Understanding Administrative Review for UK Immigration Decisions

An Administrative Review (AR) is a process where the Home Office re-examines a visa or immigration decision if a mistake is believed to have been made. You can only request an administrative review if your decision letter states that you are eligible.

Who Can Apply for an Administrative Review?

Not all visa refusals can be challenged through an administrative review. Your Home Office decision letter will confirm whether you have this option.

You may apply for an administrative review if:

• Your application for leave was refused
• You were given limited leave instead of indefinite leave
• Your leave to remain was canceled

Applying from Outside the UK

You can request an administrative review from outside the UK if:

• Your application was made outside the UK
• Your visa was refused after April 5, 2015
• You do not have the right to appeal
• You did not apply for a visitor visa, short-term student visa, or human rights-based application

Applying from Inside the UK

If you are inside the UK, you can apply for an administrative review if your visa was refused or if you want to challenge the conditions or duration of your leave under:

• Student, Child Student, or Parent of a Child Student visa
• Skilled Worker visa (including dependents)
• Minister of Religion visa
• Sportsperson visa
• Overseas Business Representative visa
• Global Talent, Start-up, or Innovator visa
• Temporary Worker visa

How to Apply for an Administrative Review

Applying from Outside the UK:

• Complete and submit the online administrative review form within 28 days.
• Explain the errors and provide supporting evidence.
• Pay the administrative review fee (£80).

Applying from Inside the UK:

• Submit the inside UK administrative review form within 14 days.
• Outline errors and submit supporting documents.
• Pay the administrative review fee (£80).

If you want to challenge the conditions or duration of your leave, email the Home Office at admin.review.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk within 14 days.

Possible Outcomes of an Administrative Review

• The decision is withdrawn – Your visa is approved.
• The decision remains the same – The refusal is upheld.
• Some refusal reasons are removed – Errors were made, but the refusal still stands.
• New refusal reasons are added – Additional reasons are provided.

Administrative Review Cost

The current fee for an administrative review is £80, payable during the online application process.

How Long Does an Administrative Review Take?

The review can take up to six months. If no decision is made within three months, the Home Office will provide an update.

If your visa expires during the review, you will not be removed from the UK while waiting for a decision.

Can You Apply for Another Visa During the Review Process?

It is advised to wait for the administrative review outcome before applying for a new visa. Submitting a new visa application automatically withdraws your pending administrative review.

What Happens If Your Administrative Review Is Successful?

If your review is successful, the Home Office will approve your visa or correct the conditions of your leave. The £80 fee will be refunded.

What If Your Administrative Review Is Rejected?

In most cases, you cannot request another administrative review. However, if new reasons for refusal were added, you may submit a second review request at no extra cost.

If your review is unsuccessful, you may need to consider alternative legal options, such as a fresh visa application or a Judicial Review.

Seeking legal advice can help improve your chances of success when challenging a Home Office decision.