Immigration, Simplified
Administrative Review Service
An Administrative Review (AR) is a formal request for the Home Office to reconsider a visa refusal or the conditions of a granted visa. Unlike an appeal, which is heard by a judge, an AR is an internal review conducted by a different caseworker to check for “caseworking errors”.
Official UK Government Updates
For the latest guidance, eligibility requirements, and visa regulations, we recommend checking the official UK Government website before submitting your application.
What Counts as a Caseworking Error?
You can only request a review if you believe the Home Office made a specific mistake in handling your application. Common examples in 2026 include:
- Salary Miscalculation: Incorrectly applying the new 2026 salary thresholds or pro-rating your income.
- Evidence Oversight: Failing to consider a document that was included in your original submission.
- Rule Misapplication: Applying the wrong immigration rule or misinterpreting an occupation (SOC) code.
- Calculation Errors: Miscounting your “continuous residence” days for an ILR application.
The Golden Rule: You generally cannot submit new evidence during an Administrative Review. The reviewer only looks at the documents you provided in the original application.
2026 Application Deadlines and Costs
Timelines for submitting a review are strict. If you miss the deadline, you usually lose your right to challenge the decision.
| Application Location | Deadline to Apply | 2026 Fee |
| Inside the UK | 14 days from receiving the decision | £80 |
| Outside the UK | 28 days from receiving the decision | £80 |
| If Detained | 7 days from receiving the decision | £80 |
- Refunds: If the Home Office finds they made an error and grants your visa (or corrects your conditions), the £80 fee is refunded.
- Section 3C Leave: If you apply for an AR from inside the UK before your current visa expires, your right to stay, work, and study is protected until the review is finished.
Eligible and Ineligible Categories
Not all visa decisions allow for an Administrative Review. Your refusal letter will explicitly state if you have this right.
| Common Eligible Visas | Ineligible for AR |
| Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker | Visitor Visas (Tourist/Business) |
| Student / Child Student Visas | Family Visas (Spouse/Partner/Parent) |
| Global Talent / Innovator Founder | EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) |
| UK Ancestry | Human Rights or Asylum Claims |
| Graduate Visa | British Citizenship Refusals |
- Note: Family and EUSS applications usually have a right of Appeal to an independent tribunal instead of an Administrative Review.
Processing Times in 2026
Not all visa decisions allow for an Administrative Review. Your refusal letter will explicitly state if you have this right.
- Standard Wait: Most applicants are currently seeing results in 3 to 6 months.
- Complex Cases: Can take up to 12 months. If your case is delayed beyond 6 months, the Home Office should send you a status update.
Potential Outcomes
- Successful: The original decision is withdrawn and your visa is granted (or the conditions are corrected).
- Unsuccessful: The original decision is “maintained.” You may then need to consider a Judicial Review or a fresh application.
- Partially Successful: One reason for refusal is removed, but the visa is still denied for other reasons.
Administrative Review Service
Expert consultancy support to prepare, review, and submit your Administrative Review accurately to challenge Home Office refusals.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Professional Service Fees: Our quoted fees cover our professional immigration advice and application support only. They do not include UK Government application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointment charges, translation services, or any other third-party costs.
Personalised Fee Estimates: All prices provided are intended as estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the level of support required, the volume of documentation, and any urgent processing requests.
Disclaimer: All quoted service fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable.
Expert UK visa and immigration services designed to simplify your application, provide real-time progress updates, and maximise your chances of success.
