🚨 Policy Update: Definition of ‘Close Relative’ to Be Amended in the Immigration Rules:

Following over two years of sustained engagement with the Home Office, I’m pleased to share that I have received direct confirmation from the Family Policy team that the Immigration Rules will be updated to include half-siblings within the definition of a ‘close relative’. This long-overdue clarification is scheduled for the next Statement of Changes in the Autumn.

This amendment will align the Immigration Rules with the Children Act 1989 and remove an ambiguity that has caused significant challenges for families and sponsors alike (i.e. care arrangements for Child Students). I am grateful to the Study Operations and Family Policy teams for acknowledging the issue and confirming their intention to rectify it.

This is a positive example of what can be achieved through persistence, collaboration, and a clear focus on the best interests of children and young people.