First-Tier Tribunal Immigration Appeal Processing Time 2025: Key Insights & Timeline

As of 2025, it can take between 6 months to 1 year to receive a decision on First-Tier Tribunal Immigration Appeal from FTT. In this article, we will discuss the timescales for an immigration First-Tier Tribunal appeal in 2025, reasons for delays in the process, and what you can do to reduce the overall processing time in your favour.

If you need immigration advice or help with your first-tier tribunal immigration appeal process, call our first-tier tribunal immigration appeal solicitors at 01614644140. Deluxe Law Chambers specialises in first-tier tribunal immigration appeals and therefore we provide high-quality first-tier tribunal immigration appeal services to our clients. The quality service provided by our UK immigration lawyers is self-evident from our 5-star Google Reviews.

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Introduction to First-Tier Tribunal Appeals

The First-Tier Tribunal is a key tribunal that handles initial immigration appeal decisions against immigration refusals. If you’ve recently filed an appeal or are planning to, understanding the processing time for first-tier tribunal immigration appeal in 2025 is crucial.

Advice For Your Immigration Appeal At First Tier Tribunal

How Long Does an Immigration Appeal Take?

If you’re wondering how long an immigration appeal takes, recent government statistics for the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) Chamber indicate that the average processing time across all appeal categories is currently 40 weeks. This marks an improvement of four weeks compared to 2021, largely due to the introduction of a digital appeal system.

To determine how long your specific appeal may take, it’s important to consider the type of case. Processing times vary depending on the category of appeal, with asylum and protection cases taking the longest. The latest tribunal appeal processing times by category are as follows:

• Asylum/Protection Appeals: 53 weeks
• Human Rights Appeals: 45 weeks
• EEA Free Movement Appeals: 36 weeks

Why Are Immigration Appeals Taking So Long?

Why Are Immigration Appeals Taking So Long?

Delays in processing First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) Chamber appeals are caused by several factors. One major issue is the delay by the Home Office in submitting case bundle to the tribunal. According to tribunal research, these delays are mainly due to high workloads and resource shortages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The analysis also highlights that early-stage engagement from the Home Office and legal representatives has been poor, often leading to last-minute information submissions. This results in hearings being adjourned and rescheduled, causing significant delays. Additionally, there are long waiting periods for the Home Office to send the “Home Office bundle,” a key set of documents forming the basis of their case. In some instances, legal representatives have reported waiting over five months for these crucial documents.

How to Speed Up Your Immigration Appeal

To ensure the fastest possible decision on your immigration appeal, working with an experienced immigration solicitor is essential. A knowledgeable solicitor can navigate the First-tier and Upper Tribunal processes effectively and help you avoid unnecessary delays. At Deluxe Law Chambers, we ensure:

• Appeals are only lodged when appropriate
• Submissions are made within the required 14 or 28-day deadline
• All necessary documents and evidence are included
• Any raised queries or issues are promptly addressed

If your case is urgent due to factors like serious illness or the risk of destitution (lack of food, shelter, or financial means), you may qualify for an expedited hearing. Your immigration solicitor can prepare a compelling request for an early hearing, supported by solid evidence such as medical records or local authority reports. The tribunal will review the request and determine whether to grant an earlier hearing date.

What is the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)?

The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), or Immigration Tribunal, is an independent court that hears appeals against Home Office decisions on:

• UK entry clearance applications.
• Permission to remain in the UK.
• Deportation from the UK.

This Tribunal has the authority to overturn Home Office refusal decisions.

To speak with an expert immigration appeal lawyer, call 01614644140 or complete our online enquiry form.

Right to Appeal Against a UK Visa or Immigration Decision

Not all Home Office immigration decisions carry a right of appeal. You may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal if the Home Office has:

• Refused your human rights claim or protection claim (asylum or humanitarian protection).
• Revoked your protection status.
• Refused or revoked a residence document or deported you under the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2016 (where saving provisions apply).
• Revoked your British citizenship.
• Refused or revoked your leave under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Restricted your rights as a frontier worker, S2 healthcare visitor, or family permit holder.

