What is Refugee Family Reunion?
The Refugee Family Reunion policy allows the immediate family members to join individuals who have been granted refugee status in the UK. The Refugee Family Reunion route has been designed to address the consequences of conflict and persecution by reuniting families who have been torn apart.
Can my family members join me in the UK under the Family Reunion Scheme?
If you meet the following requirements then your family members may be eligible to join you in the UK as part of the family reunion scheme.
- You currently have protection status in the UK.
- Your family members do not have criminal convictions or pose danger to the UK.
- Your family member must be your partner with whom you have formed a family unit before you left the country of your mutual residence in order to seek protection.
- If you are not married or in a civil partnership with to your partner, you must show that you have been living with your partner for atleast 2 years before you left the country of your former habitual residence in order to seek protection.
- You must have been in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner and must not be within the prohibited degree of relationship. Your family member can also be your child who is under the age of 18 at the date of the application.
- If your child is over the age of 18, the decision maker must be satisfied there are exceptional circumstances, and your child must not have formed an independent life.
- You must show that your child was conceived or born before you left the country of your habitual residence in order to seek protection.
Correct at time of writing - 29th May 2024.
Why work with Paragon Law?
Making a Family Reunion application can be a complex process as issues can arise from collecting the evidence required to link refugee sponsors to their family members outside of the UK. Refugees entering the UK often do not have the documentation required to make immigration applications, however, our expert immigration lawyers are able to overcome these issues in the application process by creating and submitting a strong case.
Why choose Paragon Law?
- Well-regarded. Both our personal and family immigration lawyers, and our asylum solicitors and lawyers have received national acclaim for their work.
- Specialist. We focus entirely on immigration law and UK visas. Our lawyers specialise in one of our three core services, enabling them to become a true expert in what they do.
- Supportive. Matters of asylum and personal immigration are often emotive which is why our legal team will always act in a sympathetic manner and go above and beyond with your case.
- Connected. Our immigration lawyers have close ties to barristers, industry experts, and other organisations who, if needed, can be drawn upon to make your case stronger.
This immigration law powerhouse is best known for handling complex and high-profile cases. The lawyers are admired for their hard work and dedication to clients. They push and push and never take no for an answer.
Chambers & Partners
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Emma Okenyi
Emma Okenyi is a director and solicitor at Paragon Law.
Emma has extensive experience in all aspects of immigration law and in particular family and private life applications (both in country and entry clearance applications). As part of this, Emma has special interest in complex nationality matters and has represented clients both within and outside the UK.

Maaria Mahmood
Maaria Mahmood is a senior caseworker at Paragon Law. Maaria Mahmood primarily works in the firm’s Personal and Family Immigration department, however, she does also assist with matters of deportation and detention.

Elliott Dipper
Elliott Dipper is a senior caseworker in Paragon Law's Personal and Family Immigration team. Elliott is able to assist individuals with a wide range of matters relating to UK immigration law and can support individuals throughout the legal process.
My family arrived safely. It was very emotional to see my mother after about 10 years and little brother for the first time! I have no words to describe this feeling right now. I just want to thank Paragon Law for helping me to reunite with my lovely family.
Refugee Family Reunion Fees
Our fees reflect the service required and the complexities of the case. For a tailored quote please consult one of our immigration lawyers. As an immigration law firm, we offer our clients an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer in order to get more detail about your case.

Refugee Family Reunion: FAQs
How long does a UK Family Reunion Application take to process?
Once you apply for a Family Reunion application you will usually receive a decision within 12 weeks. To read more about updates to UK visa processing time please head over to the official guidance.
How long can I stay in the UK under the Family Reunion Route?
If you join a relative in the UK under the Family Reunion route, then you will be granted the same amount of leave as your sponsor - so if your sponsor has 3 years left in the UK then so will you, but if your sponsor has indefinite leave to remain in the UK then you will also be granted with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It is the expectation that individuals who join relatives in the UK under this route will go on to settle permanently in the UK.
Who is eligible to apply for the UK Family Reunion Scheme?
Partners and children of recognised refugees or individuals with humanitarian protection in the UK are eligible to make a family reunion application. Partners must have been in a relationship with the person they wish to join in the UK before their partner left their country. Under exceptional circumstances, other family members may be eligible to make a family reunion application outside of the immigration rules - speak to our immigration layers for more information.
How much does a UK Family Reunion Application cost?
There is no fee for making a Family Reunion Application for eligible family members.
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Claiming asylum in the UK
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Family Reunion Clinic
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Adult Dependent Relative Visa