Family reunion for refugees

Information and help for refugees that want to bring loved ones to the UK. 

Visa applications to be reunited with your family are handled by the UK Home Office.

We can help you understand how to apply for family reunion. We may be able to help you find an immigration adviser, provide visa support and travel assistance.

Changes to Refugee Family Reunion

As of September 2025, the UK Government has temporarily suspended new Family Reunion applications under the Appendix Family Reunion (Protection) set of immigration rules.

A new set of immigration rules is expected to be announced in spring 2026.

This means that if you have Refugee or Protection Status in the UK, you will now need to apply under a different set of immigration rules, until spring 2026, if you want to bring your family members to the UK.

See the government webpage on UK family visas for more information.

Some of the requirements under this set of immigration rules are different to Family Reunion requirements and may include:

 

  • Financial requirements if you’re applying as a partner or spouse: If you apply for a family visa as a partner, you and your partner usually need to prove that your combined income is at least £29,000 a year. Find more information about financial requirements. 
  • Knowledge of English: You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. Find out more information about knowledge of English requirements.
  • Application fees: Cost if joining your partner, parent or child: £1,938. Cost for each dependant added to your application: £1,938 each person. Find more information about application fees.

 

We would recommend that you speak to an immigration adviser to discuss applying under this set of immigration rules and what requirements you may need to prove.

You can find an immigration adviser on the IAA Directory or the ILPA website.

Any application for Family Reunion that has already been submitted to the Home Office before September 2025, is not affected by the recent suspension or upcoming changes and will be processed in the normal way. See this government briefing note for more information.

If you are still waiting for a decision to be made by the Home Office on your Family Reunion application, you can email the Home Office: refugeefamilyreunion@homeoffice.gov.uk and you can ask for an update on your application.

How we can help

Use our enquiry form and our team may provide information on:

  • what’s involved in the application process
  • immigration advisers and other organisations that can help
  • how we might be able to help

By completing the enquiry form, we may be able to provide general advice on the family reunion process or connect you with our other services. The form is not an application for family reunion but will help us understand your needs. 

FILL IN OUR ENQUIRY FORM

We can’t give legal advice, apply on your behalf or pay for your application for family reunion.

If you have problems filling in the form:
Email: FRAdvice@redcross.org.uk 
(We’re available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)

Help with travel to the UK

If your family live overseas and have family reunion visas, we may be able to help them travel to the UK.

Find out if you and your family are eligible and what's involved.

Learn about travel assistance

Further help for refugees