This guide covers how administrative review works. If you are unsure whether to use it or reapply, see reapply or appeal after a refusal.
What Is Administrative Review?
Administrative Review is a formal request for UKVI to review a visa refusal decision, but only on the grounds that a caseworker made an error — either a factual mistake (misreading your documents) or a procedural error (not following the correct process). It is not a general appeal and cannot be used simply because you disagree with the outcome or want to submit new evidence.
When Administrative Review Applies
- The caseworker misread or overlooked evidence you submitted, such as miscalculating your bank balance
- A document you submitted was not properly considered
- The decision was based on a policy that was incorrectly applied to your case
It does not apply if the refusal was correct based on the evidence you actually submitted — in that case, the right route is usually a fresh application with stronger evidence.
How to Submit an Administrative Review
- Read your refusal letter carefully to identify the specific reason(s) given
- Determine whether the refusal was based on a genuine caseworker error, not a gap in your original evidence
- Submit your Administrative Review request within the deadline stated on your refusal letter — this is typically a short window and cannot be extended
- Pay the Administrative Review fee
- Wait for a decision, which does not require you to submit an entirely new application
Administrative Review vs. Reapplying
If your refusal was due to insufficient or unclear evidence (the most common outcome), reapplying with corrected, complete documentation is usually faster and more likely to succeed than Administrative Review, since AR cannot consider new evidence. HOA reviews every refusal letter to determine which route — Administrative Review or a fresh, strengthened application — gives the better chance of success.
Keep reading: Step-by-step UK Student visa guide · 28-day bank statement rule