UK Visa Refused?

Indians Can Challenge the Decision with an Administrative Review

Getting a UK visa refusal can feel like hitting a wall — whether it was for studies, work or business. But for Indians applying from outside the UK, this isn’t the end of the road. There’s still hope: it’s called an Administrative Review.

An Administrative Review is your chance to challenge a UK visa refusal — not by submitting a whole new application, but by requesting the Home Office to review their own decision. It’s handled by a different officer who checks if a caseworking error was made in rejecting your application.

You’ll be told in your decision letter if you can ask for the decision on your visa application to be reviewed. You can only apply for an administrative review if all of the following apply:

• You’re outside the UK
• You applied outside the UK
• Your application was refused

You’ll be told in your decision letter if you can ask for the decision on your application to be reviewed. You can only apply for an administrative review if all of the following apply:

• You’re in the UK
• You applied in the UK
• Your application was refused or it was granted but you’re unhappy with the conditions of your permission to stay

1. Apply online using the link in your refusal letter
2. Pay a fee of £80
3. Apply within 28 days of receiving your refusal (14 days if you are in the UK)

The fee is refunded if the Administrative Review is overturned

• Typically it can take up to 6 months to get a decision on an Administrative review, sometimes even up to 12 months or more [If there’s no decision within 6 months, the Home Office may contact you with an update]
• Your rights remain unaffected during the wait

• Generally, no. But if your first review introduces new reasons for refusal, you may be allowed to request a second review
• Your decision letter will specify if a second review is possible

You can withdraw by emailing administrative.reviews@homeoffice.gov.uk — include:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• GWF (Global Web Form) reference number

Note: The £80 fee is non-refundable, even if you withdraw.

• Administrative Review is about correcting mistakes, not submitting new documents
• You cannot apply for a new visa during an ongoing review — it will automatically cancel your request
• A new officer re-checks the case based on the rules and policies that applied when you first applied

If you’re an Indian applicant dealing with a UK visa refusal, an Administrative Review may be your way forward — but timing and strategy matter.

A UK visa rejection isn’t the end — reclaim your opportunity with expert guidance.

We proudly share testimonials from satisfied clients who have successfully appealed their visa refusals or reapplications, giving you an insight into our proven track record.

Here are some testimonials:

Contact The SmartMove2UK today for expert assistance. We have offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, and our visa experts can guide you through the review process with precision.

Let us help you turn your refusal into a second chance.

Don’t give up — Make your case heard.