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Family reunion rules

This is general information only. Immigration law changes frequently and every case is different. Before making an application, you should seek advice from a regulated immigration solicitor or adviser.

You can find a regulated immigration solicitor through the Law Society of Scotland.

You can also check whether an adviser is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)

The refugee family reunion route is suspended

New applications under Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection) are suspended from 3pm on 4 September 2025 until further notice. This means:

• If you have refugee status or humanitarian protection, you cannot currently submit a new application under the refugee family reunion rules for your spouse or children.

• Applications submitted before 3pm on 4 September 2025 should continue to be processed.

• There is no confirmed date for when the route will reopen.

Applying under the standard family visa rules (Appendix FM)

While the suspension is in place, family members may apply under the standard family visa rules (Appendix FM). These are stricter and usually involve fees. Spouse or partner applications normally require:

• A minimum income of £29,000 per year, or savings that meet the financial rules.

• Suitable accommodation in the UK.

• An approved English language test for the partner, unless an exemption applies.

• Payment of application fees (a fee waiver may be possible in some cases).

Universal Credit does not count towards the £29,000 income requirement. If the sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits, different financial rules may apply.

Children under 18 can apply under Appendix FM, either with a parent or separately. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to show sole responsibility or meet other specific requirements. Fees usually apply.

Extended family members

There is no general visa route for extended family members of refugees. This includes:

• Parents of adult refugees

• Adult children

• Siblings

• Grandparents

• Other relatives

Possible routes are very limited.

Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) route

This may apply to a parent or grandparent who:

• Needs long-term personal care because of age, illness or disability, and

• Cannot obtain the required level of care in their home country, even with financial support from the UK sponsor, and

• Can be maintained and accommodated in the UK without public funds.

This route is highly restrictive and refusal rates are high.

Child Relative (Appendix CRP)

In serious and compelling circumstances, a child may apply to join a close relative in the UK who has protection status. This is separate from the standard spouse and child routes.

Article 8 – right to family life

If the financial or other requirements cannot be met, an applicant can ask the Home Office to consider Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to respect for family life).

You must show that refusing the visa would cause unjustifiably harsh consequences.

For extended family members, the legal threshold is higher. Strong evidence of exceptional dependency is usually required.

If your family member is in Gaza or Egypt

There is no specific UK visa scheme for people leaving Gaza.

Applicants must normally apply from a country where they are lawfully present and attend a Visa Application Centre to give fingerprints and photographs.

Exit from Gaza is subject to border controls outside UK control.

Summary

• The refugee family reunion route is suspended for new applications.

• Spouses and children may apply under the standard family visa rules, but strict financial and other requirements apply.

• There is no general route for extended family members.

• Some limited routes exist for adult dependent relatives or children in serious and compelling circumstances.

• Article 8 arguments are possible but complex and often difficult.