Who can apply for family reunion in the UK?

The pre-flight family reunion route is available to the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (of 2+ years), and children under 18 of a person who has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. Parents and adult siblings do not qualify under the standard rules but may apply outside the rules in exceptional circumstances.

Is there a fee for the family reunion visa?

No. There is no application fee for a family reunion visa when joining a recognised refugee or person with humanitarian protection. The Immigration Health Surcharge is also waived.

How long does a family reunion visa take to process?

Family reunion applications are usually processed within 12 weeks. However, processing times vary depending on the country where the application is made and the complexity of the case.

Can I work in the UK on a family reunion visa?

Yes. Family reunion visa holders have the right to work in the UK without any restrictions. You can also access the NHS and claim benefits on the same basis as the person you are joining.

Family Reunion Visa UK: Joining a Refugee or Protected Person

The family reunion visa allows the spouse, partner, and children under 18 of a recognised refugee or person with humanitarian protection to join them in the UK. There is no application fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge. The application is made from outside the UK and usually takes around 12 weeks to process. Family reunion visa holders can work, access the NHS, and claim benefits.

Who Is Eligible

Family reunion under Part 11 of the Immigration Rules is available to close family members of a person who has been granted refugee status (under the 1951 Refugee Convention) or humanitarian protection in the UK.

The following family members can apply:

Spouse or civil partner: You must have been married or in a civil partnership before the sponsor left their home country to seek asylum (unless there are compelling compassionate reasons).
Unmarried partner: If you have been in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.
Children under 18: Must be under 18 at the date of application and not leading an independent life.

Parents, adult children, and siblings do not qualify under the standard rules. However, in exceptional and compassionate circumstances, they may be able to apply outside the rules. Legal advice is strongly recommended in such cases. See our DIY vs solicitor guide.

Requirements

Family reunion applications do not have the same financial requirements as standard family visas. There is no minimum income threshold or savings requirement. The key requirements are:

The sponsor must have refugee status or humanitarian protection: Not asylum seekers awaiting a decision.
Genuine relationship: You must prove that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. See our relationship evidence guide.
No financial requirement: Unlike the spouse visa route, there is no minimum income threshold.
No English language requirement: You do not need to pass an English test.
No Immigration Health Surcharge: The IHS is waived for family reunion applicants.

How to Apply

The application must be made from outside the UK at a visa application centre.

Complete the online application: The form is available on GOV.UK under the family reunion route.
Book a biometrics appointment: Attend a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Submit documents: Including your passport, evidence of the relationship, and evidence of the sponsor's status in the UK.
Wait for a decision: Typically 12 weeks, though it can be longer.

If you are in a country where there is no accessible visa application centre (for example, due to conflict), the Home Office may make alternative arrangements. Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for guidance.

Documents Needed

Gather the following before applying:

Valid passport or travel document for each applicant.
Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of cohabitation.
Birth certificates for children.
Evidence of the sponsor's immigration status (grant letter, BRP copy, or status share code).
Evidence of the relationship: photographs, communication records, and any other supporting material.
If documents are not in English, certified translations are required. See our translation guide.

After You Arrive

Family reunion visa holders receive leave in line with the sponsor's status. This means:

Right to work: You can work in any job without restriction.
NHS access: Full access to NHS services.
Benefits: You can claim benefits if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Education: Children can attend state schools. Adults can access further education.

For help getting settled, see our first week in the UK checklist and accommodation guide.

Path to Settlement and Citizenship

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, family reunion visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain. After receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

The route to ILR requires meeting the continuous residence requirement and passing the Life in the UK test and English language test. See our ILR requirements guide.

If Your Application Is Refused

If your family reunion application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). Appeals must be lodged from outside the UK within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice.

Common reasons for refusal include insufficient evidence of the relationship, failure to prove the sponsor's status, or identity document issues. If refused, seek legal advice before deciding whether to appeal or reapply.