When navigating the UK immigration system, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms in place to address potential errors in decision-making. One such mechanism is the administrative review (AR). This process allows applicants to request a review of certain immigration decisions they believe were incorrect due to case-working errors.
What is administrative review?
Administrative review is a procedure that enables individuals to challenge specific immigration decisions made by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
It is designed to identify and rectify mistakes without the need for a formal appeal or reapplication. Importantly, AR focuses on identifying case-working errors. Normally it does not consider new evidence or changes in circumstances that have arisen since the original decision.
Recent changes in the AR guidance
On 4 February 2025, the Home Office updated its AR caseworker guidance to address prolonged processing times.
Recognising that some AR applications have been pending for extended periods, the new guidance mandates that caseworkers take proactive steps to contact applicants whose AR has been outstanding for six months. This initiative aims to improve communication and provide applicants with updates on their application status.
According to the updated guidance:
- If an AR application remains undecided after six months, caseworkers are instructed to reach out to the applicant to provide an update.
- This contact ensures that applicants are informed about the progress of their review and any reasons for the delay.
This change underscores the Home Office’s commitment to transparency and keeping applicants informed throughout the AR process.
Conclusion
AR serves as a vital tool for applicants to ensure that immigration decisions are accurate and fair. Staying informed about the eligibility criteria and recent procedural updates can help applicants navigate the process more effectively.
If you believe an error has been made in your immigration decision, and you would like some assistance in understanding and potentially launching the AR process, do not hesitate to contact us.
Updated: 14 February 2024
How Gherson can assist
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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