Many families have been torn apart by war, armed conflict, violence, and disasters. Those families usually remain separated for extended periods of time. This is why family reunification is a right enshrined in several international instruments, and third countries have established procedures to allow family reunification through special immigration routes.
❗Family reunification programs are often restricted to nuclear, dependent family members – such as your spouse or minor children. Extended and non-dependent relatives (adult children, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc.) are unlikely to be eligible for reunification through these pathways.
Family reunification programs, applications, and procedures differ depending on the country to which you are applying. In addition, these applications can be very complex and challenging, and refugees often find it hard to navigate such procedures.
1⃣ Who is eligible to apply for family reunification?
Family reunification may only be initiated by your family member abroad once they have a qualifying status in the third country. Depending on the country, these statuses could include recognized refugees, complementary protection holders, permanent residents, or citizens. In some cases, temporary protection holders in third countries may be allowed to apply for family reunification. However, their ability to apply is at the discretion of the third country.
❗Some countries have strict timeframes for sponsoring relatives to apply for their families before needing to fulfil additional requirements. For example, in some countries, you may only have three months to apply for your relatives after you receive a refugee or temporary protection status. If you apply after three months, you may additionally need to prove that you have sufficient income and housing before applying. These requirements differ by country, so be sure to research and speak to legal or immigration support if you have any questions.
2⃣ Does family reunification cost money?
Some family reunification programs may have costs for refugees and their sponsoring relatives, including, but not limited to, application fees, DNA testing fees, visa fees, medical exams, costs of airfare, etc. It is very important that you confirm any fees through official government websites before paying.
3⃣ How long would it take for the country to process my family reunification application?
Family reunification procedures can be very lengthy and require patience. Some processes may take up to several years for a decision to be issued by the third country. As these are independent applications between you and the third country, UNHCR Jordan is not able to provide updates or follow-up on family reunification applications.
4⃣ What are the requirements for family reunification?
Family reunification procedures vary by country. Some countries may require that your sponsoring relative provide proof of income and demonstrate that they have a large enough living space to welcome you. Some countries also have language proficiency requirements that must be met before a visa to be issued. These requirements are imposed by the third country and UNHCR cannot intervene to waive or ease such requirements.
Some countries may also request that you prove your relationship to your family member in the third country by providing specific documents, evidence, or even a DNA test for biological relationships.
5⃣ Where can I get more information on family reunification?
It is important to obtain family reunification information through official government websites and trusted sources. To learn more about family reunification procedures in third countries, please visit the global UNHCR help site. There, you can search for the country where your relative resides and learn more about the family reunification requirements and procedures.
Some common countries refugees in Jordan seek information on family reunification include:
The website also offers you some direct links to pro-bono legal assistance for family reunification procedures. The International Refugee Assistance Project also has some valuable resources and advice on their website.
If you have a spouse or minor child in a third country, please also inform UNHCR Jordan during your registration renewal interview.
❗It is also important to note that should you be requested to sign documents within the family reunification process at the embassy including concerning your custody or travel permissions for your minor children, you may wish to obtain legal advice.