In a significant shift in UK immigration policy, the refugee family reunion route closed to new applications at 3pm on 4 September 2025.
On 1 September 2025 Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that refugee family reunion applications would be temporarily suspended while the government conducts a review of the rules and introduces a new, stricter route in spring 2025. A statement of changes was published on 4 September 2025 suspending the route only a few days after the announcement.
Applications submitted before 3pm on 4 September 2025 will be assessed under the old rules.
Old rule
Previously, refugees in the UK had a dedicated route for family reunion, which allowed them to bring immediate family members (their pre-flight partner and children under 18) to the UK without meeting the income, accommodation or language requirements that apply to the partners of British citizens. It was free to apply under this route.
The main requirement was proof of the family relationship, which could be established through documents including marriage and birth certificates, statements and voluntary DNA evidence. The relationship had to exist before the refugee sponsor left their country; families formed during transit or after arrival in the UK were not eligible to apply.
New rule
The dedicated refugee family reunion route has been suspended. As a result, refugees must now apply under the more stringent Appendix FM family migration rules.
These applications are costly and have additional requirements including:
The family must meet a minimum income requirement of £29,000
There must be adequate accommodation for the family in the UK
Applicants over 18 must meet the English language requirement at level A1 CEFR
In practice, many refugees will not qualify due to the financial requirement. Importantly, it is still possible to apply where the financial requirement is not met where it can be established that there are exceptional circumstances. This is a high threshold and means that a refusal would result in “unjustifiably harsh consequences for the applicant or their family”.
An application for one adult applicant under Appendix FM costs more than £5,000 in visa application fees, representing another significant barrier.
The government has not yet provided details about the new family reunion route due to be introduced in 2026, but it has indicated that it will involve “contribution requirements” and minimum residence periods.
Reason for the suspension
The government cited high numbers of applications in recent years and the strains this has placed on public services. One of the key reasons cited by the Home Secretary was a reported increase in the number of family reunion applications being made shortly after a grant of refugee status.
How we can help
The suspension of the refugee family reunion route marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy, with a focus on reducing net migration to the UK and pressure on housing and local authorities.
There is very little information about what any new route is likely to include but it appears likely that the government will impose new financial, accommodation and language requirements and possibly also time restrictions making it more difficult for the families to be reunited together in safety in the long term.
If you were considering applying under the family reunion route and need clarification on the next steps, available options, and associated requirements, please reach out to our friendly immigration team for guidance and support.