Administrative Review

An Administrative Review (AR) is a legal process to challenge a Home Office decision when there has been a case working error. It allows the Home Office to reconsider its refusal without going to a tribunal. Administrative Review is not the same as an appeal or a judicial review — it is a focused process to correct mistakes in applying the immigration rules, guidance, or procedural errors.

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What an Administrative Review Is (and Is Not)

Yes — AR lets you challenge whether the refusal was made in error: wrong rule applied, guidance misinterpreted, miscalculation, etc.
No — AR does not allow you to present a completely new case or fresh evidence (in most instances). It does not lead directly to a hearing in a tribunal.

When Can You Use Administrative Review?

You may be eligible for an Administrative Review if:

1. You have received a refusal of a UK visa, immigration application, or certain permit applications.
2. The Home Office decision letter states you have the right to request an Administrative Review.
3. Your application was refused due to a case working error, such as:
  - Incorrect application of immigration rules
  - Misinterpretation of guidance
  - Calculation or procedural mistakes

Important: Administrative Review is not available for all refusals. If your refusal letter says “no right of review,” you may need to consider an appeal or judicial review.

Time Limits

Your Situation	Time you Have to Apply
In the UK (not detained)	14 days from date you receive the decision letter.
In the UK, detained at time of decision	7 days from decision notice.
Outside the UK	28 days from decision notice.

If you miss the deadline, in some limited circumstances you may ask for an out-of-time AR, but this is harder and only granted if good reasons are given.

Fee & Application

The fee is £80 in most cases.
Apply online via the relevant Home Office form (“Ask for a visa administrative review”).
You’ll need your decision letter, Home Office reference number, details of your case, and clear reasons why the decision was wrong in law or by rule / guidance.

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What Happens Next

The AR is reviewed by a different caseworker than the one who made the original decision.
If an error is found, the original decision is withdrawn, and the Home Office will reconsider your application.
If no error is found, the original decision stands.
AR is not always fast — Home Office often takes months. If no decision is reached within 6 months, you can request an update.

What If AR Fails?

If your AR is unsuccessful:

You may have the right to appeal — check your decision letter.
Or you may need to consider Judicial Review, particularly when there is no appeal right but you believe the decision was unlawful.
Legal advice is critical to choose the right route.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I request an Administrative Review instead of an appeal?

Request an Administrative Review instead of an appeal if your visa refusal is due to a case working error, like misinterpreting your documents or applying the wrong immigration rule.

How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with an Administrative Review of a UK visa decision?

ICONIQ Solicitors can help with an Administrative Review by identifying errors made by the Home Office. If your visa was refused due to mistakes like misinterpreted evidence or overlooked documents, ICONIQ can prepare a strong review request to argue for reversal.

What are the time limits and fees?

For an Administrative Review, the time limits and fees vary by location. If applied inside the UK, the request must be submitted within 14 days of refusal; if outside, the deadline is 28 days. The fee is £80, refundable only if the Home Office finds a case working error. Reviews typically take 28 days, but complex cases may take longer.

What errors can be challenged?

In a UK visa Administrative Review, you can challenge case-working mistakes made by the Home Office, such as misapplying immigration rules or misinterpreting evidence. Examples include incorrect financial assessments or miscalculating points under the Points-Based System.

Can I submit new evidence?

You cannot submit new evidence during a UK visa Administrative Review. The process evaluates whether the original decision had a case working error based on the documents you initially provided.

What outcomes are possible and what are the next steps?

An Administrative Review can either uphold the original refusal or overturn it if a casework error is found, resulting in visa approval. If successful, you'll receive a new decision letter and instructions for applying for an e-Visa. If unsuccessful, consider reapplying or pursuing a formal appeal if eligible.