Administrative Review
Experienced specialist visa solicitors who can aid you with your administrative review.
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Challenge an Error in Your Visa Decision
If your UK visa application has been refused, but you don’t have a right of appeal, you may still be able to challenge the decision through an Administrative Review. This process allows you to request a review of your application by a different Home Office official, giving you the chance to correct any mistakes or unfair decisions without starting a fresh application.
At UKVS, we help individuals and businesses submit strong Administrative Review requests, carefully highlighting the errors in the original decision and improving the chances of a positive outcome.
To discuss your case with our specialist immigration team, contact us on 0161 843 9000 or complete our enquiry form.
Table of Contents
What Is an Administrative Review?
An Administrative Review (AR) is a formal process used to challenge a visa refusal based on a caseworking error by the Home Office. This could include a miscalculation of points, a failure to consider evidence properly, or a mistake in applying immigration rules.
The review is carried out by a different decision-maker within UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), who will assess whether the original decision should be upheld or overturned.
This is not a fresh application — instead, it’s an opportunity to have the original decision looked at again, based on the evidence already submitted and a legal explanation of why the decision was wrong.
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When Can You Request an Administrative Review?
Administrative Reviews are available for specific visa categories, including:
Skilled Worker Visa Refusals
Student Visa Refusals
Temporary Worker Visas
Innovator and Start-Up Visas
In-country extension or switch applications refused under the Points-Based System (PBS)
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Your refusal letter will state clearly whether you are eligible for an Administrative Review and the deadline by which you must submit your request. In most cases, you’ll have either 14 or 28 days from the date of the decision.
Common Grounds for Administrative Review
We often assist clients where the Home Office has:
- Incorrectly calculated points under the Points-Based System
- Misinterpreted or overlooked key supporting evidence
- Failed to apply immigration rules correctly
- Reached an unreasonable conclusion based on the information provided
Our role is to carefully identify and explain the caseworking error, helping you present a strong and legally sound request for review.
What Happens After You Submit an Administrative Review?
Once your review is submitted, UKVI will consider your case again. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on complexity and visa category.
The possible outcomes are:
- The original decision is overturned and your visa is granted.
- The original decision is maintained, meaning the refusal still stands.
- In rare cases, the decision is overturned in part, and you may need to provide further information.
If your Administrative Review is unsuccessful, we will advise you on any remaining options, including reapplying or pursuing a Judicial Review if your case was handled unlawfully.
How We Can Help
The success of an Administrative Review depends on how clearly and persuasively you set out the Home Office’s error. At UKVS, we provide expert support throughout the process, including:
- A full review of your refusal decision
- Identifying and explaining legal errors in the decision-making
- Drafting a detailed written submission to accompany your review request
- Providing strategic advice on what to expect and the next steps
Our goal is to give your case the best possible chance of success, saving you the time, stress and cost of having to reapply from scratch.
Contact Our Immigration Experts
If you would like more advice or to discuss your legal matter with one of our solicitors, you can contact our team on 0161 843 9000 or complete our enquiry form at the top of the page.