ACRS: New Afghan Resettlement Scheme pathway available for separated family members

AuthorCaroline Sykes

The UK government has announced the immediate opening of a new Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (“ACRS”) pathway for family members of Afghans evacuated to the UK during Operation Pitting.

It is now possible to apply for immediate family members who were not evacuated at the same time to join their family in the UK. Referrals to the new ACRS Pathway 1 Stage 2: Separated Families are open between 30 July 2024 and 30 October 2024, when the route will close.

Who is eligible to apply?

The family member in the UK must have been evacuated to the UK from Afghanistan under ACRS Pathway 1 between 13 August 2021 and 28 August 2021 i.e. during Operation Pitting.

The overseas family member must be ‘immediate family’. This means a spouse or unmarried partner or a child born on or after 28 August 2003 i.e. children who were under the age of 18 at the time of the evacuation. Any child applicants must not be living independently or have their own family.

If the UK family member is under 18, they may be able to apply for their parents or under-18 siblings to join them in the UK. The guidance states that other family members may be considered in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

How to apply

Referrals must be submitted online using the online form. It is free to apply. Note that it is only possible to apply between 30 July 2024 and 30 October 2024.

Applicants will need to attend a visa application centre to provide their fingerprints and photograph (biometrics) as part of the process.

Successful applicants will be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter in line with their family member in the UK.

How can we help?

Please send us your enquiry in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible

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