Your refusal letter says you have the right to an Administrative Review. But what does that actually mean, and is it worth your time and money?
An Administrative Review (AR) is now the primary remedy for many UK visa refusals, particularly those under the Points-Based System. However, it is a very different process from an appeal, and understanding its limitations is essential before you decide whether to apply.
Call us now on +44(0)2034799979 for honest advice on whether an AR is right for you, or email: info@ukvisagateway.com
What is an Administrative Review?
An Administrative Review is a process where a different Home Office caseworker reviews the original decision to check if a “caseworking error” was made. It is not a fresh look at your application and it is not a chance to submit new evidence.
The key thing to understand is that an AR is limited in scope. It can only correct a specific type of mistake.
Call us now on +44(0)2034799979 for urgent advice or email: info@ukvisagateway.com
What is a “Caseworking Error”?
A caseworking error is a mistake made by the original decision-maker. According to the official guidance, this can include:
- Incorrect Application of the Immigration Rules: The caseworker applied the wrong rule or misinterpreted the correct one.
- Failure to Consider Evidence: The caseworker did not take into account a document or piece of evidence that was included in the original application.
- Calculation Errors: The caseworker made a mathematical error, for example, when calculating points for a Skilled Worker application.
What an Administrative Review CANNOT Do
Understanding the limitations of an AR is just as important as knowing what it can do.
- You Cannot Submit New Evidence: The AR is a review of the original decision based on the original application. You cannot add new documents, bank statements, or supporting letters.
- It Cannot Fix Your Own Mistakes: If you failed to provide a required document, or if your sponsor made an error on your Certificate of Sponsorship, the AR will not help you. The original caseworker made the correct decision based on the flawed information they received.
- It is Not a Re-assessment of Credibility: If your application was refused because the caseworker did not believe your stated intentions (e.g., for a visitor visa), an AR is unlikely to succeed. Credibility assessments are subjective and are rarely overturned on review.
Is It Worth It? A Practical Assessment
Given its limitations, an AR is only worth pursuing in specific circumstances.
| Scenario | Is an AR Worth It? |
|---|---|
| The caseworker clearly miscalculated my points. | Yes. This is a clear caseworking error. |
| The caseworker said I didn’t provide a document, but I did. | Yes. This is a failure to consider evidence. |
| I forgot to include a document in my application. | No. This is your error, not a caseworking error. A fresh application is needed. |
| My sponsor made a mistake on my CoS. | No. The caseworker correctly assessed the incorrect information. A fresh application with a new CoS is needed. |
| The caseworker didn’t believe my travel plans were genuine. | Unlikely. Overturning a credibility finding is very difficult. Consider a fresh application with stronger evidence. |
The Deadlines and Process
- Deadline (In-UK): 14 calendar days from the date you received the decision.
- Deadline (Out-of-UK): 28 calendar days from the date you received the decision.
- Fee: There is a fee for an AR application, which is refunded if the review is successful.
- Processing Time: Most in-UK ARs are decided within 28 days.
When to Skip the AR and Re-apply
In many cases, particularly where the refusal was due to your own error or a sponsor error, a fresh application is a faster and more effective route. An AR in these circumstances will simply waste time and money.
Get an Honest Assessment
We believe in giving you honest, practical advice. If an AR is not going to succeed, we will tell you. Our team can quickly assess your refusal letter and advise you on the most effective path forward, whether that is a robust AR application or a strategic fresh application.
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- My UK Visa Was Refused – What Do I Do Now? (Step-by-Step Emergency Guide)
- UK Visa Refused for Deception – 10-Year Ban Explained
Author
Tochi Okoronkwo
Tochi is an OISC certified immigration adviser with expert knowledge of UK Immigration Law and a genuine desire to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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