My Visa Has Been Refused — What Now?

Receiving a UK visa refusal is a stressful experience. However a refusal is not always the end of the road. Depending on the type of application and the reasons for refusal, you may have the right to appeal the decision or request an administrative review.

At Compass Immigration Law we have successfully overturned numerous Home Office refusals at the First-tier Tribunal. Acting quickly is critical — appeal deadlines are strict and missing them can permanently close your options.

Do I Have a Right of Appeal?

Not every visa refusal carries a right of appeal. You generally have a right of appeal if:

Your Human Rights claim has been refused
Your asylum or protection claim has been refused
Your EU Settlement Scheme application has been refused
Your deportation order engages your human rights

For visit visas, student visas, and many work visas you may only be entitled to an Administrative Review rather than a full appeal.

Appeal Deadlines — Act Fast

14 days to appeal if you are inside the UK
28 days to appeal if you are outside the UK
5 working days for administrative review applications

These deadlines run from the date on your refusal letter, not the date you receive it. Contact a specialist immigration lawyer immediately upon receiving a refusal.

Grounds for Appeal

The decision was not in accordance with immigration rules
The decision breaches your Human Rights under the ECHR
The decision was unlawful under the Equality Act 2010
The decision was procedurally unfair

The Appeal Process Step by Step

Lodge the appeal — submit your appeal notice to the First-tier Tribunal before the deadline
Case management review — the Tribunal sets a hearing date
Bundle preparation — your legal representative prepares all supporting evidence and legal arguments
The hearing — you present your case before an Immigration Judge
The decision — the Judge issues a written determination allowing or dismissing the appeal

What Are My Chances of Success?

Success rates vary significantly depending on the visa type, grounds of refusal, and quality of legal representation. Published Tribunal statistics show appeals with legal representation have a substantially higher success rate than those conducted without a lawyer.

What If My Appeal Is Dismissed?

Applying for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal on a point of law
Judicial Review of the Tribunal's decision
Making a fresh application with stronger evidence

News & insights

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: A Complete 2026 Guide

Spouse Visa UK 2026 — Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

UK Immigration Appeals — What to Do If Your Visa Has Been Refused in 2026