For many people granted asylum or refugee status in the UK, being separated from loved ones is one of the hardest parts of starting a new life. The Family Reunion Visa allows you to bring your immediate family members to join you — so you can rebuild your life together in safety and stability.
At AHJ Immigration, our team of UK immigration solicitors in Birmingham has helped countless families reunite. This guide explains who can apply, what documents you’ll need, and how we can support your Family Reunion Visa application step by step.
What Is the UK Family Reunion Visa?
The Family Reunion Visa allows certain family members of refugees or people with humanitarian protection in the UK to join them.
It’s designed to keep families together and ensure that those granted protection are not forced to live apart from their spouse, partner, or dependent children.
You do not need to meet income or accommodation requirements like a standard Spouse Visa — but you must prove your relationship is genuine and existed before you fled your home country.
Who Can Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?
The following family members are eligible:
- Your husband, wife, or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least two years)
- Your children under 18 who were part of your family before you fled your country
In certain cases, the Home Office may also consider applications from:
- Children over 18 who remain dependent
- Other close relatives with exceptional compassionate circumstances
If your relative was granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK, they can sponsor you to join them under this route.
What Are the Main Requirements?
To qualify, you’ll need to prove:
- Your sponsor’s status: They must hold refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Relationship proof: Documents showing your marriage or family relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- Pre-flight relationship: The family link must have existed before your sponsor fled their home country.
- Intention to live together: You must plan to live permanently with your sponsor in the UK.
No financial or English language test is required for this visa — but accuracy in documentation is crucial.
Documents You’ll Need
Supporting documents often include:
- Passports or travel documents
- Sponsor’s refugee status letter
- Marriage or birth certificates
- Evidence of communication or relationship
- Photos, correspondence, and proof of living together
- Translations of all documents not in English
Each application is assessed individually, so the more evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times for Family Reunion Visas vary. Most applications are decided within 12 weeks, but complex or incomplete cases can take longer.
Delays often occur if:
- Key documents are missing or untranslated
- The relationship is unclear or unverified
- Medical or security checks are required
At AHJ Immigration, we carefully prepare your submission to avoid delays and ensure your case meets all Home Office standards.
🔒 Secure & Confidential: All consultations and client data are fully protected under GDPR compliance and handled only by qualified AHJ Immigration advisors.
Fees and Costs
There’s no Home Office fee for a standard Family Reunion Visa application.
However, applicants may need to pay for:
- Document translation
- Medical tests (if required)
- Legal representation or administrative support
Our Free 30-Minute Consultation will help you understand all costs upfront and create a clear plan to reunite with your family.
How AHJ Immigration Can Help
Reuniting families is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. Our immigration lawyers in Birmingham provide:
- Eligibility assessments to confirm your qualification
- Document checklists and templates
- Support with witness statements and relationship evidence
- Submission and case tracking with UKVI
- Follow-up support if any additional documents are requested
We handle each Family Reunion Visa with empathy and professionalism — understanding that behind every file is a family longing to be together.
Common Reasons for Family Reunion Visa Refusals
Even though there’s no fee, refusal rates remain high due to:
- Missing proof of relationship
- Incorrect or inconsistent information
- Untranslated foreign documents
- Doubt about the family link or dependency
If your application was refused, our experts can review your case and prepare a strong appeal or fresh application with the correct evidence.
Step-by-Step Support Process
Step 1 – Free Consultation: We’ll assess your eligibility and review your circumstances.
Step 2 – Document Gathering: We help you compile all evidence and translations.
Step 3 – Application Preparation: Our team completes and submits your application with legal accuracy.
Step 4 – Communication with UKVI: We handle all updates and queries on your behalf.
Step 5 – Decision and Arrival: Once approved, we guide your family through travel and arrival arrangements.
Why Choose AHJ Immigration
Our firm is dedicated to bringing families together through expert advice, compassionate service, and results-driven representation.
- Experienced OISC-registered advisers
- High success rate with complex family reunion cases
- Based in Birmingham, serving clients across the UK and abroad
- Transparent fees and free initial consultation
How We Help – Your Consultation Options
Free 30-Minute Consultation – Review eligibility and discuss the documents you’ll need.
1-Hour Paid Consultation – Detailed review, document analysis, and written legal advice (fee deductible if you continue with us).
📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or visit our website to book your consultation today.
Disclaimer
Visa requirements and policies are subject to change. Information in this guide is correct as of October 2025. Always check for updated Home Office rules before applying.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for a UK Family Reunion Visa?
Spouses, partners, and children under 18 of refugees or people with humanitarian protection can apply.
2. Is there a fee for the Family Reunion Visa?
No, the application is free, but you may pay for translations or legal support.
3. How long does the Family Reunion Visa take?
Usually around 12 weeks, but times vary depending on your country and evidence provided.
4. What if my application is refused?
You can appeal or reapply with additional supporting documents. Our team can review and strengthen your case.
5. Can I bring other relatives like parents or siblings?
Usually no, unless there are exceptional compassionate circumstances, such as severe illness or dependency.
Need Help With Your UK Visa?
Book a consultation with our OISC-regulated adviser today. Whether you’re applying, extending, or appealing — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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