Administrative Review Application For UK Visa Decisions

An administrative review application is a formal request for the UK Home Office to reconsider a visa or immigration decision where the applicant believes a case-working error was made. Looking for administrative review application guidance? Find step-by-step support, tips, and key information to improve your chances.

You’ll be told in your decision letter if you can ask for the decision on your visa application to be reviewed. This is known as an ‘administrative review’. If you want an administrative review, you must apply within 14 or 28 days of getting the decision depending on if you applied from inside or outside the UK. It costs £80 to apply for administrative review.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation.

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It applies mainly to points-based system applications and does not allow new evidence. A different Home Office caseworker reviews the original decision to check for specific errors, such as applying the wrong Immigration Rules, miscalculating points, or overlooking information already submitted.

This guide explains:

• What an administrative review is
• Who can apply
• Time limits and fees
• Grounds for review
• How to apply step by step
• When legal assistance is recommended

Deluxe Law Chambers solely specialise in administrative review applications and therefore can help you to challenge a UK visa refusal through admin review. The quality service provided by our immigration lawyers is self-evident from our 5-star Google Reviews.

Table of Contents

What Is an Administrative Review?

An administrative review is an internal review carried out by the Home Office to check whether an immigration decision was made incorrectly due to a case-working error.

It is not an appeal and does not normally allow the submission of new evidence. The review is conducted by a different Home Office caseworker who reassesses the original decision based on the information that was already before the decision-maker.

Administrative review is commonly available following refusals of points-based and other eligible UK visa applications.

Administrative Review vs Appeal vs Judicial Review

Many applicants wrongly assume they can appeal a refusal. In most immigration cases, administrative review is the only remedy available.

How to Apply for an Administrative Review (Step-by-Step)

• Check eligibility and confirm administrative review is available
• Note the deadline — missing it usually ends the matter
• Complete the Home Office administrative review form online
• Prepare clear grounds, identifying specific errors in the refusal
• Avoid submitting new evidence unless expressly permitted
• Submit the application and pay the fee on time

Once submitted, the Home Office will place the case into the review queue.

If you require Immigration Advice Services or help with an administrative review application, please contact +441614644140 or email us at info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk for fast, professional, and affordable immigration advice from our administrative review immigration lawyers. You can book an appointment online for detailed immigration consultation.

Our services for administrative review application

1. Administrative review for tier 2/skilled worker visa refusal
2. Administrative review for Tier 4/student visa refusal
3. Administrative review for returning resident visa refusal

What Is a Case Working Error?

An application for administrative review under the Immigration Rules, Appendix AR can only be considered where it is contended that there has been a case working error of an eligible decision.

Administrative Review Deadlines and Fees

Strict deadlines apply. If missed, the application will usually be rejected.

Fee: £80 If the administrative review is successful, the fee is usually refunded.

Grounds for an Administrative Review (Case-Working Errors)

An administrative review can only succeed if a case-working error occurred. Common examples include:

• Information was misunderstood or misread by the caseworker
• Evidence submitted with the application was overlooked
• Documents were incorrectly assessed
• The wrong Immigration Rule was applied
• Points were miscalculated

What does an administrative review do?

It will allow the applicant to raise any permitted case work error (defined in appendix AR of the Immigration Rules) that they think has been made on the application and, if an error has been made, have it corrected.

What Does NOT Count

• Submitting new evidence
• Re-arguing the same application without identifying errors
• Disagreeing with the decision without legal grounds

Identifying the correct ground is critical. Many administrative reviews fail because the grounds are poorly drafted or simply repeat the original application.

Will the person conducting the administrative review be the same person who made the initial decision?

No. The administrative review will be carried out by a different person on an independent team.

What is the time limit for applying for administrative review application in the country?

It is 14 calendar days from the date the applicant receives the decision notice or biometric residence permit (BRP) (7 calendar days if they are detained).

What is the time limit for applying for administrative review application from overseas?

For entry clearance decisions, 28 calendar days from the date the applicant receives the decision notice.

Refunds and length of time for a refund to be given. The fee is only refunded if the:

• application for administrative review is rejected as invalid
• decision on the review is to grant leave, this includes cases where the outcome of an administrative review is that the original grant of leave was issued for the wrong period, or subject to the wrong conditions The fee will not be refunded if the outcome of the administrative review is that the original decision is upheld. The fee should normally be refunded within 3 weeks of the date of decision.

How Long Does an Administrative Review Take?

There is no guaranteed processing time. In practice, administrative reviews can take several weeks to several months, depending on the type of application and Home Office workload.

During this period:

• You usually cannot make a fresh application
• Your immigration status depends on whether Section 3C leave applies
• Travel restrictions may apply

Can applicants apply for administrative review and make a new application for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain at the same time?

No. If an applicant makes an administrative review application and then makes a new application for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain, the administrative review application will be treated as withdrawn. If an applicant makes a new application for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain and then makes an administrative review application in respect of a previous decision, the administrative review application will be rejected.

Possible Outcomes of an Administrative Review

After reviewing the decision, the Home Office may:

1. Uphold the refusal (no error found)
2. Withdraw the refusal and grant the application
3. Correct parts of the decision and reconsider

If the administrative review is unsuccessful, other options may include:

• Submitting a fresh application
• Judicial review (where appropriate)

What happens if the administrative review is unsuccessful?

The applicant must leave the UK after they receive the administrative review decision if they do not have immigration leave.

How will the applicant know they have a right to apply for an administrative review?

If the Home Office has refused an application, the decision notice will tell the applicant if they can apply for administrative review. If the applicant thinks the Home Office has granted the wrong period or conditions of immigration leave they can apply for an administrative review.

Who has the right to apply for an administrative review at the border?

An applicant who has received an ‘eligible decision’ may apply for an administrative review. For applicants at the UK border, eligible decisions are decisions made on or after 6 April 2015 to cancel leave to enter or remain which was in force with the result that the applicant has no leave to enter or remain, due to:

• change of circumstances
• false representations
• failure to disclose material facts

Should You Use a Lawyer for an Administrative Review?

Although it is possible to submit an administrative review yourself, many applications fail because:

• The grounds do not meet the legal test
• Errors are not clearly identified
• Applicants repeat their original application

Legal assistance is strongly recommended where:

• The refusal is complex or lengthy
• Multiple errors may exist
• Your immigration status is at risk
• This is your only remedy

A properly drafted administrative review can make the difference between success and refusal.

Administrative Review Legal Support – Deluxe Law Chambers

Deluxe Law Chambers provides specialist legal assistance with administrative review applications, including:

• Assessing refusal decisions
• Identifying valid review grounds
• Drafting legally precise submissions
• Advising on next steps if the review fails

We focus on clear, strategic advice and transparent legal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

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