UK Visa Administrative Review (AR)

Administrative Review is a process that allows individuals whose UK visa applications have been refused to request a review of that decision if they believe there was an error made in the decision-making process.

Administrative Review is available for certain types of visa applications, and it is intended to provide a method for applicants to challenge a refusal based on procedural errors, incorrect facts, or a failure to apply the immigration rules correctly.

Administrative Reviews are carried out by an independent team within the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, not by the same decision-makers who issued the original refusal.

Book an appointment with our immigration solicitors to discuss your UK visa refusal letter, the appeal process, the costs involved, and other available options.

Table of Contents

1. Administrative Review (AR)
2. Reasons to apply for administrative review
3. Eligible for Administrative Review
4. Grounds for Administrative Review
5. Judicial Review (JR)
6. Administrative review application fee
7. How long does the administrative review process take?
8. What is the time limit for administrative review?
9. Need legal advice and assistance?

Reasons to apply for administrative review

You can apply for administrative review if you think there has been an error in your decision:

• under the EU Settlement Scheme
• under the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme, or if your Frontier Permit has been revoked
• as an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• as a Service Provider from Switzerland
• for entry clearance, leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain
• for cancellation of your entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain (including leave granted under the EU Settlement Scheme, as an S2 Healthcare Visitor or as a Service Provider from Switzerland) at the UK border

If you are not eligible for an administrative review, you may have a right of appeal. If you do, your decision notice will tell you.

Eligible for Administrative Review

You are eligible for Administrative Review if you applied for a UK visa or leave to remain and received a refusal letter that includes information about your right to request an Administrative Review. If the applicant thinks the Home Office has granted the wrong period or conditions of immigration leave, they can apply for an administrative review.

Grounds for Administrative Review

Administrative Review is not an opportunity to submit new evidence or make changes to your original application. It is only available if you believe there was a mistake made in the decision. This can include issues like a factual error, a failure to consider evidence that was included in your initial application, or a mistake in applying the immigration rules.

If your Administrative Review is successful, the decision on your visa application will be overturned, and you will be granted the visa you applied for. If it is not successful, the original decision will stand.

Judicial Review (JR)

If your Administrative Review is unsuccessful and you still believe that the decision was incorrect, you may consider pursuing a judicial review through the legal system.

Administrative review application fee

Currently, the fee for an Administrative Review is £80. However, please keep in mind that fee amounts can change over time, so it's essential to verify the most current fee schedule through the official government website.

How long does the administrative review process take? 

On average, it can take 6 to 12 months to receive the result of the administrative review. The duration of an administrative review process can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the court's caseload.

What is the time limit for administrative review?

You typically have 28 days from the date of receiving your refusal letter to submit a request for Administrative Review if you are outside the UK. It is essential to meet this deadline, as requests made after the 28-day period may not be considered.

If you're in the UK and you want an administrative review, you must apply within 14 days of getting the decision.

The applicant only has one request for administrative review per refusal, and any other requests for administrative review would not be entertained by the Home Office. That is why it is so important for claimants to hire professional solicitors who are experienced in dealing with administrative review.

Speak to our immigration solicitors on 0203 417 3700 to discuss your UK visa refusal letter, administrative review process and other available options.