UK Administrative Review and Appeal
If a UK visa application is refused, there are two routes: an administrative review or an appeal to the tribunal. This guide sets out when each applies, the deadlines, the cost, and the pitfalls that withdraw a review. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance, September 2026.
Two routes after a refusal
- Administrative review — for eligible refusals where you cannot appeal.
- Appeal — to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
- Your decision letter will say which, if either, applies to you.
Administrative review: when it applies
- Outside the UK: you were refused, applied outside the UK, and are still outside the UK.
- Inside the UK: you were refused, applied inside the UK, and are still inside the UK.
Deadlines, cost and timing
| Deadline (outside UK) | 28 days |
| Deadline (inside UK) | 14 days (7 days if detained) |
| Fee | £80 |
| Wait | May be over 12 months (updated after 6 months) |
| Reference needed | GWF or payment reference; Home Office reference inside the UK |
No second review, and what withdraws it
- You cannot usually ask for a second administrative review — unless the Home Office first finds a new reason for refusal.
- Submitting any other visa application, asking for your passport back, or leaving the UK withdraws the review, and the fee is not refunded.
Appeals to the tribunal
- The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) hears appeals on defined grounds: refusal of protection, human rights, EU Settlement-related refusals, refusal of residence documents, deprivation of citizenship, and similar.
- If you cannot appeal, you may be able to ask for an administrative review instead.
- You can appeal online, by post or by email (detained people cannot use the online service).
- You can get help from a lawyer, an immigration adviser or Citizens Advice.
Related: what to do after a rejection, scanning and uploading documents, document translation and copies, and the UK visa documents checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do if my visa is refused?
Check the decision letter. It will tell you whether you can ask for an administrative review or appeal to the tribunal.
How much does an administrative review cost?
£80. You need a GWF reference or payment reference number, or a Home Office reference inside the UK.
How long do I have to ask?
28 days if you applied outside the UK, or 14 days if you applied inside the UK (7 days if you are detained).
How long does it take?
It may take over 12 months. The Home Office updates you after 6 months.
Can I ask for a second review?
Generally no. You cannot usually ask for a second administrative review unless the Home Office first finds a new reason for refusal.
What happens if I make another application?
Submitting any other visa application, asking for your passport back, or leaving the UK withdraws the review, and the fee is not refunded.
Source: GOV.UK, "Ask for a visa administrative review" (and the inside-the-UK page and the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal page) — retrieved 2026-09-29. Deadlines and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you act.