Did you know that the UK visa rejection rate is about 15% annually? The UK typically does not accommodate rejection appeals unless they are on humanitarian grounds, which is not applicable for a short-stay visa.
However, if you wish to go ahead with an appeal, it can be quite difficult. We are here to guide you through every detail of the UK visa appeal process.
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Should You Appeal Your Visa Rejection? Or Apply for a New Application?
| Sticker Visa | Visa Rejection Appeal | File New Application (Reapplication) |
| Cost | £80 (INR 8,726.83) without a hearing £140 (INR 15,271) with a hearing |
£120.02 (INR 13,045) (6 months single entry sticker visa only) |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 3 weeks |
| Process | 1) Submit an appeal 2) Add documents in support of your application 3) Ask for a hearing 4) Get a decision on your appeal |
1) Apply online 2) Pay the fees 3) Book an appointment 4) Gather your documents 5) Visit the visa application center 6) Track your application |
| Urgency | Not ideal for urgent applications | Recommended if your travel needs are urgent |
| Outcome Potential | 50% | 50% |
Why Should You Appeal For a UK Visa?
Getting a UK visa rejection can be disheartening, but there is still an opportunity to contest that decision. It’s better to appeal if:
- You believe all your documents were correct.
- You have the legal right to appeal (as per the mentioned reasons in the UK visa rejection letter, which you will receive via email)
- You have enough proof to show that you have sufficient funds (if that was the reason for your rejection)
- You’re not in a rush to visit the UK, since the appeal process takes time (about 6-12 months)
- You don’t want to spend more money on a new application, as appealing is a cheaper option
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Eligibility For a UK Visa Appeal
Eligibility to appeal your UK visa rejection depends on the circumstances of the rejection. However, UK typically does not accommodate appeals for short-stay visas unless they are on human rights or humanitarian grounds. Here are a few additional parameters:
- Time to appeal: You have 28 days from the date you receive the decision to appeal.
Check your refusal letter for the specific time limits applicable to your case. If you miss the deadline, you can explain the reason to the tribunal, though they may choose not to consider your appeal.
- New evidence: You may appeal if you have new evidence related to the valid documents or information that was unavailable to the decision-makers at the time.
- Refusal Letter: You are eligible to appeal only if you have received the right to appeal in the decision letter that was sent along with the UK visa rejection.
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UK Visa Appeal Fees
The UK visa appeal fees are mandated by the Government of the UK and are of two types:
- With a hearing:£140 or INR 15,271
- Without a hearing:£80 or INR 8,726.83
Some appeals may be exempt from paying a fee, or you may be eligible for financial aid to reduce the fee. To see if you’re eligible for an exemption, check the refusal letter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing The UK Visa Appeal
Let’s understand how you can file an appeal against a rejection.
Understanding the Reasons For Your UK Visa Rejection
Getting your UK visa rejected is very disheartening, and there can be many reasons for the same to happen. So, we have carefully listed all such reasons that could be the reasons for your UK visa refusal. You can read the reasons for the rejection of a UK visa here.
How Can I Submit My UK Visa Rejection Appeal?
There are two methods (online and offline) to go about submitting your UK visa rejection appeals:
Offline Process (by Post or Email):
To apply by post or email, use the form IAFT-6 (guide to fill out the form). Send the relevant form with copies of the documents that support your application. This form is only applicable if you are appealing against the rejection on humanitarian grounds. Other grounds are not applicable for tourists.
Submit your appeal by post or email. Fax options are also available but not viable given its limited access.
Post to: First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) PO Box 6987 Leicester, United Kingdom, LE1 6ZX
Email to:[email protected]
Online Process (Appeal an Immigration or Asylum Decision):
Mostly, online appeals are quicker than post and email appeals. To appeal, use the online service. Here’s a step-by-step explanation on how to do it:
Step 1: Go to this link: https://www.gov.uk/immigration-asylum-tribunal/appeal-from-outside-the-uk
Step 2: Scroll down to the ‘Appeal an immigration or asylum decision online‘ section and click on ‘Start Now‘. This will lead to the page below:
Step 3: You will be prompted with a question of whether you are currently in detention. Select “No” here. This will lead to the following page. Click on Continue.
Step 4: This will lead to the below web page. You can create an account with an email address and password. After verifying your email address, you will be redirected to the same page where you can log in with your credentials.
Step 5: Once you have signed in with an existing or a new account that you just created, you will be prompted to answer a few questions about your appeal. Click on “Continue”.
Step 6: Click on “To Do” next to “Appeal Type”.
Step 7: You will be asked whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. Select “No” here.
Step 8: Select the appeal type on the next screen. You can only choose one ground for appeal. If more than one applies, you can provide that context later. Click on “Reasons to select” under each ground to understand what constitutes valid grounds for appeal.
