Family Reunion to the UK

On 1 September 2025, the UK Government decided that from 4 September 2025 onwards there is to be a pause on any new applications under the refugee family reunion route. This pause is said to be only temporary, with new rules planned for some point this year. We do not know when.

What the new rules and requirements will be are uncertain but it is expected that they will impose stricter requirements than before. This could include a requirement that you can show that you meet an income requirement, or that you have lived in the United Kingdom for a certain length of time before sponsoring an application.

What this means for you

This pause does not mean that refugees and those with humanitarian protection can no longer bring their family members to the UK.

However, the process is now more complicated and can be more difficult. Individuals must apply under existing Immigration Rules and may need to meet stricter requirements.

RLS has developed a number of factsheets to give practical guidance and legal information on Family based applications in different situations. Please find a factsheet to cover the following:

• Applying for your child or a child relative if you have ILR/Settlement in the UK or are a British Citizen
• Applying for a child if you do not have ILR/Settlement nor a British Citizen
• Child Relative of someone with Protection Status (Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection)
• Applying for you spouse/partner

We also provide useful practical guidance on:

• information about the TB (tuberculosis) testing process
• information about the biometric appointment

Important information about pending applications

If you submitted your application before 4 September 2025 at 3:00 PM and it is still pending, your application will continue to be considered under the previous Immigration Rules.

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