UK Visa Guide · 2026
What can I do if my UK visa is refused?
Who it's for
Anyone whose UK visa application has been refused. Most relevant for Skilled Worker, dependant, and ILR refusals where the issue is fixable through new evidence or corrected application.
Eligibility requirements
Different routes available depending on refusal type: 1) Administrative Review: caseworker error claimed; fee £80; 28-day window. 2) Reapplication: any time, with new evidence and full fee. 3) Judicial Review: legal challenge to a decision — strict 3-month deadline, complex, requires solicitor (typical cost £5,000-£25,000). 4) Appeal: only for specific decision types (asylum, human rights, EEA family permits).
Application process
1) Read the refusal letter carefully — note specific reasons. 2) Identify the type of error: simple application/evidence error vs. substantive eligibility issue vs. legal error. 3) For application/evidence errors: usually best to reapply with corrected evidence. 4) For caseworker error claim: file Administrative Review within 14 days (in-UK) or 28 days (overseas), £80. 5) For legal error: get specialist immigration solicitor; consider Judicial Review (3-month deadline). 6) For appealable decisions: file appeal at First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
Costs and timings
Administrative Review: £80, decision in 28 days. Reapplication: full new fee + IHS. Judicial Review: £5,000-£25,000+ in legal fees, 3-month deadline, 6-12 months process. Appeal (where eligible): £140 paper, £80 oral, plus legal fees.
Common reasons for refusal
Top causes: 1) Salary below threshold (general or going-rate). 2) Insufficient maintenance funds evidence. 3) English language test issues. 4) Sponsor licence problems. 5) Document discrepancies. 6) Criminal record disclosure issues. 7) Previous immigration breaches. 8) Insufficient evidence of genuine intent (especially for visit/spouse routes).
Worked example
Asha's Skilled Worker visa was refused because her sponsor accidentally allocated the wrong CoS — for a different role with lower salary. The refusal letter cited 'salary below going rate'. Asha confirmed with sponsor; sponsor cancelled the wrong CoS and issued a new correct CoS. Asha reapplied with the new CoS — granted in 3 weeks. She paid two application fees (~£3,000 total) but resolved within 6 weeks. Administrative Review (£80) was an option but reapplication was cleaner.
Recruiter pro tip
The 90% of UK work visa refusals are about evidence/application errors, not substantive ineligibility. The fastest path is usually: identify the specific error → fix it → reapply. Administrative Review is slower (28 days) and only works if you can prove caseworker error. Judicial Review is for legal mistakes only, not evidence problems. Get the refusal letter, read it carefully, and the right route usually becomes obvious. If it's not obvious, a 30-minute consultation with an immigration solicitor (£100-£200) often saves weeks of misdirected effort.
Important: UK immigration rules and salary thresholds change frequently. Always verify current rates and rules at gov.uk before applying. For complex cases, consult a qualified UK immigration solicitor (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or OISC). This guide is for general information only, not legal advice.
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