Since 4 September 2025 applications for Family Reunion under Appendix Family Reunion have been closed.
This means that no new applications can be made using the current application form and which was free of charge. Instead, if people with refugee leave want to bring their spouse, child, close relative or unmarried partner to the UK, they must apply under the regular Family Route pursuant to Appendix FM (Family Member). Jamie Langley, paralegal in our Immigration team explains.
Close relative is defined as a grandparent, brother and sister, step-parent, uncle or aunt.
What does this mean?
The main thing to note with Appendix FM is all applicants are expected to meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000, meaning their sponsor in the UK must (in most cases) earn a salary of £29,000 from employment or self-employment or have £88,500 in cash savings held for 6 months.
If you cannot meet this requirement, you may still be able to bring your spouse or partner if you can establish there are exceptional circumstances. Simple inconvenience does not qualify as exceptional circumstances and it is ultimately for the Home Office to decide what qualifies as “exceptional circumstances” and “unjustifiably harsh consequences” in each application. The applicant must show that refusing the application would be a breach of their rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to private and family life, because it would result in “unjustifiably harsh consequences” for the applicant, their partner or child.
Other ways to meet the financial requirement:
The other acceptable sources of income are:
- Adequate maintenance where the UK sponsor receives benefits such as PIP, carer’s allowance, DLA, etc
- A credible guarantee of financial support to the applicant from a third party.
- Any other credible and reliable source of income, which is available at the date of application or will become available during the period of limited leave applied for.
- Prospective earnings from credible employment or self-employment.
Points To note:
- If you have exceptional circumstances, this does not exempt you from all of the rules and requirements. Suitability looks at the applicants good character and whether the they have been the subject of any criminal convictions or deportation orders. They will also look at any period of overstaying in the UK that demonstrates a disregard for the Immigration Rules. Eligibility looks at the relationship between the applicant and UK Sponsor, the English language knowledge of the applicant and the accommodation the sponsor has available.
- Other relevant applications include Adult Dependant Relative for parents and leave outside the rules for other complex matters.
- Appendix FM is a paid application, currently at £1,938.00 per applicant and also incurring an Immigration Healthcare Surcharge of £1,035.00 per year per adult applicant and £776.00 per child, calculated for the duration of the visa and payable in advance. However, there are fee waiver applications available for human rights entry clearance applications, for those unable to afford the fees.
The Family Reunion route is expected to be suspended until spring 2026, at which point the government will bring in reforms following its review. The home secretary suggested the reforms will include requirements for contributions and longer periods before people with refugee status can apply.
Get in touch
To discuss any matters relating to immigration law contact our team today on 0808 166 8831. Our team will discuss with you your needs and provide you with a fixed fee tailored to the service with no hidden cost so you know exactly what the fees will be from the outset.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
