Reuniting with family is a fundamental human right, and for refugees in the UK, the UK refugee family reunion visa has long been a critical pathway to bring loved ones together. However, recent changes to UK immigration rules have significantly altered the process.
What is UK refugee family reunion visa?
The UK refugee family reunion visa was designed to allow refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection in the UK to sponsor their close family members—primarily spouses, partners, and children—to join them legally. This visa route ensured that families separated by conflict, persecution, or displacement could rebuild their lives together in the UK.
Suspension of UK refugee family reunion visa
As of 4 September 2025, the UK government suspended the refugee family reunion visa UK under Appendix FRP of the Immigration Rules. This means:
Applications for partners and children of refugees or those with humanitarian protection are no longer being accepted through this route.
Any submissions made after 15:00 on 4 September 2025 will not be processed.
This significant policy change has redirected applicants to alternative family visa options.
Alternative pathways for family reunion in the UK
Although the refugee family reunion visa UK is suspended, refugees and protected persons can still reunite with their families through other visa routes:
Pathway | Who It’s For | Key Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Family Visa (Appendix FM) | Partners and children of refugees or settled persons | Genuine and subsisting relationship, financial requirement, suitable accommodation | Main alternative to refugee family reunion visa |
Adult Dependent Relative Visa | Adult family members needing long-term care | Proof of dependency, sponsor able to provide care | Typically for elderly or disabled relatives |
Appendix Child Relative | Children under 18 | Proof of relationship, sponsor has sole responsibility | For children not included in initial refugee claim |
Community Sponsorship | Refugee families supported by UK communities | Sponsorship from approved community group | Usually for refugees from specific countries |
Partners of British citizens or settled persons | Genuine relationship, financial requirement | Can bring spouse/partner to join in the UK | |
Family members who want to study in the UK | Offer from a licensed education provider, proof of funds | Applicable for studying at universities/colleges | |
Family members visiting temporarily | Proof of purpose of visit, intention to return | Short-term visits for tourism, business, or family |
While the suspension is in place, several alternative pathways remain available for family reunification.
Good to know
Application fees: Unlike the former refugee family reunion visa, family visas involve significant fees. A partner or child visa application from outside the UK costs around £1,938.
Healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay a healthcare surcharge depending on age and length of stay.
Processing times: Expect decisions within approximately 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
While the UK refugee family reunion visa suspension may seem challenging, family reunification remains possible through family visas and adult dependent relative visas. Staying informed and prepared is essential for a smooth application process.
