The UK’s Refugee Family Reunion policy allows immediate family members to join a refugee living in the UK. This policy aims to reunite families who were separated during the process of seeking asylum, especially when some members were forced to flee their home country. In this guide, we’ll outline who is eligible to bring family members to the UK under this policy, which family members can be included, the requirements for eligibility, the application process, the documents needed, and the processing times and fees associated with the Family Reunion visa.
If you’ve been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK, you may be able to bring immediate family members to live with you under the Family Reunion visa. As the sponsor, you must:
If you’ve gained British citizenship, you are no longer eligible to sponsor family members under this scheme, but you may still do so if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain. Additionally, if you were resettled under the Gateway, Mandate, or Syrian VPR programmes, you should have declared any dependent family members in your original application. If this wasn’t done, a “reasonable explanation” will need to be provided, for which the guidance of an immigration solicitor can be helpful.
You won’t be eligible to sponsor family members if your asylum claim is still under review or if you are under 18. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, our immigration solicitors can help clarify your situation. Reach out to us for a free consultation at 0161 832 8867 or email info@tpclegal.co.uk.
Under the Family Reunion visa policy, only immediate dependent family members of the sponsor can apply to join them in the UK. This includes:
Spouse or Civil Partner
Your spouse or civil partner can apply under the Family Reunion scheme if they can prove that:
The Home Office will investigate to ensure the relationship is not a sham for immigration purposes. Exceptions may be made if the couple has had limited communication due to living in refugee camps.
Unmarried or Same-Sex Partner
For an unmarried or same-sex partner to qualify, they must show that:
Dependent or Adopted Children
Children under 18 who are not living independently (i.e., not married) can apply. For adopted children, the sponsor must provide a valid adoption order from a third country’s authority or a court with proper legal powers.
To discuss eligibility and begin your application, contact our immigration lawyers for a free consultation at 0161 832 8867 or via email at info@tpclegal.co.uk.
The application process varies depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UK:
Applying from Outside the UK
The steps for applying outside the UK include:
Applying from Inside the UK
The steps for those applying from within the UK include:
When applying for the Refugee Family Reunion visa, you will need to submit:
Providing accurate and thorough documentation is crucial to avoid a visa refusal. For assistance, contact our immigration team at 0161 832 8867 or via email at info@tpclegal.co.uk.
The processing time for a UK Family Reunion visa is typically 12 weeks. To avoid delays, it’s essential to submit all required documents promptly.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a 30-day entry clearance visa to enter the UK. If you cannot enter within this period, you may request an extension of up to three months. Once in the UK, you’ll need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days. Your stay in the UK will last as long as your sponsor’s permit allows.
Family Reunion visas may be refused if:
If your application is refused, our immigration solicitors can advise on how best to resolve the issue. Contact us for a free consultation at 0161 832 8867 or by email at info@tpclegal.co.uk.