Appendix FM: Understanding UK Family Immigration Rules

Appendix FM is the section of the Immigration Rules that governs family life in the UK — covering spouse visas, partner visas, child visas and adult dependent relative applications. Understanding its structure is key to a successful family visa application. Our Bolton immigration solicitors explain.

What is Appendix FM?

Appendix FM (Family Members) was introduced in July 2012 as part of a major immigration rules reform. It consolidated and clarified the rules relating to family life in the UK, seeking to provide more predictable and consistent decision-making while also tightening requirements — particularly the financial threshold.

The Five-Year Route and Ten-Year Route

Appendix FM provides two main routes to settlement for family members. The five-year route (for those who meet all of the requirements in full) leads to ILR after 5 years. The ten-year route (via EX.1 — exceptional circumstances that engage Article 8) is a longer route for those who cannot meet all requirements but whose removal would be disproportionate.

Appendix FM-SE: Specified Evidence

Appendix FM-SE (Specified Evidence) is the companion appendix that lists the exact evidence required to satisfy each financial and other requirement under Appendix FM. Strict compliance with Appendix FM-SE is required — failure to provide exactly the right type of evidence (not just evidence of the underlying fact) can lead to refusal.

The EX.1 Exception

Paragraph EX.1 of Appendix FM allows leave to remain to be granted even where all the requirements of the rules are not met, if the applicant has a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British/settled child in the UK, or if there are insurmountable obstacles to family life continuing outside the UK. EX.1 cases are complex and fact-sensitive.