The ACRS provides a safe and legal way for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk people from Afghanistan to come to the UK. This operational update sets out how and why referrals made in the scheme do not fall under OISC regulation.
Pathways
The ACRS sits outside of the immigration rules. There is no application process for the ACRS. Instead, eligible people will be prioritised and referred for resettlement under one of three 'pathways'. Further detail on the three pathways is set out here: Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
A new pathway under the ACRS opened on the 30 July 2024 and is due to close on 30 October 2024. The 'ACRS Pathway 1 Separated Families' is an extension of Pathway 1 of the ACRS aimed at immediate family members of those evacuated to the UK without them. Under 'ACRS Separated Families', individuals in the UK first make a referral to the Home Office on behalf of their family members which is assessed by the Home Office to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. If family members meet the criteria, they will visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to apply for a visa.
