Administrative Review Guidance

What happens if my administrative review is unsuccessful?

If your administrative review is unsuccessful then there are three outcomes:

1. Your review is not successful and the initial decision remains with all the original reasons being maintained.

2. Your review is not successful and the initial decision remains with one or more of the initial reasons for the decision being withdrawn.

3. The review is not successful and the initial decision still stands but the reason for doing so differs from the initial decision. 

If your administrative review is unsuccessful and you do not have immigration leave then you must leave the UK.

My administrative review was unsuccessful, can I apply for another one?

If your administrative review was unsuccessful, in most circumstances you cannot request a second review. You can only request to have another administrative review if your first one found additional reasons as to why your original immigration application was refused. In some cases a right of appeal may be an alternative remedy where an administrative review has been unsuccessful.

How much is an administrative review?

It costs £80 to apply for an administrative review. This fee can be refunded if your application is rejected for being invalid or if the outcome of the review is to grant leave.

Who is exempt from paying the administrative review fee?

Applicants who meet the following criteria are exempt from paying the administrative review fee:

• They were exempt from paying for the original application, or the original fee was waived.

• They previously applied for an administrative review for a decision on the same original application and the outcome of that review was that the original decision was maintained but for different reasons to those in the original decision.

• They are unable to pay the fee due to exceptional circumstances.

What counts as an ‘exceptional circumstance’?

The fee can be waived if an individual cannot pay the fee due to exceptional circumstances. If an individual wishes to apply for this waiver then they must state the reasons for their claim on the application form. Applicants for fee waivers based on exceptional circumstances are made on a case by case basis, when making an assessment, the case worker must be satisfied that:

• The applicant cannot pay the fee and there is no one else who can pay it for them on their behalf (e.g. a relative, friend or sponsor).

• The applicant is unable to pay the fee due to exceptional circumstances.

• The claims made have been proved.

• These exceptional circumstances are short-term and therefore will not impact the applicant’s ability to maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK.

Can my administrative review be cancelled?

Yes, an administrative review can be cancelled if the following circumstances apply:

• If you make another immigration or visa application.

• If you ask for a review of a previous immigration decision after you have submitted a new application.

• If you have emailed the Home Office to ask for your request to be withdrawn.

Is an administrative review the same as an appeal?

No, an administrative review is not the same as an appeal.

How can Paragon Law help?

At Paragon Law, our immigration solicitors and lawyers have supported many individuals to successfully make an administrative review. Our legal experts understand the administrative review process and understand what is needed to make the strongest application possible. If you require assistance with an administrative review then please contact us to arrange a consultation with an expert immigration lawyer.