Visa Refusal & Appeal

If your UK visa application has been refused and you think the visa refusal is unlawful, then you may be able to appeal against a visa or immigration decision.

You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal. You will usually be told if you do in your visa refusal letter.

5 Common reasons for UK visa refusal

There are several common reasons why a UK visa application may be refused. Understanding these reasons can help you avoid making the same mistakes in future applications. Here are some of the most frequent causes of UK visa refusals:

1. Insufficient Financial Evidence

Not providing enough evidence to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.

Missing bank statements, incorrect financial documents, or not meeting the financial requirements for specific visas (e.g., maintenance funds for student visas).

2. Incorrect or Incomplete Application Forms

Failing to complete all sections of the application form correctly. Providing inconsistent or contradictory information within the application or between the application and supporting documents.

3. Inadequate Supporting Documents

Failing to provide required supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, employment, or educational qualifications.
Submitting documents that cannot be verified or are not recognised by the UK authorities.

4. Failure to Meet Specific Visa Requirements

You must meet specific eligibility criteria for the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you're applying for a student visa, you should have an acceptance letter from a recognised institution, and for a work visa, you should have a valid job offer. Failure to meet these criteria can result in a refusal.

5. Immigration History

A history of previous visa refusals or violations of immigration rules can negatively impact your application. Having a history of overstaying on previous visas can lead to refusal.

Administrative Review (AR)

You'll be told in your decision letter if you can ask for the decision on your application to be reviewed. This is known as an 'administrative review'.

You can only apply for an administrative review if all of the following apply:

• you're in the UK
• you applied in the UK
• your application was refused or it was granted but you're unhappy with the conditions of your permission to stay

You may be able to appeal against the immigration decision if you're not eligible for an administrative review.

Judicial Review (JR)

You can apply to the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber (UTIAC) for a judicial review to challenge the unlawful visa refusal by Home Office UKVI.

You can only use the judicial review process if you are challenging visa refusal on the grounds that it is unlawful, illegal, irrational, or unreasonable.

Pre-action Protocol (PAP) for Judicial Review

If you believe your UK visa application has been refused unlawfully, you can consider following the Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) for Judicial Review (JR). The Pre-Action Protocol is a set of guidelines for parties involved in potential judicial review proceedings to try to resolve disputes without going to court. 

UK visa appeal timeline

If you are outside the UK, you will have 28 days after you get your decision to appeal against the refusal of your visa application. You will have 14 days if you are inside the UK.