UK Visa Administrative Review: How Long Does It Take & What To Do When Delayed

What Is an Administrative Review?

An administrative review is a way to challenge a UK visa decision if you believe the Home Office made a case working error. Unlike appeals, administrative reviews don't consider new evidence — they only check whether the original decision was made correctly based on the information provided.

You can request an administrative review for most visa refusals, curtailments, or conditions attached to your leave. Common situations include:

• Visa refusals (work visas, family visas, dependant visas)
• Curtailment of existing leave
• Refusal of extensions
• Points-based system miscalculations

Official Processing Times vs Reality

What the Home Office Says

The official guidance states:

• Applications made in the UK: 28 calendar days
• Applications made overseas: 28 calendar days

Sounds reasonable, right? Unfortunately, reality tells a very different story.

What Actually Happens (2025-2026)

Based on recent reports and user experiences, administrative review processing times have become significantly longer:

• Average wait time: 3-6 months
• Complex cases: 6-12 months or longer
• Peak periods: Up to 12+ months

"I applied for my daughter's dependent visa through a lawyer in December 2024 after it was refused. Up to now (January 2026), I haven't received any decision. The only response I got was an apology email in June stating that the review is delayed due to an increase in applications."

This experience is unfortunately common. Many applicants are waiting 12+ months for administrative review decisions.

Why Are Administrative Reviews Taking So Long?

1. Unprecedented Application Volumes

The Home Office has cited an "increase in applications across various immigration routes" as the primary reason for delays. Post-pandemic visa applications surged, and the administrative review system wasn't equipped to handle the volume.

2. Staff Shortages

Like many government departments, the Home Office has struggled with recruitment and retention. Fewer caseworkers means slower processing across all immigration categories.

3. Complex Cases Taking Priority

While straightforward reviews might be processed faster, complex cases with extensive documentation can take significantly longer to assess.

4. No Legal Deadline for Reviews

Unlike initial visa decisions (which have service standards), administrative reviews have no legally binding deadline. The 28-day target is a service standard, not a legal requirement — meaning the Home Office faces no consequences for exceeding it.

What Happens During an Administrative Review?

Understanding the process can help manage expectations:

1. Receipt confirmation — You should receive acknowledgment within a few days
2. Queue assignment — Your case enters a processing queue
3. Case allocation — A caseworker is assigned (this can take months)
4. Review — The caseworker checks the original decision for errors
5. Decision — Either the original decision is maintained or withdrawn

Possible Outcomes

• Original decision withdrawn: The visa may be granted, or a new decision made
• Original decision maintained: The refusal stands, but you may have other options

What Can You Do While Waiting?

1. Contact the Home Office

You can chase your application through:

• Online contact form: Through the UK Visas & Immigration portal
• Email: For administrative review queries
• MP escalation: Ask your Member of Parliament to enquire on your behalf

Important: Keep records of all communications. Note dates, reference numbers, and responses received.

2. Request an MP Enquiry

Your Member of Parliament can submit a formal enquiry to the Home Office on your behalf. This often prompts a response or update. To do this:

1. Find your local MP at parliament.uk
2. Contact their office explaining your situation
3. Provide your application reference number and timeline
4. Ask them to submit a formal enquiry

MPs regularly deal with immigration casework and many have dedicated staff for this purpose.

3. Consider Judicial Review (Pre-Action Protocol)

If your wait has become unreasonable (typically 6+ months beyond the stated timeframe), you may consider sending a Pre-Action Protocol letter. This is the first step before judicial review proceedings and often prompts the Home Office to act.

Warning: This should be done with legal advice. A Pre-Action Protocol letter essentially puts the Home Office on notice that you may take legal action for their failure to make a decision within a reasonable time.

4. Make a Formal Complaint

You can complain to the Home Office about delays through their official complaints process. While this rarely speeds things up, it creates a paper trail and may be useful if you pursue other remedies.

5. Check If You Can Make a New Application

Depending on your circumstances, it might be faster to:

• Withdraw the administrative review
• Address the reasons for refusal
• Submit a fresh application

This isn't always possible (especially if you're outside the UK or your circumstances have changed), but for some applicants, a new application with corrected documents can be processed faster than waiting for an administrative review.

