Family Reunion
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
UK National Law
What is this right?
UK immigration law provides routes for families to live together in the UK:
- Spouse/Partner visa (Appendix FM): Allows you to join your British or settled partner. The sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (rising from the previous £18,600 threshold in 2024). The visa is initially granted for 33 months (or 30 months if applying from within the UK).
- Refugee family reunion: If you have refugee status or humanitarian protection, your spouse/partner and children under 18 (who were part of your family unit before you fled) can join you with no fee and no income requirement.
There are also routes for children, parents, and adult dependant relatives, though these have strict requirements.
When does it apply?
- Spouse/partner visa: You must be in a genuine, subsisting relationship (married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for 2+ years). The sponsor must meet the income threshold and provide suitable accommodation.
- Refugee family reunion: The applicant must have been your spouse/partner or child before you fled your country.
- If you can't meet the income requirement, you can combine other sources: savings above £16,000 (at specific rates), pension income, or income from the applicant (if already in the UK).
- The English language requirement applies to most partner visa applicants (A1 level initially, A2 on extension, B1 for settlement).
What should you do?
- For a spouse visa, apply online and provide evidence of your relationship, finances, accommodation, and English language ability.
- For refugee family reunion, apply using Form VAF(BRP) at the nearest British embassy or visa application centre — it's free.
- Provide thorough evidence of the relationship: marriage certificate, photos together, correspondence, shared financial commitments.
- If refused, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal — for human rights refusals, there's an in-country right of appeal.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't submit a weak application — refusals are common when evidence is incomplete. Get advice before applying.
- Don't enter the UK as a visitor if your intention is to stay with your partner — this is deceptive entry and can result in removal and a future ban.
- Don't underestimate the income requirement — you must show the minimum income for at least 6 months before the application.
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