Step 9: You will be asked whether you were outside the UK when applying. Select “Yes” or “No” here and click on “Continue” (in the present context, the answer would typically be yes).
Step 10: Continue filling in the rest of the information in the form, such as your “Home Office reference number” (provided in your decision/refusal letter), your personal and contact details, whether you need fee support, and whether you require a hearing. Once done, you will be prompted to check all your details and hit the submit button.
Step 11: Pay the necessary fee to formally submit your appeal online.
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UK Visa Appeal Letter
Write a strong and persuasive appeal letter to increase the chances of overturning the initial decision. Here is a sample letter and a few pointers to help you begin:
Date:
Embassy Address:
To whom it may concern,
Paragraph 1:
- Name & Surname
- Passport Number
- Full address
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Phone Number
- Application date
- Reason to visit the UK
Paragraph 2:
Summarize the reasons given for your visa refusal and why you believe the decision was incorrect.
Paragraph 3:
- Explain the reason for reconsideration.
- Support your arguments with facts or references.
End by stating your planned travel date to highlight any urgency. Attach and mention the supporting documents and that you’re available to provide further information if needed.
Sincerely,
Hand signature
Your full name
Your email
Your phone number
UK Visa Appeal Documents:
Aside from the letter, the following documents are considered important to support your appeal:
- Visa Refusal Letter
- Completed IAFT-6 Appeal Form: Completed appeal form (IAFT-6)
- Passport Copy: Pages showing your personal details and photo
- Financial Documents: Attestedbank statements, pay slips, or other evidence of financial stability if financial reasons were cited for refusal.
- Accommodation Proof: Evidence of planned accommodation in the UK.
- Employment/Education Documents: Employment letters, job contracts, or educational enrollment letters that support your intent to return to your home country.
- Supporting Evidence: Any other documentation that directly addresses the refusal grounds and strengthens your appeal. Ensure all documents are clear, relevant, and organized to support your case effectively.
Follow-up and Response
To follow up on a UK visa appeal, you can contact the First-tier Tribunal . You can email the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) at [email protected].
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can an Indian appeal a UK visa rejection?
Ans. An Indian can appeal a UK visa rejection in two ways. You can request a reconsideration of your application within 14 days of receiving the decision. You can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal, as mentioned in your UK visa rejection letter.
Q2. Is there a fee for filing a visa appeal?
Ans. Yes, there’s a fee for filing a UK visa appeal if you have faced a UK visa refusal; without a hearing, it will cost £80 (INR 8,726.83), and with a hearing, it will cost £140 (INR 15,271). Payment of the fee also depends on the type of appeal you are allowed to submit.
Q3. What should I include in my UK visa appeal letter?
Ans. As per your UK visa decision letter, you must draft your appeal letter with the following information:
- Name & Surname
- Passport Number
- Full address
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Phone Number
- Application date
- Trip purpose
- Reasons for refusal in the decision letter
- Signature at the end
Q4. What is the time limit for Indians to appeal a UK visa rejection?
Ans. The UK visa appeal timeline is 28 days if you are outside the UK and 14 days if you are inside the UK. If you need to leave the country before you can appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once you’ve left. If you apply after the deadline, you must provide an explanation, and the tribunal will decide whether or not it will still hear your appeal.
Q5. Will appealing or reapplying for a UK visa affect my chances in the future?
Ans. Yes, appealing or reapplying can affect your chances of success in the future, but it doesn’t mean that you will not be allowed to get a UK visa. Each application is processed on its merits at the time of application.
Q6. Should I hire an immigration lawyer or visa consultant for my UK visa appeal?
Ans. Yes, you can hire an immigration lawyer if your case is complex, or you can hire a visa consultant if your case is straightforward and only requires help with paperwork and guidance.
Q7. What documents are needed for a UK visa appeal for Indians?
Ans. You would need a passport, bank statements, income tax returns, criminal record certificate, travel history, accommodation certificate, travel itinerary, financial documents, and employment or education proof to file a UK visa appeal.
Q8. How long does it take for a UK visa appeal decision for Indians?
Ans. An official decision usually takes 6 months to a year. The length of time depends on the complexity of the case and the tribunal’s current workload.
Q9. What if my UK visa appeal is rejected again?
Ans. If your UK visa appeal is rejected, you have three options. You can file for a judicial review, which is a legal challenge that focuses on errors in the process rather than the merits of the case. You can appeal to the Upper Tribunalif you believe there was a legal error in the tribunal’s decision. Lastly, you can always reapply.
Q10. What are the chances of success in a UK visa appeal for Indians?
Ans. The chances of success in a UK visa appeal for Indians are around 50%, depending on the case’s complexity. It depends on how relevant the grounds of your appeal are.
