UK Visa Appeals.

Visa refusals can happen for many reasons, and it’s not always obvious why. The most common issues include: 

• Incomplete applications 
• Missing or incorrect documents 
• Failing to meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you applied for 

In some cases, the Home Office may question the credibility of your application, your financial situation or your reason for coming to the UK. If you’ve previously overstayed a visa, received a criminal conviction or breached immigration rules, this could also affect the outcome. 

You should have received a visa refusal letter explaining the specific reason for your decision. We can help you interpret this letter and advise on your next steps, including whether an appeal is possible. 

In some cases, yes, but not all visa refusals carry a right of appeal. You can usually appeal if the Home Office has refused a protection claim, human rights claim or decisions under the EU Settlement Scheme. These visa appeals go to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), which is completely independent of the government. 

If you don’t have a right of appeal, you may still be able to request an administrative review to challenge the decision. Alternatively, you may choose to submit a new application with stronger supporting evidence. 

We can help you determine the best route for your situation and prepare a detailed response. 

You can appeal a decision if the Home Office has: 

• Refused your protection claim (asylum or humanitarian protection) 
• Refused your human rights claim 
• Revoked your British citizenship 
• Refused or revoked your rights under the EU Settlement Scheme 
• Taken action to deport you based on any of the above grounds 

Other types of visa refusals, including visitor visas or student visas, generally don’t carry a right of appeal, but you may be able to challenge them in other ways. It’s important to check your refusal letter, and if you speak to us, we can explain your full range of options and the processes involved. 

Most UK visa appeals are handled within 12 to 18 months, although timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how busy the tribunal system is.

If you’re submitting an appeal online, the process may be faster than appealing by post. The 12-month timeframe typically starts from the date your appeal is received and accepted by the First-tier Tribunal.

Delays can happen if further documents are needed, if there is a hearing, or if you are asked to attend an interview. A solicitor can help you track the timeline and push for updates if things take longer than expected.

The process begins by lodging an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). You can do this online or by post (online appeals are generally quicker). If you’re working with a solicitor, they’ll use a specialist system called MyHMCTS. 

Once your appeal is submitted, you’ll receive a hearing date, if required. The tribunal will review both sides of the case and issue a decision. If your appeal is successful, the original visa refusal may be overturned. If it isn’t, you might have the option to escalate to an Upper Tribunal. 

You’ll usually need to act quickly. The appeal deadline is typically 14 days from the date of the refusal (or 28 days if you’re outside the UK), so it’s vital to seek legal help promptly. 

For a full breakdown of the steps and official timelines, visit the UK government’s visa and immigration appeal guidance. 

Appealing a UK visa refusal involves strict deadlines, detailed evidence and clear arguments. A solicitor can help you build the strongest possible case. 

Here are some of the ways we can help you: 

• Checking if your case is eligible for appeal or administrative review 
• Reviewing your refusal letter and explaining the decision in plain English 
• Preparing your appeal or review application and supporting documents 
• Representing you in written appeals and at tribunal hearings 
• Helping you meet time limits and procedural requirements 
• Advising on reapplications if an appeal isn’t the best route 

Even if your case is complex or emotionally difficult, we’ll handle it with care and clarity, and keep you informed every step of the way. 

Appeal costs depend on the type of service you need. The government charges a fee for a paper appeal and further fee if your case includes a hearing. These costs are separate from solicitor costs. 

At Britton and Time, we offer transparent pricing, so you’ll always know what to expect before we begin. You can view our current fees on our immigration pricing page. 

If you’re not sure whether you have grounds to appeal, you can discuss your circumstances in more detail with a specialist Immigration Solicitor during an initial consultation. 

If English isn’t your first language, the tribunal can provide an interpreter for your hearing. It’s important to let them know in advance which language and dialect you require. 

Your solicitor can arrange this for you when the appeal is submitted. If your hearing takes place in person, the interpreter will be present with you. If it’s held remotely, they’ll be included in the video call. 

You won’t need to pay for the interpreter, as this service is covered by the tribunal.

If you need an interpreter to communicate with us aside from your Tribunal, you will need to pay for this privately.

Yes, in most cases, you can appeal a UK visa refusal even if you’re not currently in the UK. However, the process and deadlines are slightly different. 

If you’re outside the UK, you usually have 28 calendar days from the date you receive your refusal decision to submit your appeal. This applies to many human rights–based refusals and decisions under the EU Settlement Scheme. You’ll typically submit your appeal online, and the process will continue from there, including the possibility of a remote hearing. 

We can manage your appeal entirely from the UK, keeping you informed and supported throughout the process. Our solicitors handle appeals on behalf of international clients regularly and can guide you through every step from wherever you are.