Brexit Couples Project
@brexitcouples.bsky.social
ESRC-funded project at the University of Bristol and University of Exeter, researching the experiences of UK & EU couples after Brexit.
Project website: https://brexitcouples.ac.uk
Project website: https://brexitcouples.ac.uk
We have recently published an open-access paper using our couple and expert interview data, to explore how our research participants narrate and respond to their migrantisation.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Bargaining with migrantisation: UK-EU couples and the post-Brexit family immigration regime
Brexit has been a process of re-bordering and therefore migrantisation – re-classifying movement between the UK and the EU from ‘intra-EU mobility’ to ‘migration’. This change creates particular ch...
www.tandfonline.com
June 11, 2026 at 11:06 AM
We have recently published an open-access paper using our couple and expert interview data, to explore how our research participants narrate and respond to their migrantisation.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
We thank @blackeuropeans.bsky.social for organising the Social Diplomacy Summit in Bristol on 7 May 2026.
May 12, 2026 at 9:21 AM
We thank @blackeuropeans.bsky.social for organising the Social Diplomacy Summit in Bristol on 7 May 2026.
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast:
Maria, an Austrian citizen, and John, a UK national, share their experience of returning to the UK with their children after living abroad, and how they were caught in unexpected post-Brexit visa and residency rules.
open.spotify.com/episode/4Y8q...
Maria, an Austrian citizen, and John, a UK national, share their experience of returning to the UK with their children after living abroad, and how they were caught in unexpected post-Brexit visa and residency rules.
open.spotify.com/episode/4Y8q...
Maria and John
open.spotify.com
May 5, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast:
Maria, an Austrian citizen, and John, a UK national, share their experience of returning to the UK with their children after living abroad, and how they were caught in unexpected post-Brexit visa and residency rules.
open.spotify.com/episode/4Y8q...
Maria, an Austrian citizen, and John, a UK national, share their experience of returning to the UK with their children after living abroad, and how they were caught in unexpected post-Brexit visa and residency rules.
open.spotify.com/episode/4Y8q...
Reposted by Brexit Couples Project
📣Social Diplomacy Summit
🌏Bristol
📆7th May
⏰1:00-5pm
Registration:
Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
🌏Bristol
📆7th May
⏰1:00-5pm
Registration:
Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
April 27, 2026 at 7:11 AM
📣Social Diplomacy Summit
🌏Bristol
📆7th May
⏰1:00-5pm
Registration:
Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
🌏Bristol
📆7th May
⏰1:00-5pm
Registration:
Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
The organisation @blackeuropeans.bsky.social hosts the event 'Social Diplomacy 2026: Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit' at Bristol City Hall on 7 May.
To join the event, register here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
To join the event, register here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
Social Diplomacy 2026: Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit
This landmark summit brings together communities, civil society, researchers, policymakers and diplomats to foster diversity and inclusion.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 30, 2026 at 11:20 AM
The organisation @blackeuropeans.bsky.social hosts the event 'Social Diplomacy 2026: Racialised European Diaspora post Brexit' at Bristol City Hall on 7 May.
To join the event, register here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
To join the event, register here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-dip...
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast:
Sam from Portugal and Sasha from the UK tell us how their relationship was reshaped by the realities of having to apply for a partner visa, complicated by Sasha’s disability and the pressure to marry earlier than planned.
open.spotify.com/episode/2bSr...
Sam from Portugal and Sasha from the UK tell us how their relationship was reshaped by the realities of having to apply for a partner visa, complicated by Sasha’s disability and the pressure to marry earlier than planned.
open.spotify.com/episode/2bSr...
Sasha & Sam
open.spotify.com
April 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast:
Sam from Portugal and Sasha from the UK tell us how their relationship was reshaped by the realities of having to apply for a partner visa, complicated by Sasha’s disability and the pressure to marry earlier than planned.
open.spotify.com/episode/2bSr...
Sam from Portugal and Sasha from the UK tell us how their relationship was reshaped by the realities of having to apply for a partner visa, complicated by Sasha’s disability and the pressure to marry earlier than planned.
open.spotify.com/episode/2bSr...
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series: Ross from the UK, and Petra from Romania share how their dreams of family life in the UK were shattered due to a dramatic increase in the income requirement, and how Ross had to leave the UK to be with his family.
open.spotify.com/episode/6SSn...
open.spotify.com/episode/6SSn...
Ross & Petra
open.spotify.com
April 24, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series: Ross from the UK, and Petra from Romania share how their dreams of family life in the UK were shattered due to a dramatic increase in the income requirement, and how Ross had to leave the UK to be with his family.
open.spotify.com/episode/6SSn...
open.spotify.com/episode/6SSn...
