When a UK visa or immigration application is refused, it can feel like the door has closed—but often, that’s not the final stop. In many cases, you have the legal right to appeal. Appeals give you a fresh opportunity to present your case before an independent tribunal (the First‑tier Tribunal or Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and seek a overturn of the Home Office’s decision.
You may have the right to appeal if your application was denied for:
International protection claims (e.g., asylum or humanitarian protection)
Decisions revoking refugee or humanitarian status
EU-related rights to remain (e.g., under European law)
Human rights grounds (e.g., Article 8 of ECHR)
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Note: Many refusals—such as under the points-based route—are only eligible for Administrative Review, not a full appeal.
There are strict deadlines for filing an appeal:
If you’re inside the UK: You have 14 calendar days from the date of the decision to file your appeal.
If you’re outside the UK: You must appeal within 28 calendar days of receiving the decision.
It’s important to act quickly. Missing the deadline may result in your appeal being rejected, although in rare cases, an extension may be granted if you can prove exceptional circumstances.
Check if you have the right to appeal
Your refusal letter will state whether you have a right to appeal or must apply for administrative review instead.
Submit your Notice of Appeal
This is typically done online using the MyHMCTS platform. You’ll need to pay a tribunal fee and submit initial documents.
Prepare your case
This includes drafting your grounds for appeal, collecting supporting evidence (such as updated documents, new information, or witness statements), and submitting a bundle.
Attend your tribunal hearing
A judge will hear your case, and a Home Office representative may also attend. You’ll be given a chance to present your side and answer any questions.
Wait for a decision
After the hearing, a written decision is usually sent within 2–6 weeks. If your appeal is allowed, the Home Office must reconsider their decision.
If the tribunal dismisses your appeal, you still have options. You may:
Request permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (on a point of law)
Consider a judicial review if no appeal rights are available
Submit a fresh application with new evidence or changed circumstances
Legal advice is strongly recommended at this stage, as timing and strategy are critical.
While some simple appeals may be resolved in a few months, most cases take between 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case and tribunal availability. As of 2025, asylum and human rights appeals are experiencing longer delays due to tribunal backlogs.
Our U.S.-based immigration team, located in Houston, works closely with UK solicitors and barristers to help clients successfully navigate the immigration appeal process. We assist with:
Reviewing your refusal letter and assessing eligibility to appeal
Preparing detailed grounds of appeal and legal submissions
Gathering and organizing supporting evidence
Liaising with the tribunal and legal representatives
Advising you through each stage of the process, including tribunal hearings
We act quickly to help protect your rights and keep families together.
We serve U.S.-based clients needing UK immigration support
Our team includes UK-trained immigration professionals and partner solicitors
We work with leading UK barristers and appeal chambers
We’ve helped clients win appeals across family, asylum, EU Settlement, and deportation cases
If your visa or immigration application has been refused, don’t delay. Get in touch with us today so we can assess your options and help you challenge the decision with confidence.
Contact us
📍 5444 Westheimer Rd Suite 1000 – 91, Houston, TX 77056, United States
📞 +1 346-355-6111
📧 info@adambernards.com