In short
After a refusal, read the decision letter first. It says why you were refused and whether you can ask for an administrative review or appeal, and it sets the deadline. For a refusal of an application made from outside the UK, GOV.UK says an administrative review request must be made within 28 days of getting the decision.
Published 10 October 2026. Sources last checked 10 October 2026.
First steps
- Keep the decision letter and any emails, and write down the date you received them.
- Read the reasons for refusal and the section on your options. It states whether you have a right of appeal or can ask for administrative review.
- Find the deadline for each option. They are short and differ depending on the decision and whether you applied from inside or outside the UK.
- If you are in the UK, check straight away what the refusal means for your permission to stay. Staying without permission can have serious consequences.
Your main options
| Option | What it is | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative review | The Home Office checks whether its own decision contained an error. | For refusals of applications made from outside the UK, GOV.UK says to apply within 28 days. Fee: £80 as listed when we checked. It can take 12 months or more. Your request is withdrawn if you make another immigration application. Different rules and deadlines apply to applications made inside the UK. |
| Appeal | An independent tribunal considers the decision. | Only available for certain decisions, such as refusals of a protection claim or a human rights claim, and some EU Settlement Scheme decisions. Not every refusal carries a right of appeal. |
| New application | A fresh application, ideally correcting the reasons for refusal. | A previous refusal normally has to be disclosed. A new application may affect a pending administrative review, so take advice on the order of steps. |
Why advice early matters
The cheapest-looking option is not always the right one. Choosing between administrative review, appeal and reapplying depends on the reason for refusal, your current permission, and the evidence you can add. Because deadlines can be a matter of days, speak to a solicitor as soon as you receive a refusal. Making an enquiry through this website does not stop or extend any deadline, so telephone the firm if time is short.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Ask for an administrative review of a visa decision (outside the UK) (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Appeal to the immigration and asylum tribunal (opens in a new tab)
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change; your circumstances need individual consideration.