If your immigration application has been refused, you may have a right of appeal or the option to make an administrative review. Your refusal letter will explain which of these options is available to you, and the relevant deadlines you must adhere to if you wish to challenge the decision. Read more to find out about the administrative review process and who is eligible to use it.
What is it?
An administrative review is the review of an 'eligible decision' by UKVI to determine whether the decision was incorrect due to a case working error. The process will allow you to raise any permitted case work error that you think has been made on the application and, if an error has been made, have it corrected.
Who is it available to?
Administrative review is available to certain applicants both inside and outside the UK, depending on whether the refusal qualifies as an 'eligible decision'. The below table shows the type applications which are generally considered eligible.
Student | Skilled Worker | UK Ancestry | Religious Worker |
Child Student | Intra-Company | Global Talent | Charity Worker |
Graduate | Minister of Religion | Innovator Founder | Creative or Sporting Worker |
Domestic Worker in a Private Household | Sportsperson | Seasonal Worker | International Agreement Worker |
Senior or Specialist Worker | Representative of an Overseas Business | Youth Mobility Worker | Government Authorised Exchange Worker |
How do I apply for it?
If you are outside the UK, your application has been refused and the refusal letter confirms your right to apply for administrative review, you must apply online within 28 days of getting your decision.
If you are inside the UK, your application has been refused and the refusal letter confirms your right to apply for administrative review, you must apply online within 14 days of getting your decision.
What is the fee?
The fee for administrative review is currently £80.
How long will a decision take?
You can normally expect the outcome of your application for administrative review within 6 months. However, it can and often does take longer. UKVI will notify you if this is the case.
What are the possible outcomes?
Your administrative review succeeds and the eligible decision is withdrawn; or
Your administrative review does not succeed and the eligible decision remains in force and all of the reasons given for the decision are maintained; or
Your administrative review does not succeed and the eligible decision remains in force but one or more of the reasons given for the decision are withdrawn; or
Your administrative review does not succeed and the eligible decision remains in force but with different or additional reasons to those specified in the decision under review.
Can I make a new application whilst the administrative review is pending?
No. If you have applied for an administrative review and then make a new application for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain, the administrative review application will be treated as withdrawn.
If you have received a refusal letter and have the option to apply for administrative review, contact us today to discuss the best course of action.