Refugee family reunion - suspended to new applications since 4 Sep 2025
Official name: Family reunion (Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection))
This route let the partner and children of a refugee or person with humanitarian protection in the UK join them, without the usual family visa income rules. It has been suspended: GOV.UK says applications are no longer being accepted. Applications made before 3pm on 4 Sep 2025 are still being decided, usually within 12 months. The government said on 2 Mar 2026 that family reunion stays paused while new rules are designed with financial and integration requirements in line with those for British citizens. Some family members may be able to apply for a family visa under Appendix FM instead, which has its own income and English rules.
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Who it’s for
Partners and children under 18 of people with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. Closed to new applications.
Eligibility
Suspended since 3pm on 4 Sep 2025
Sign in to check this route against your profileNew applications under Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection) are suspended, from outside and inside the UK.
From 3pm on 4 Sep 2025- GOV.UK states: "Applications are no longer being accepted."
- Home Office guidance published 5 Aug 2026 still describes the suspension as in effect.
Official wording
A change to the Immigration Rules suspended all new applications under Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection) from 3pm on 4 Sep 2025, both from outside and inside the UK. GOV.UK states: "Applications are no longer being accepted." Home Office guidance published 5 Aug 2026 still describes the suspension as in effect.
Applications made before the suspensionPending applicants
Sign in to check this route against your profileApplications made before 3pm on 4 Sep 2025 are decided under the rules in force before the suspension.
- Applicants should get a decision within 12 months.
- Pending appeals continue.
Official wording
Applications made before 3pm on 4 Sep 2025 are decided under the rules in force before the suspension; applicants should get a decision within 12 months. Pending appeals continue.
Alternative: family visa (Appendix FM)
Sign in to check this route against your profileGOV.UK says a partner or child may be able to apply under the family visa route instead. That route has its own requirements, including financial and English language requirements, and fees.
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