From 3 August 2026, Appendix FM aligns the permission granted to some partners with the expiry date of their sponsor’s protection permission. The change applies only where the sponsor has received 30 months’ permission on the basis of protection status. It does not alter ordinary partner grants where the sponsor is British, settled or holds another qualifying status.
An overseas partner would otherwise normally receive up to 33 months’ entry clearance, while an applicant inside the UK would normally receive up to 30 months’ permission. Where the sponsor’s permission expires sooner, the partner’s grant now ends on the same date.
What changed on 3 August 2026
The amendments were introduced through the Statement of Changes HC 259, laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026.
| Change | Who it affects | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Permission aligned with sponsor | Partners of sponsors holding 30 months’ protection permission | Permission ends when the sponsor’s permission expires |
| Child care requirement | Children applying under Appendix FM | Care and accommodation must be suitable and lawful |
| Immigration bail wording | Certain applicants relying on an overstayer exception | Bail is not an automatic bar where the exception applies |
| Commencement | Decisions from 3 August 2026 | No general saving provision applies to these Appendix FM changes |
Why the partner change matters
The practical result is synchronised expiry dates. A partner applying several months after the protection sponsor may receive substantially less than 30 months and may need another application when the sponsor renews.
This does not create a new dependant category or remove the relationship, financial, English, accommodation or suitability requirements. It does not affect partners sponsored by someone British or settled, or people applying through routes such as a UK Ancestry visa, the self sponsorship route or a Graduate to Skilled Worker switch.
The care requirement for children
Appendix FM now expressly requires suitable arrangements for a child’s care and accommodation in the UK, compliant with relevant law. This sits alongside existing relationship and financial requirements. Applications should explain who will provide care, where the child will live and why the arrangements are safe.
What has not changed
The minimum income requirement remains £29,000 for most new partner applications, although transitional and benefit-based alternatives can apply. The usual English requirement is A1 for a first partner application and A2 for an extension after 30 months.
The five-year partner route to indefinite leave to remain remains available where settlement requirements are met. B1 English applies to settlement applications made before 26 March 2027; B2 is scheduled from that date. British citizenship by naturalisation is a separate application after settlement. The 10 year long residence route remains separate from Appendix FM.
Timing, sponsor status and evidence matter. Speak to Hedgley Immigration for practical UK immigration advice before applying.
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