If your UK visa has been refused — whether you applied from inside or outside the country — you may not need to start from scratch. Instead, you may have the right to ask the Home Office to reassess their decision through what’s known as an Administrative Review.

An Administrative Review allows a different Home Office officer to review your visa refusal decision to determine whether a case working error was made. It is not a new application, and you cannot submit new information or documents — it’s strictly a review of the original decision for any procedural mistakes or misapplication of rules.

If you applied from outside the UK, you can request a review if:

• You’re currently outside the UK
• Your visa application was refused
• Your decision letter confirms you’re eligible for an Administrative Review

If you applied from inside the UK, you may request a review if:

• You’re currently in the UK
• Your visa application was refused, or
• It was granted, but you are unhappy with the conditions
• Your decision letter confirms review eligibility

• Apply online using the instructions in your decision letter.
• Pay a fee of £80 (refunded if the refusal is overturned).
• Apply within:
  • 28 days if you’re outside the UK.
  • 14 days if you’re in the UK (7 days if you were in detention when you received the decision)

• Decisions can take up to 6 months, sometimes longer (even up to 12 months).
• If your review is delayed beyond 6 months, the Home Office may contact you.
• Your immigration status and rights generally remain unaffected during the review period.

In most cases, you can only request one Administrative Review. However, if the outcome introduces new reasons for refusal, a second review may be permitted. This will be outlined in your decision letter.

You can withdraw your request by emailing: [email protected]

Include the following:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Nationality
• GWF Reference Number

Please note: the £80 fee is non-refundable if you choose to withdraw.

• The Administrative Review process only corrects errors — it doesn’t allow for new evidence.
• A different officer re-evaluates your case under the same rules.
• Applying for a new visa during a pending review will cancel your request.
• It cannot be used to switch visa categories or apply on new grounds.

A refusal doesn’t always mean the end. If your visa application was refused unfairly or due to an error, Administrative Review is your chance to request a fair reassessment.

Our team of UK-based immigration advisors is well-versed in guiding individuals and businesses through the Administrative Review process. Whether you’re in the UK or overseas, we can help you assess your options and make informed next steps.

Let Conroy Baker Ltd help you make your case heard — professionally, precisely, and with clarity.

For expert advice contact Conroy Baker’s specialized UK immigration lawyer on +44 203 773 2948 or [email protected] to book a consultation.