Family Reunification + End of Work Contract

Fernanda Martínez71 Member

Member since 28 September 2023

Fernanda Martínez71Member03 September 2025 08:02:36

Hello everyone,

I would really appreciate your advice on my current situation in Belgium:

I am Mexican and have been living in Antwerp, and my work contract (and work permit) will end on October 14, 2025.

On July 15, 2025, my partner (Belgian) and I applied for legal cohabitation and family reunification at the Loket Migratie in Antwerp.

Since then, I have only received confirmation that my application is being processed, but I am still waiting for the Annex 19ter, Annex 51, and eventually the orange card (attestation d’immatriculation).

In the meantime, I am worried about what will happen once my work permit ends:

Will I automatically be covered by the family reunification application while waiting for the orange card?
Can I still travel to Mexico (I have flights booked mid-November to mid-December), and return without losing my ongoing application?
Or will I need to return as a tourist, meaning I lose my procedure?
If anyone has been through a similar process in Antwerp, I would be very grateful for your advice on timelines, travel risks, and how to check the status of my application.

Thank you so much in advance!