UK visa fees have increased again. @rfuk.bsky.social has calculated that families on 5-year route to settlement now pay £6,697 in visa fees and £5,175 for IHS. The profit margin on the first partner visa fee is 77%.
See reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/visa-fees-ha...
See reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/visa-fees-ha...
Visa Fees Have Risen Again — People in Love Are Being Priced Apart – Reunite Families UK
UK visa fees have risen again, pushing families into deeper financial hardship. With the Home Office making up to 70% profit on many applications, thousands are being priced out of living together in ...
reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk
April 16, 2026 at 11:48 AM
UK visa fees have increased again. @rfuk.bsky.social has calculated that families on 5-year route to settlement now pay £6,697 in visa fees and £5,175 for IHS. The profit margin on the first partner visa fee is 77%.
See reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/visa-fees-ha...
See reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/visa-fees-ha...
The Guardian reports that the UK starts reviewing post-Brexit residency rights of EU citizens who are no longer “continuously” living in the country.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
UK starts crackdown on EU citizens’ post-Brexit rights
Concerns raised over use of travel data in determining whether people are ‘continuously’ in Britain after HMRC fiasco
www.theguardian.com
April 15, 2026 at 8:19 AM
The Guardian reports that the UK starts reviewing post-Brexit residency rights of EU citizens who are no longer “continuously” living in the country.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
If you are travelling to the Schengen area, be aware that the EU has introduced the EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES). Leave time for delays on arrival to and exit from Schengen countries. More info here:
www.abta.com/tips-and-adv...
www.abta.com/tips-and-adv...
Upcoming changes for travel to Europe
Advice for travellers on upcoming changes to travel to Europe – the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced on 12 October 2025, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
www.abta.com
April 14, 2026 at 10:26 AM
If you are travelling to the Schengen area, be aware that the EU has introduced the EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES). Leave time for delays on arrival to and exit from Schengen countries. More info here:
www.abta.com/tips-and-adv...
www.abta.com/tips-and-adv...
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series:
Gavin and Stephanie, a UK-Slovakian couple, tell us about the challenges returning families face when navigating a complex and inflexible visa system.
open.spotify.com/episode/79Rd...
Gavin and Stephanie, a UK-Slovakian couple, tell us about the challenges returning families face when navigating a complex and inflexible visa system.
open.spotify.com/episode/79Rd...
Gavin & Stephanie
open.spotify.com
April 8, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series:
Gavin and Stephanie, a UK-Slovakian couple, tell us about the challenges returning families face when navigating a complex and inflexible visa system.
open.spotify.com/episode/79Rd...
Gavin and Stephanie, a UK-Slovakian couple, tell us about the challenges returning families face when navigating a complex and inflexible visa system.
open.spotify.com/episode/79Rd...
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series: Andy, a UK citizen undergoing treatment for cancer, and Linda, a Dutch national, tell us about their experiences with the inflexible and costly UK immigration system, and the impact it has had on their mental health and plans. open.spotify.com/episode/7get...
Linda & Andy
open.spotify.com
March 31, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Love, Borders, Brexit Podcast Series: Andy, a UK citizen undergoing treatment for cancer, and Linda, a Dutch national, tell us about their experiences with the inflexible and costly UK immigration system, and the impact it has had on their mental health and plans. open.spotify.com/episode/7get...
The 'Earned Settlement' proposals affect not only Brexit couples, but all international families, as this Guardian article shows.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
‘Constant uncertainty’: Mahmood’s ‘earned settlement’ immigration plan has families stuck in limbo
Home secretary’s new ILR rules mean couples such as Felix and Tessa King, from UK and US, face an insecure future
www.theguardian.com
March 24, 2026 at 12:06 PM
The 'Earned Settlement' proposals affect not only Brexit couples, but all international families, as this Guardian article shows.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Our team recently presented our project findings at Parliament! Thank you to the MPs, Embassy and Consulate staff, professional organisations and our advisory board for attending. A special thanks to @rfuk.bsky.social and
@the3million.bsky.social for responding to our research at the event!
@the3million.bsky.social for responding to our research at the event!
March 17, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Our team recently presented our project findings at Parliament! Thank you to the MPs, Embassy and Consulate staff, professional organisations and our advisory board for attending. A special thanks to @rfuk.bsky.social and
@the3million.bsky.social for responding to our research at the event!
@the3million.bsky.social for responding to our research at the event!
