Government Suspend Refugee Family Reunion Route: What Families Must Do Next

Refugee Family Reunion visa – What has changed and what next?

In a new and dramatic change to UK asylum policy, the government has temporarily suspended the refugee family reunion route with immediate effect. Any new applications can no longer be submitted under the simplified scheme after the policy became effective at 3pm on 4 September 2025. Family Reunion applications submitted before the cut-off will be considered under the old rules.

The family reunion route previously allowed spouses and children of refugees to join them in the UK with no financial conditions. Family members will now be subject to the same requirements and processes that British citizens and those with settled status must follow to bring relatives from abroad. 

The latest changes mean that all applications must be made through Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules (the section of the UK immigration rules concerning family members). The Family visa route carries stricter conditions than the former Refugee Family Reunion visa. It also imposes shorter lengths of stay and more compliance requirements. 

Applying under Appendix FM (family visas) is expected to remain policy, at least until a new refugee family reunion framework is established by spring 2026. Government sources indicate a “tighter system”, not a loosened one. 

The UK is expected to align their policy closer to the likes of Denmark and Switzerland who impose a two-year waiting time on refugees to bring family. We advise refugees bringing relatives to the UK to apply ahead of further changes. 

Why has the government suspended the Refugee Family Reunion Visa?

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said the route had become financially unsustainable, with refugees applying to reunite with their families much sooner than expected. 

Yvette Cooper said that pre-pandemic, the time between protection being granted and bringing a family member to the UK was on average “one or two years”. Today, applications are typically being filed by refugees in as little as a month after protection has been granted. Yvette Cooper added that this is often even “before a newly granted refugee has left asylum accommodation.”

The changes aim to reduce asylum seeker dependence on public funds, as well as promote integration and contributions to the UK economy. The decision also follows mounting political pressure. Reform leader Nigel Farage recently accused the government of giving asylum seekers “more rights than the people of Essex” after a court allowed an asylum hotel in Epping to remain open.

What are the new rules refugees must now follow to bring family to the UK?

New financial requirements for refugees sponsoring family to come to the UK 

If you are a refugee sponsoring a family member such as a spouse/unmarried partner or a dependent child, you must now:

• Have a minimum income of £29,000 per year. The threshold rises if dependent children are included. Savings can be used as a supplement (or exclusively) if earnings fall short of the required amount. 

If you are to rely solely on savings, you would require £88,500. This is calculated as £29,000 (income requirement) x 2.5 years (Family visa duration) + £16,000 (financial cushion).

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) as suitable housing must be secured

• Prove you have arranged suitable housing, without relying on public funds. Accommodation must be suitable for the size of family you have and not be overcrowded.

English-speaking to be expected

• Demonstrate (as the person being sponsored) English language at the required level of A1, through an approved test or qualification. You will then be expected to reach level A2 by the time of your visa renewal, and B1 by the settlement stage. 

Relatives must renew Family visa before UK settlement

While the Family Reunion route previously granted relatives permission to stay in the UK for 5 years, by which time they would be eligible for settlement in the form of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the Family visa route is shorter. 

• A Family visa is typically valid for 2 years 9 months if you apply from outside the UK, or 2 years 6 months from inside the UK. 

This means, relatives would face at least one renewal of their visa prior to gaining settlement in the UK. Throughout the initial visa duration, and the extension visa duration, the sponsor (refugee) will need to support their relatives in the UK. These requirements are the same for British citizens and settlers. 

Cost of visa and healthcare for relatives

Under Appendix FM, sponsors and/or family members are expected to pay for a UK Family visa. Fee waivers do exist under the rules for those who can prove they cannot afford the fees, but they are not guaranteed and depend on an applicant’s financial circumstances. 

• The cost to apply for a UK visa from outside the UK is £1,938.
• The cost to switch to a Family visa from inside the UK, or extend your permission is £1,321
• Additional fees include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is a mandatory payment to use the National Health Service (NHS) for medical emergencies and GP appointments. It costs £1035 per year for an adult or £776 for a child. The fee must be paid per person for the entire duration of a visa permission in the UK, which for a Family visa is 2 years 9 months from outside the UK meaning as an adult you must pay the IHS for 3 years costing £3,105.

Perhaps one of the only benefits to the system change is for refugees who qualify to meet the requirements. They may be able to speed up processing and reunite with their family faster using priority processing. 

• Priority processing is available in some countries outside the UK and costs £500 for a decision on a Family Visa application within 30 days.

For newly recognised refugees, these hurdles will be difficult to meet immediately. Those who are moving from asylum accommodation or are new to the job market may struggle to meet the new requirements. 

Steps to take to apply for Family visa

If you are working and close to meeting the income threshold, consider applying immediately under Appendix FM. Delaying could mean facing even stricter conditions once the new system is introduced. Before submitting, gather evidence such as:

• Payslips and bank statements covering at least six months.
• A tenancy agreement or proof of property ownership.
• Documents proving your relationship and, where required, an English language certificate.

If you cannot prove you meet the financial requirements, you should contact an immigration attorney to explore if you are eligible for exceptional circumstances under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), that protects the right to family life. 

Those unable to apply following the suspension should focus on preparation. The announcement may set your timeline back years, as you may find yourself requiring substantial savings or a higher paid job role than before in order to reunite with family in the UK. You can prepare to apply in the following ways:

• Secure savings that demonstrate enough funds to support a partner or child dependent in the UK. 
• Secure employment and upskilling opportunities where possible
• Keep financial and housing records up to date
• Remain in contact with legal advisers who will monitor the new rules as they are announced.

What to expect in further changes to family reunion for refugees in 2026

The Home Office has confirmed a new refugee family reunion framework will be published next spring. Indications so far suggest the following changes are likely:

• A waiting period before refugees can apply for family reunion, similar to rules in Denmark and Switzerland.
• Contribution or integration requirements, potentially linked to employment or financial stability.
• Limited exceptions for children and those with close family already in the UK.

Support for migrants in the UK – apply for Appendix FM today

The dedicated family reunion route has closed. Applications are still possible, but only under Appendix FM and only if you can satisfy its financial and practical requirements. Families who qualify should act without delay. Those who cannot should prepare carefully for the new framework due in 2026.

At IAS, we have helped thousands of people to understand and prepare to apply for an immigration permission. With highly qualified lawyers experienced in complex immigration law, our experts specialise in applications under Appendix FM, Article 8 and asylum law.

For immediate assistance for your immigration situation, you can contact us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or get in touch online.