash Savings (£88,500)

Commonly used for

• Applicants relying entirely on personal savings
• Those who need savings to “top up” an income that falls short of the £29,000 threshold
• Applicants who recently sold a property and have the proceeds available

How this category works

This is a purely quantitative route. There are no complex “income” calculations based on employment history — instead, the focus is on proving that the money is yours, it has been held for the required time, and it is immediately accessible.

Why £88,500? The Home Office calculates this figure based on a standard formula designed to represent the capital equivalent of the £29,000 income requirement over a 2.5-year visa period:

• The first £16,000 of savings does not count toward meeting the income requirement
• The remaining amount must cover the income shortfall over 2.5 years
• £16,000 + (£29,000 × 2.5) = £88,500

Source: Appendix FM Financial Requirement Guidance (Page 55)

Evidence checklist

• 6 months of bank statements — Statements from a regulated financial institution showing that the balance never dropped below the required amount at any point in the 6 months before the application.
• Source of funds — A document explaining where the money came from (e.g. sale of property completion statement, inheritance letter, or gift letter).
• Bank letter — A letter from your bank confirming your account details, the balance, and that the funds are immediately accessible (no fixed-term locks or withdrawal restrictions).
• Calculation cover sheet — A simple page clearly showing your calculation and, if applicable, the exchange rate used (using the OANDA spot rate on the date of application).

Practical tips

• The “low point” rule: The Home Office looks for the lowest balance shown across the 6 months of statements. If you dipped below the target for even one day, that entire amount may be invalidated.
• One account is best: Avoid spreading money over too many accounts. Caseworkers have been known to make errors when adding up multiple accounts. Keeping funds in one account reduces risk.
• Avoid transfers: Try to keep the money in the same account for the full 6 months to avoid confusing the paper trail.
• Avoid vague investments: Cryptocurrency, stocks, or investments that fluctuate cannot be used. The funds must be cash savings.

If your savings came from a property sale

You do not need the money to have sat in your bank account for 6 months. You can apply immediately once the money is in your account, provided you can prove you owned the property (or land) for longer than 6 months and the money represents the net proceeds of the sale.

⚠️ 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.