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UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE: Specified Evidence Updates for Family Member Applications

🇬🇧 United KingdomFamily Reunification1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE, which details the specified evidence required for family member applications under Appendix FM and other related appendices (such as HM Armed Forces, International Armed Forces, Adult Dependent Relative, and Adoption), has been updated. Key changes include the deletion of certain provisions. Specifically, deletions have occurred in sub-paragraphs D(b)(i)(cc) and D(d)(ii) regarding the handling of document submission errors or wrong formats. Additionally, specific requirements related to bank statements under 1(a)(ii) and general financial provisions under 1(h) have been deleted. The updated rules clarify how decision-makers may handle missing or incorrect documents, allowing for requests for correction or discretion in certain circumstances, and outline precise requirements for financial evidence, including bank statements, payslips, and the treatment of third-party support and foreign currency.

Overview

The UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE, which details the specified evidence for family member applications, has undergone recent amendments. These changes include the deletion of sub-paragraphs D(b)(i)(cc) and D(d)(ii), which previously allowed for decision-makers to request documents submitted in an incorrect format or lacking specified information. Additionally, sub-paragraph 1(a)(ii) relating to bank statements has been removed. These updates aim to clarify and simplify the evidential requirements for family migration routes.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People applying under Appendix FM (family members)
  • People applying under Appendix HM Armed Forces
  • People applying under Appendix International Armed Forces and International Civilian Employees
  • People applying under Appendix Adult Dependent Relative
  • People applying under Appendix Adoption
  • People applying under Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection)
  • People who need to meet the financial requirements under paragraphs E-ECP.3.1., E-LTRP.3.1., E-LTRP.3.7., E-ECC.2.1., E-ECC.2.5., E-LTRC.2.1. and E-LTRC.2.5. of Appendix FM

What changed in the latest version

Before

The old Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE needed specific documents for family member applications. This included detailed rules for bank statements and how to handle documents that were missing or in the wrong format. These rules included specific references to paragraphs that were marked 'DELETED'. For example, under D(b)(i), the removed part (cc) 'DELETED' likely referred to a specific type of mistake in submitting documents. Similarly, D(d)(ii) 'DELETED' means there was a rule about how to deal with documents in the wrong format or those that did not have specific information. Under 1(a)(ii), which was about bank statements, a 'DELETED' entry suggests a previous specific rule for bank statements that has now been removed. Also, point 1(h), a general rule about financial requirements, used to have a 'DELETED' entry. This shows a removed part of how financial evidence was processed.

After

The Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE has been updated. This appendix lists the evidence needed for family member applications under Appendix FM and other related rules. These include rules for HM Armed Forces, International Armed Forces, Adult Dependent Relatives, and Adoption. Key changes involve removing certain rules. Specifically, sections D(b)(i)(cc) and D(d)(ii) have been removed. These sections dealt with how to handle mistakes in document submission or documents in the wrong format. Also, specific rules about bank statements under 1(a)(ii) and general financial rules under 1(h) have been removed. The updated rules explain how decision-makers may handle missing or incorrect documents. They can ask for corrections or use their judgement in some situations. The rules also clearly state what is needed for financial evidence. This includes bank statements, payslips, and how support from a third party and money in foreign currency are treated.

This update matters because it improves the rules for evidence in family migration routes. It gives clearer guidance for both applicants and decision-makers about the documents needed. Removing clauses that were already marked 'DELETED' makes the rules simpler by getting rid of old or unnecessary parts. For applicants, this means you must follow the specific evidence rules very closely. This is especially true for bank statements, payslips, and proof of legal income. Decision-makers now have clearer guidelines on using their judgement. This could make the process simpler if mistakes are small and can be fixed. However, it could also lead to a refusal if evidence does not meet the exact format and content rules. This affects how applications are prepared and checked. It influences how many applications succeed. It could also make administration easier by setting clear expectations.

Explained simply

Imagine applying for something important, like a club membership. The rules used to say that if you forgot a tiny piece of paper or sent the wrong kind of photo, they might give you a call to sort it out. Now, they've made the rules a bit stricter by removing some of those 'second chances'. So, it's even more important to make sure all your papers are absolutely perfect and exactly what they ask for, otherwise, your application might be turned down without them asking for corrections.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v3Effective 3 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE: Specified Evidence Updates for Family Member Applications

    The UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE sets out the evidence needed for family member applications. This appendix has been updated. Several sections, previously marked as 'DELETED', have now been formally removed from the rules. These removed sections deal with how document submission errors are handled and certain rules for bank statements. The Appendix FM-SE is important for applications made under different family routes. These include Appendix FM, applications for HM Armed Forces, and Adult Dependent Relatives. The changes clarify how decision-makers can use their judgement when processing applications with missing or wrong documents. They also clearly state what types of financial evidence are accepted. The policy now details what is needed for bank statements, payslips, and support from a third party.

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