Family reunificationEffectiveMedium impactVerified

United Kingdom Family Reunification

🇬🇧 United KingdomFamily Reunification2 recorded versionsLast change 12 Aug 2026

ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The caseworker guidance has been updated to include instructions on issuing a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV).

Overview

The UK government has expanded Pathway 1 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) to allow Afghans resettled in the UK to reunite with immediate family members who were separated during the Kabul evacuation in August 2021. This includes children, spouses, and partners, as well as parents or siblings of evacuated children. Referrals can be made online from 30 July 2024, until 30 October 2024. Family members will need to attend a visa application centre for biometrics and document submission.

Who is affected by the latest change

Children under 18
Children joining a close relative with UK protection status
Children staying with a close relative with UK protection status
Close relatives sponsoring eligible children
Applicants requiring a FAV to accompany an eVisa

What changed in the latest version

Before

The instructions did not previously include specific steps on how to issue a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV).

After

The instructions for staff now include steps on how to issue a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV).

This update matters because it gives clear instructions to staff who make decisions. It tells them how to issue a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV) for children's applications. These children want to join family members who have protection status in the UK. This clear guidance helps make sure all cases are handled the same way and follow the correct steps. This is important for the digital visa system. For children who apply, this means staff will have clear guidance on how to help them get their travel documents. This may make the process for eVisa accompanying forms smoother. The update makes clear how staff should carry out this part of the immigration process.

Explained simply

Imagine if a kid wants to live with an aunt or uncle in the UK because their parents can't care for them, and that aunt or uncle is a refugee. This new rulebook helps the people who decide if that kid can come. It tells them how to deal with new digital travel permits and updated reasons why someone might not be allowed in, making sure everything is fair and follows the latest rules.

Frequently asked

Version history

v2Effective 12 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection): caseworker guidance
The UK Home Office updated its instructions for staff on 12 August 2026. These instructions are called 'Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection): caseworker guidance'. The update adds specific instructions for staff on how to issue a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV). This form helps people with an eVisa, which is a digital visa, prove their status when they travel. The instructions apply to immigration staff who review applications from children. These children want to live with or join a close family member who has protection status in the UK. This change is an internal update to how eVisa documents are handled.

Timeline

Takes effect
12 Aug 2026
The caseworker guidance has been updated to include instructions on issuing a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV).
Announced
12 Apr 2023
The Home Office has updated its caseworker guidance concerning children seeking to join or stay with relatives holding protection status in the UK. Key updates involve new instructions for eVisa accompanying forms (FAV) and revisions to align with recent Immigration Rules changes, including the transition from Part 9 to Part Suitability for general refusal grounds and updates under Appendix CNP, w

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