Kent-based Douglas Shillinglaw proposed to his Nigerian girlfriend in 2012 and hoped to bring his new wife and sons (pictured) to the UK.
But while the couple did not have any problems passing relationship and language tests, he failed to meet the minimum earnings requirement introduced for British sponsors.
Shillinglaw, who is a member of the Accordia Financial Services network, said his income was judged on his taxable net profit. As a result it did not include the savings he made by working from home, such as on non-taxable expenses like heating and telephone bills.
He said: “I can demonstrate that I can afford to live my life. They look at this taxable net profit. Surely they have got the brains to look at the HM Revenue and Customers website and think ‘I see he is deducting his utility bills’?”
Tough immigration rules introduced in July 2012 mean British citizens must earn £18,600 per year to sponsor their non-European spouse’s visa and £22,400 for families with a child. Every further child requires another £2,400.
MPs and peers in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration expressed concern yesterday about the way the rules were separating families and in some cases, children from their parents.
