Category A: Salaried Employment

Commonly used for

• Sponsors who have been with the same employer for 6 months or more
• Individuals with a fixed, consistent annual salary that meets or exceeds the £29,000 threshold

How this category works

Category A is the most straightforward evidence route because it focuses on stability. The Home Office wants to see that you have a secure, long-term job and that your income has been paid consistently at the required level for the last 6 months.

To use Category A, the person whose income is being relied upon must have been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months on the date of application, and they must have been earning the required annual salary throughout that entire 6-month period.

Evidence checklist

• 6 months of payslips — 6 consecutive monthly payslips (or equivalent weekly payslips) covering the 6-month period immediately before the date of application.
• Matching bank statements — Personal bank statements for the same 6-month period, clearly showing the salary payments from the employer entering your account.
• Employer letter — A formal letter on the company’s official letterhead, signed and dated by a senior official (e.g. HR Manager or Director), confirming:
  • Your job title and employment status (e.g. permanent or fixed-term)
  • Your length of employment (must confirm 6+ months)
  • Your current gross annual salary
  • That the payslips provided are authentic
• Employment contract — Not strictly mandatory in every case, but commonly included to clarify your role and salary structure.

Practical tips

• The “lowest figure” trap: If your salary has fluctuated (e.g. you received a pay rise) during the 6-month period, the Home Office will often base their assessment on the lowest salary paid during that time. Ensure that even the lowest figure meets the threshold.
• Cross-checking: Before you submit, lay out your 6 payslips and bank statements side by side. Ensure the amounts and deposit dates match exactly. Any discrepancies need a clear explanation (e.g. if a bonus payment makes the deposit look different, include a note).
• Electronic payslips: If your company uses an online payroll system, ensure that your printed payslips are accompanied by the employer letter confirming their authenticity.
• Consistency: Ensure the employer’s name on the payslips, bank statements, and employer letter is identical. If the company has changed names or gone through a merger, include proof of that transition.

⚠️ 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.