Special Considerations for Dependant Visa Reviews

If your administrative review is for a dependant visa refusal, there are additional factors to consider:

Impact on the Main Applicant

The main applicant's immigration status may be affected if dependants are refused. This can impact:

• Future visa extensions
• ILR applications
• Family separation during the wait

Evidence Gathering

While you wait, ensure you're prepared for any outcome:

• Keep all relationship evidence updated
• Maintain records of communication with the main applicant
• Document any changes in circumstances

Related Reading

If you're dealing with a dependant visa situation, you may also find these guides helpful:

• UK ILR for Dependants: Complete Document Checklist
• Which UK Visa Types Count Toward ILR?

What If the Review Is Unsuccessful?

If your administrative review is unsuccessful (the original decision is maintained), you still have options:

1. Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal

Some visa decisions carry a right of appeal. Check your decision letter to see if this applies to you. Appeals allow you to:

• Submit new evidence
• Have an independent judge review the decision
• Challenge the Home Office's interpretation of the rules

2. Fresh Application

Address the reasons for refusal and submit a new application. This is often the most practical option if:

• Your circumstances have changed
• You can now provide evidence that was previously missing
• You understand why the original application failed

3. Judicial Review

If you believe the decision was unlawful (not just wrong), judicial review may be an option. This is a legal challenge to the decision-making process, not the decision itself.

How to Avoid Administrative Reviews in the Future

The best administrative review is one you never need to file. Here's how to strengthen your initial application:

1. Double-Check All Documents

Many refusals stem from:

• Missing documents
• Incorrect formats
• Expired documents
• Documents not meeting specifications

2. Follow the Guidance Exactly

The Home Office is notoriously strict about document requirements. If they ask for bank statements covering 28 days, don't submit 27 days. If they want original documents, don't send copies.

3. Get Expert Review Before Submitting

Having a professional review your application before submission can catch errors that lead to refusals. This is especially important for complex applications or if you've been refused before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel while waiting for an administrative review?

This depends on your current immigration status. If you're in the UK with valid leave, you can usually travel — but check the specific rules for your visa type. If you're outside the UK, the review won't grant you entry.

Will I get my fees back if the review is successful?

If the original decision is withdrawn, you may be entitled to a refund of the administrative review fee. The original visa application fee is typically not refunded.

Can I submit new evidence during the review?

No. Administrative reviews only consider whether the original decision was correct based on the evidence that was submitted. If you have new evidence, you'd need to make a fresh application.

Is there a way to speed up the process?

There's no official expedite service for administrative reviews. However, MP enquiries and Pre-Action Protocol letters sometimes prompt faster action.

Should I use a lawyer for the administrative review?

If the original application was prepared by a lawyer, they should handle the review. For straightforward cases, you can submit the review yourself. For complex cases or if significant time has passed, legal advice is recommended.

Key Takeaways

• The 28-day target is rarely met — expect 3-12 months in current conditions
• You have options if the wait becomes unreasonable (MP enquiries, complaints, Pre-Action Protocol)
• Consider whether a fresh application might be faster than waiting
• Keep detailed records of all communications
• Prepare for all possible outcomes while you wait

Official Government Resources

For official guidance on administrative reviews, refer to these UK government pages:

• 🔗 Ask for a Visa Administrative Review — gov.uk
• 🔗 Administrative Review Guidance — gov.uk
• 🔗 Contact UK Visas and Immigration — gov.uk
• 🔗 Find an Immigration Adviser — gov.uk
• 🔗 UKVI Complaints Procedure — gov.uk
• 🔗 Appeal to the Immigration Tribunal — gov.uk

Need Help With Your Visa Application?

Facing a visa refusal is stressful, especially when the administrative review process takes months. While we can't speed up the Home Office, we can help you avoid refusals in the first place.

Our AI Document Check (Free - 1 check per document daily) identifies common errors and missing documents before you submit. Our Expert Review (£49) provides thorough professional assessment for complex cases.

Don't let preventable errors lead to another lengthy wait. Get your documents checked before you apply.

---