Family Reunion

The old free route (Refugee Family Reunion) was suspended on 4 September 2025. You now need to use the standard family visa (Appendix FM). There are income, language and fee requirements.

At least £29,000 per year. This must be from employment — benefits do not count. If your income is lower, you can use savings (you need £88,500 in your account). Your partner's income abroad does not count.

Application: £2,064 per person (applying from overseas). The health surcharge (IHS) for a 2.5-year visa: £2,587.50 per adult, £1,940 per child. For a family of 3 (spouse + 2 children) that's about £12,660 (£6,192 in application fees + £6,467.50 in health surcharge). It used to be free.

Your spouse needs to pass an English test at A1 level (basic). This means: understand simple phrases, introduce yourself, answer simple questions. Children under 18 do not need a test.

Options: 1) See a lawyer — you may be able to apply under Article 8 ECHR (the right to family life). 2) The court has already dismissed the challenge to the suspension (7 July 2026, [2026] EWHC 1705) — check whether an appeal has been lodged. 3) If there are exceptional circumstances — apply outside the rules. Be sure to get legal advice.

The organisation Safe Passage challenged the suspension in court (permission for a hearing — February 2026, hearing — May 2026). On 7 July 2026 the High Court dismissed the claim on all grounds ([2026] EWHC 1705 (Admin)) — the suspension remains in place.