UK Visa Administrative Review
Correcting Home Office Case Working Errors Without Appeal
UK Visa Administrative review offers a faster, more economical alternative to formal appeals when the Home Office has made a case working error in refusing your application. Our experienced immigration solicitors prepare comprehensive administrative review applications to identify errors and secure the correct outcome for your UK immigration status. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation
What Is Administrative Review?
UK Visa Administrative Review is an internal Home Office reconsideration process that examines whether an eligible decision contains a case working error. Unlike appeals, administrative review:
- Reviews only the original evidence submitted
- Cannot consider new circumstances or evidence
- Focuses on specific error categories defined by law
- Is conducted by a different Home Office caseworker
- Delivers decisions typically within 28 days
When Is UK Visa Administrative Review Available?
Administrative review is available for various immigration refusals where full appeal rights don’t exist, including:
- Points-Based System refusals (Work, Skilled Worker, Student visas)
- Visitor visa refusals (in-country applications only)
- Family route refusals without human rights claims
- EU Settlement Scheme eligibility decisions
- Certain settlement (ILR) refusals
- Erroneous curtailment of leave
Qualifying Case Working Errors
Administrative review can only succeed if one or more specific case working errors occurred:
Evidence Assessment Errors
- Failing to consider submitted evidence
- Incorrectly assessing sufficient funds
- Miscalculating continuous residence periods
- Wrongly applying English language requirements
Policy Interpretation Errors
- Misapplying Immigration Rules
- Following outdated policy guidance
- Incorrectly interpreting eligibility criteria
- Applying wrong evidential flexibility standards
Procedural Errors
- Mathematical calculation mistakes
- Data input errors affecting decisions
- Issuing incorrect leave duration/conditions
- Overlooking relevant sections of applications
The UK Visa Administrative Review Process
Application Submission
- Deadline: 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (entry clearance)
- Fee: £80 (refundable if successful)
- Format: Online or paper form depending on original application
- Documentation: Written case with error identification
Review Process
- Case assignment to different caseworker
- Review limited to claimed errors
- Original documentation reassessment
- No interviews conducted
Possible Outcomes
- Original decision withdrawn (success)
- Original decision maintained (failure)
- New refusal on different grounds (requiring further action)
Success Rates and Limitations
Administrative review has a significantly lower success rate than appeals, with only about 20% of applications resulting in overturned decisions. This highlights the importance of:
- Expert identification of genuine case working errors
- Detailed submissions explaining the exact error
- Legal citations supporting error claims
- Clear navigation of policy guidance contradictions
Our UK Visa Administrative Review Service
We provide comprehensive UK Visa administrative review assistance including:
- Detailed refusal letter analysis
- Case working error identification
- Documentary evidence review
- Comprehensive written submissions
- Fee waiver applications when applicable
- Follow-up strategy if unsuccessful
Beyond Administrative Review
If administrative review is unsuccessful, alternative options may include:
- Fresh application addressing refusal reasons
- Judicial review (in limited circumstances)
- Human rights-based applications
- Switching to alternative visa categories
- Pre-action protocol engagement
Why Choose Our UK Visa Administrative Review Service
- Extensive experience with administrative review success
- In-depth knowledge of Home Office policies
- Strategic approach to case working error identification
- Clear cost-benefit analysis
- Honest assessment of prospects
- Fast-track preparation meeting deadlines
Next Steps
If your UK visa or immigration application has been refused without a right of appeal, contact us immediately to assess whether administrative review is appropriate for your case and to begin preparation before strict deadlines expire. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for expert administrative review advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit new evidence with my administrative review?
No, administrative review only considers evidence that was submitted with your original application. This is a key limitation compared to appeals.
How long does administrative review take?
The Home Office aims to decide administrative reviews within 28 days, making it significantly faster than the appeals process.
Can I remain in the UK during UK Visa administrative review?
If you apply for administrative review in-country within the deadline, your existing immigration conditions continue until a decision is made.
What if my administrative review is rejected?
If unsuccessful, options include making a fresh application, considering judicial review (if there’s a legal error in the review itself), or exploring human rights applications.
Can I request administrative review for any refusal?
No, administrative review is only available for specific refusal types as set out in the Immigration Rules. Some decisions must proceed directly to appeal or judicial review.
How is UK Visa administrative review different from appeal?
Administrative review is an internal Home Office process examining case working errors only, while appeals are independent judicial proceedings that can consider merits and new evidence.
Need to understand the administrative review process? Read our complete guide to administrative reviews for detailed information about eligibility, grounds, and application procedures.