ACRS Pathway 1 Separated Families
Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
Information Pack for Afghans on the ARAP and ACRS schemes
Overview:
If you were evacuated to the UK from Afghanistan under Operation PITTING in August 2021, and your immediate family was not evacuated with you, you may be eligible to bring them to the UK to settle permanently under ACRS Pathway 1. The Separated Families route (Pathway 1 Stage 2) is open for referrals from 30 July 2024 to 30 October 2024.
Eligibility:
Referrer Requirements: must have been evacuated to the UK from Afghanistan under ACRS Pathway 1 between 13 August 2021 and 28 August 2021.
Family Member Requirements:
If you are 18 or over: You can refer one of the following immediate family members:
Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (only one partner allowed; if already in the UK with one spouse/partner, another cannot be referred).
Your child born on or after 28 August 2003, The children you refer must not be living independently or have their own family.
If you are under 18: You can refer:
Your parents.
Your brother(s) or sister(s) under the age of 18.
Exceptional Circumstances:
other family members may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Fees: there are no fees to make a referral.
Document Requirements:
Proving Your Status: provide your biometric residence permit (BRP) or unique application number (UAN).
Proving Family Members’ Identity and Relationship: possible documents include: Tazkira, passports, marriage/adoption certificates, family photos, school reports, bank transfers, social media messages, and medical records. If documents are not in English, provide a translation.
Updating BRP to eVisa: keep your BRP card if you are updating to an eVisa.
Contact ACRSP1SeparatedFamiliesInfoRequests@homeoffice.gov.uk if your BRP has already been updated.
Referral Process:
Making a Referral: complete the online form available from 30 July 2024 to 30 October 2024. Use your BRP number or UAN and date of birth. If you don't have your BRP or UAN, contact ACRSP1SeparatedFamiliesInfoRequests@homeoffice.gov.uk
Referrals on Behalf of Someone Else: you will need the BRP or UAN and date of birth of the person you are referring. You may act as a registered immigration adviser or helper.
After Referral:
Decision and Next Steps: a two stage decision making process will follow. If eligible, your family members must apply for entry clearance at the nearest visa application centre (VAC). They must pass security checks and provide biometrics at a VAC. Children under 5 will not have fingerprints taken but must have a photograph.
Travel and Accommodation: your family members should not make travel arrangements until receiving the eligibility letter. They will be supported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with accommodation and food while they apply for entry and undergo further checks.
How Long It Takes:
decisions are aimed to be made as quickly as possible. Avoid duplicate referrals to prevent delays. You will be contacted by email with the eligibility decision.
For more information or assistance, contact: ACRSP1SeparatedFamiliesInfoRequests@homeoffice.gov.uk
USPUK Afghan team is ready to assist you.
For further information, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp at +447360861633 or via email at afghanistan@uspuk.org.
*Information last undated on 15.11.2023
**The content in this pack is for informational purposes only. It is not professional advice. Seek guidance from relevant experts or authorities for specific concerns or decisions.