Refugee family reunion in the United Kingdom

Family reunion is only possible after you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection. That often takes one to three years, sometimes longer. While your asylum claim is still going, you cannot make this application.

Who can come: your spouse or partner, if you were married or had lived together for two years before you left; and your children under 18, born or conceived before you left.

For other relatives — an elderly parent, a brother, a sister — the application is made “outside the rules”. It is possible, but it is harder, and it needs a lawyer.

The evidence asked for: marriage and birth certificates, photos, messages, proof of money sent, statements from people who know your family. Gather everything you can, including what seems unimportant.