In order to access your immigration information held by the UK Home Office you need to make a Subject Access Request (SAR). This blog explains the procedure of making this application.
The Subject Access Request (SAR) is a powerful tool that allows individuals to access personal data held by government bodies or other organisations. If you have ever applied for a UK visa or immigration status, citizenship, or had interactions with the UK Border Force, you can make a SAR to access personal information that the Home Office holds about you. This is your right under the Data Protection Act 2018.
When should you make a SAR? It may be beneficial to submit a SAR application if you are seeking details about your immigration history, such as past visa applications, appeal determinations or even copies of interview records. However, it is important to note that SARs will not assist with providing immigration status documents or accessing your eVisa – for those, you will need to use the relevant UKVI services.
If you wish to make a SAR, you can submit an application online via the Home Office website or send it by email or post. To ensure your request is processed quickly, you must provide supporting documents, such as a copy of your ID and any proof of authority if you are acting on someone else’s behalf. Once submitted, you should receive a response from the Home Office within one month; however, the processing times may take longer depending on circumstances.
If you would like to discuss your options or secure assistance in making a SAR application, Gherson Solicitors LLP will be happy to help.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
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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