Join us for the online launch of our project report, podcast, and illustrations tomorrow (11 March)! Click the link below to learn more:
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
Online Launch (11 March 2026) – UK-EU couples after Brexit
brexitcouples.ac.uk
March 10, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Join us for the online launch of our project report, podcast, and illustrations tomorrow (11 March)! Click the link below to learn more:
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
The BBC has reported on our research. Read "UK-EU couples face 'arduous' system post-Brexit" here:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Report shows UK-EU couples face 'arduous' system post-Brexit
A study finds post-Brexit visa requirements for EU nationals has led to separations and trauma.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 5, 2026 at 11:53 AM
The BBC has reported on our research. Read "UK-EU couples face 'arduous' system post-Brexit" here:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Please join us for the online launch of our project report, podcast, and illustrations! Click the link below to learn more:
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
March 3, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Please join us for the online launch of our project report, podcast, and illustrations! Click the link below to learn more:
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
brexitcouples.ac.uk/projectrepor...
Listen to 'Love, Borders, Brexit' - the Brexit Couples Project Podcast Series - on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
brexitcouples.ac.uk/podcast/
brexitcouples.ac.uk/podcast/
March 2, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Listen to 'Love, Borders, Brexit' - the Brexit Couples Project Podcast Series - on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
brexitcouples.ac.uk/podcast/
brexitcouples.ac.uk/podcast/
🚨MEDIA ALERT 🚨Katharine from the Brexit Couples Team spoke on the BBC Radio Bristol Breakfast show about the Brexit Couples project (segment starts 10:26).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Joe Sims - 27/02/2026 - BBC Sounds
A proper Bristol breakfast, waking you up with a smile every morning.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 27, 2026 at 2:08 PM
🚨MEDIA ALERT 🚨Katharine from the Brexit Couples Team spoke on the BBC Radio Bristol Breakfast show about the Brexit Couples project (segment starts 10:26).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
We wanted to promote these roundtable discussions and zine workshops, which offer the opportunity to hear about the impacts of hostile laws on cross-border families and from experts in different fields. familymigrationandreunion.eventbrite.co.uk
Zine workshop: 'Til Debt Do Us Part
A zine workshop connected to the roundtable discussion 'Til Debt Do Us Part: Family Migration and Reunion in the UK'
iashzineworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
February 18, 2026 at 10:44 AM
We wanted to promote these roundtable discussions and zine workshops, which offer the opportunity to hear about the impacts of hostile laws on cross-border families and from experts in different fields. familymigrationandreunion.eventbrite.co.uk
Check out this new briefing from Free Movement on how to apply for a UK spouse or partner visa:
freemovement.org.uk/how-to-apply...
freemovement.org.uk/how-to-apply...
How to apply for a UK spouse or partner visa - Free Movement
With this post, we hope to bring some clarity to the requirements to be met in partner visa applications.
freemovement.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Check out this new briefing from Free Movement on how to apply for a UK spouse or partner visa:
freemovement.org.uk/how-to-apply...
freemovement.org.uk/how-to-apply...
A new briefing has been published by the Migration Observatory: EU Migration to and from the UK. Click the link to dive into the data on EU/UK migration: migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
EU Migration to and from the UK - Migration Observatory
This briefing provides an overview of EU migration to and from the UK, including immigration and emigration of EU migrants, registrations for a National Insurance number (NINos), employment, and other...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
February 3, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A new briefing has been published by the Migration Observatory: EU Migration to and from the UK. Click the link to dive into the data on EU/UK migration: migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Update: Our submission to the Home Affairs Committee "Routes to Settlement Inquiry" has been published! Click here to see our submission: brexitcouples.ac.uk/publications...
Brexit Couples Project: Home Affairs Committee Routes to Settlement Inquiry Submission (December 2025) – UK-EU Couples After Brexit
brexitcouples.ac.uk
January 21, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Update: Our submission to the Home Affairs Committee "Routes to Settlement Inquiry" has been published! Click here to see our submission: brexitcouples.ac.uk/publications...
Update! The Brexit Couples project final report has been sent to the printers and will be launched at an event in Parliament on 25th February, followed by an online launch open to all. More details to follow...
January 14, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Update! The Brexit Couples project final report has been sent to the printers and will be launched at an event in Parliament on 25th February, followed by an online launch open to all. More details to follow...
We are taking a break over Christmas, and wish you a peaceful festive season!
December 16, 2025 at 12:27 PM
We are taking a break over Christmas, and wish you a peaceful festive season!