The UK government has imposed an immediate suspension on new refugee family reunion applications, halting access to the dedicated route as of the first week of September 2025. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament the pause is temporary but will remain in place until a new, more restrictive framework is introduced — ministers say this is expected by spring 2026.
Existing applications already lodged will continue under the current rules. Anyone seeking to bring family to the UK from now on must use the standard Family Migration route (Appendix FM), which includes tougher income and English requirements than the suspended refugee family reunion path.
Why the government says it suspended the route
Officials cite two main pressures:
- Rising volume and speed of family reunion applications. The Home Office says many refugees now apply within weeks of receiving protection, compared with the 1–2 year pattern seen before 2020.
- Strain on local authorities, including increased demand for emergency housing and other services, placing extra costs on already stretched councils.
Ministers argue these shifts have increased immediate demand on public services and budgets, prompting the temporary suspension while they finalize reforms.
Reactions from charities, MPs and analysts
Refugee organisations and several MPs condemned the decision as a major change that closes one of the few safe and legal routes for women and children.
- In the year ending June 2025, the UK issued a record 20,817 refugee family reunion visas — up 30% on the previous year — and 92% of those visas went to women and children.
- Charities warn the suspension could push families towards smugglers and dangerous Channel crossings.
- Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests the decision will reshape how protection families attempt to come together in the UK for years, even before the new rules take effect.
“The pause removes a key safe route for women and children,” say groups such as the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council, describing the humanitarian impact as devastating.
Political context
The Home Secretary framed the pause as part of a broader fix to asylum and resettlement, including an overhaul of appeals to cut backlogs. Shadow ministers argue the government mismanaged asylum flows and failed to plan for family reunion numbers as Channel crossings rose. Legal challenges are expected as the new framework is published.
Policy changes overview
The immediate practical change: no new applications are being accepted under the dedicated refugee family reunion route while reforms are finalised. These reforms were flagged in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper and aim to align refugee family migration more closely with general family migration rules.
Key features signposted by ministers and policy papers include:
- A possible waiting period before a refugee can apply for family reunion — reports suggest a two‑year wait after protection is granted (similar to Denmark and Switzerland).
- English language and financial requirements for sponsors and some family members, aligning with Appendix FM rules.
- Potential contribution requirements, and tailored arrangements for unaccompanied children and for people fleeing persecution with close family in the UK.
During the suspension: Appendix FM becomes the only option
Refugees who wish to reunite with a partner or children during the suspension must apply via Appendix FM. Requirements under that route include:
- A minimum income of £29,000 to sponsor a partner, with the threshold scheduled to rise to £38,700 by early 2026.
- Proof of adequate accommodation without reliance on public funds.
- English language proficiency for adult family members at the required level.
Applicants should begin via the GOV.UK family visa pages, including the “Family visas” application gateway under Appendix FM. The Home Office emphasises that cases lodged before the suspension remain in the processing queue and will be decided under the previous family reunion rules.
Impact on applicants and local services
The practical effects are significant:
- Refugees who could previously bring spouses or children under the dedicated route — without income or English tests — now face stricter standards many cannot meet.
- For families separated by war or persecution, the new tests create immediate concerns for safety and wellbeing.
- Charities stress that family unity often helps refugees settle, find work, and reduce long‑term costs; removing the route risks increased irregular journeys.
Local authorities report rising pressures linked to swift family arrivals. Some councils say more than a quarter of family homelessness applications now stem from refugee family reunion. Ministers argue this trend is unsustainable given council budget constraints and that a waiting period and aligned requirements will slow arrivals and better distribute costs.
The political debate is likely to intensify as legal challenges and transitional issues (mixed old/new cases) emerge.
Timing and likely consequences
If a two‑year wait becomes law, a refugee recognised today could be unable to apply for family reunion until 2027. Advocates warn such delays could:
- Harm children’s development and family mental health
- Impede integration outcomes
- Push parents toward dangerous or irregular routes to reunite sooner
Data highlights the scale of change: 20,817 refugee family reunion visas in the 12 months to June 2025 — the highest on record. The Home Office attributes pressure to the surge and faster application timing, while NGOs argue the numbers reflect global conflict and that family reunion can reduce long‑term public costs.
What applicants should prepare for (Appendix FM)
During the suspension, applicants using Appendix FM should expect stricter documentation and evidence requirements:
- Financial evidence to meet the income threshold: payslips, bank statements, employment letters, etc.
- Proof of accommodation showing no recourse to public funds.
- English language evidence for adult applicants: approved tests, eligible qualifications, or exemptions.
The Home Office publishes detailed guidance on permitted evidence for the financial requirement. These standards differ markedly from the suspended refugee family reunion route, where such tests did not apply.
Guidance and support
The government directs people to official guidance for updates:
- For policy announcements and ministerial statements, consult the Home Office.
- For casework support and welfare referrals, organisations such as the Refugee Council and the British Red Cross continue to assist families.
- The Home Office public enquiries line remains available on weekdays for general questions.
What’s next: timeline and exemptions
- The government plans further details in an asylum policy statement later in 2025.
- Legislation and rule changes are expected to roll out before spring 2026.
- Officials have hinted at exceptions for unaccompanied children and some urgent protection cases, but carve‑outs are not yet confirmed.
Until the new rules are finalised, the suspension stands and Appendix FM is the only path open for new family applications.
Key considerations for policymakers and observers
Advocates and stakeholders will watch three markers closely:
- Whether the government confirms a two‑year waiting period.
- How closely the new rules align with Appendix FM standards.
- Whether any humanitarian exemptions are broadly or narrowly drawn.
With a record year of family reunion grants and strong parliamentary views, the suspension is now a test of how the UK balances control with compassion.
Important: readers considering an application should review the government’s family visa pathway and, where needed, seek qualified immigration advice. The online application for partners and children under Appendix FM is available via the GOV.UK family visas portal, which explains requirements, fees, and evidence.
Final takeaway
- The refugee family reunion route is closed to new cases for now (from early September 2025).
- The UK is moving toward a stricter, slower model intended to align refugee family reunion with Appendix FM by spring 2026.
- Families and councils face competing pressures: reduced immediate arrivals vs prolonged family separation and potential humanitarian harm.
This Article in a Nutshell
The UK suspended new applications to its dedicated refugee family reunion route from early September 2025, while ministers design a more restrictive framework expected by spring 2026. Existing applications will be processed under previous rules, but new family reunions must use Appendix FM, which requires minimum income, proof of adequate accommodation and English-language evidence. The government cites a rapid increase and faster timing of applications — 20,817 visas were granted in the year to June 2025, a 30% rise — and pressures on local authorities. Charities warn the move removes a key safe route for women and children and could drive irregular journeys. Proposed reforms include a possible two-year waiting period, alignment with Appendix FM standards and special arrangements for unaccompanied children. Applicants should follow GOV.UK guidance and seek specialist legal advice as changes are finalised and legal challenges loom.