However, if your asylum or human rights claim is certified as “clearly unfounded,” there is no right to appeal. Such certifications can be challenged through Judicial Review.

If your decision does not include a right of appeal, you might still pursue an Administrative Review or argue jurisdiction before the Tribunal in specific cases, such as a strong family connection in the UK.

Our expert immigration lawyers can assess your case and advise you on your appeal rights.

Appealable Human Rights Claims

Applications Submitted Within the UK

Certain immigration applications made in the UK under the Immigration Rules are considered human rights applications and allow for an appeal if refused. Examples include:

• Long residence applications.
• Family member applications under Appendix FM or Part 8 (e.g., spouse visas, partner visas, child visas).
• Private life applications.
• Applications for HM Forces members or their family.

Applications for leave to remain outside the Immigration Rules may also be treated as human rights claims in specific circumstances.

Applications Submitted Outside the UK

Out-of-country applications under the Immigration Rules that typically allow appeals include:

• Family member applications (e.g., spouse or partner visas).
• Applications for HM Forces members or their families.

If a human rights claim forms part of an entry clearance application, it may also carry appeal rights upon refusal.

Limitations on Appeal Rights

If your human rights or protection claim is certified as clearly unfounded, there is no right of appeal. Similarly, rejections of further submissions as not amounting to fresh claims do not attract appeal rights.

Such certifications can still be challenged via Judicial Review, and expert legal advice is recommended.

Time Limits for Immigration Appeals

Appeal deadlines vary based on your location:

• In the UK: 14 calendar days from the date the decision notice was sent.
• Outside the UK: 28 calendar days from the date you receive the decision.

If an appeal deadline falls on a non-working day, the next working day becomes the final day for submission. Late appeals may be accepted if you provide a valid reason and apply for an extension of time.

Grounds for Immigration Appeals

The grounds for an appeal depend on the type of refusal decision:

• Human Rights Claims: Unlawful under Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
• Protection Claims: Breach of obligations under the Refugee Convention or humanitarian protection rules.
• EU Settlement Scheme: Breach of rights under the Withdrawal Agreement or related regulations.

Our team ensures your grounds for appeal are carefully prepared and supported by compelling evidence.

How to Appeal a Visa or Immigration Decision

Appeals are typically submitted online via the MyHMCTS service. For certain cases, such as detention appeals or refusals under the EU Settlement Scheme, paper forms are used.

We prepare your case with a robust Appeal Skeleton Argument (ASA) and supporting evidence. This helps narrow issues during the Home Office review, potentially avoiding a tribunal hearing.

If the appeal proceeds, your hearing will be managed actively by the Tribunal, and your immigration lawyer will represent you in presenting evidence and legal arguments.

Immigration Appeal Fees

• Paper Appeal: £80.
• Oral Hearing: £140.

Fee exemptions may apply in cases such as deprivation of citizenship or detention-related decisions.

Why Choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Applications?

Are you looking for expert immigration solicitors in Manchester or London to help with your UK visa and immigration matters? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we provide professional, transparent, and affordable legal services to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Why Choose Us?

• Expert Immigration Solicitors – With years of experience, we stay up to date with the latest UK immigration laws to give you the best legal advice.
• Personalised Service – Every case is unique. We offer tailored solutions based on your individual circumstances.
• Fast & Reliable Visa Services – Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster processing.
• Remote Legal Support – Our solicitors can handle your case online, saving you time and travel costs. You can also visit our Manchester office for in-person advice.
• Open 7 Days a Week – We provide expert immigration advice every day, including weekends.
• Free Immigration Advice – Get a 5-minute free phone consultation.
• Fixed Fees with Instalments – No hidden costs! We offer affordable fixed fees, with the option to pay in two instalments.

Book Your Consultation Today!

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

• 📞 Call us now: 0161 464 4140
• 🌍 Book An Appointment: Click here to book an appointment

Let us help you with your UK visa application – contact us today!

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