The suspension of Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection), also known as the refugee family reunion route, marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy, particularly for refugees and their loved ones separated by borders. Previously, this route enabled individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK to sponsor their family members, including spouses, unmarried partners, and minor children, to join them without meeting financial or English language requirements. With the recent suspension, many now face uncertainty and limited options. This article explores what the suspension means, who is affected, and what lawful alternatives remain under UK immigration law.
1. What Was the Family Reunion Route?
The family reunion route allowed individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK to bring their immediate family members to the UK. The primary benefit of this route was that it enabled refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection to reunite with close family members without meeting the stringent financial and English language requirements that standard family route applicants must satisfy.
Additionally, family reunion applications for partners and children were free to make, with no application fees or Immigration Health Surcharge payable to the Home Office.
This route provided refugees and other eligible individuals with an accessible pathway to reunite with loved ones in the UK. Certain limitations applied: only spouses or partners that the sponsor was in a relationship with prior to fleeing their country, and children born before the sponsor came to the UK, were eligible to apply. Despite these limitations, the route offered a practical and financially manageable means for families to reunite legally and safely.
2. Changes Implemented and Transitional Arrangements
From 4 September 2025 at 15:00 BST, the family reunion route was suspended until further notice, meaning no new applications under this route can be made. As per transitional arrangements, any applications submitted before this time will still be considered under the previous rules.
The government has stated that the suspension aims to review Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection) and reform the rules to create a “fair and properly balanced system.”
While the route has now been suspended, this does not mean that refugees and individuals with protection status have no way to bring eligible dependants to the UK. They can now apply under Appendix FM, which contains the standard immigration rules governing family visas. However, applying under Appendix FM requires the sponsor to meet financial and English language requirements.
3. What Options Do You Have Now?
The main route for people with protection status to bring dependants to the UK is now Appendix FM. The rules have been updated so that partners and dependent children of people with protection status can apply under this route, at least until the government announces any new rules for family reunion.
If the Appendix FM requirements cannot be met, applicants may consider making a human rights claim to request consideration outside the immigration rules. Decisions outside the rules are exceptional and typically rely on human rights grounds, such as Article 8, which protects the right to family and private life. Such applications are discretionary and depend on the specific circumstances, usually made when strict application of the rules would result in unfair or disproportionate outcomes.
4. Our comment
The suspension of the Family Reunion Route represents a major change for refugees and those with humanitarian protection, narrowing the previously straightforward pathway to reunite with loved ones. While Appendix FM provides an alternative, it introduces additional requirements that can make family reunion more challenging.
Navigating these changes can be complex, and our team is available to provide guidance and support with applications and advise.
