Administrative Review Of Graduate Route Visa Refusal
Administrative Review of Graduate Route Visa Refusal is a formal process provided by the UK Home Office that allows applicants to challenge a visa refusal. In this case the applicant believe that the decision was made due to a caseworking error. In other words, where UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has not applied the immigration rules correctly.
For individuals in the UK whose Graduate Visa application has been refused, AR offers a practical and cost-effective means to seek correction without needing to leave the country or immediately pursue legal action. It is not an appeal in the traditional sense, nor does it allow for new information to be introduced. Instead, it focuses strictly on reviewing the original application and the decision-making process to determine whether UKVI made an error in law, procedure, or fact.
Speak to Our Solicitors For Free Advice on Graduate Visa Refusals
As specialist immigration solicitors, we can provide fast, friendly, reliable and fixed fee immigration services for your Administrative Review (AR) against the refusal of your Graduate visa application. Ask a question to our specialist team of immigration solicitors for free immigration advice or send a request to schedule an appointment for detailed legal advice and consultation concerning your Administrative Review (AR) of Graduate visa refusal.
Administrative Review Of Graduate Visa Refusal From Inside The UK
You can apply for Administrative Review (AR) if your application for switching into Graduate visa is refused by the Home Office Home Office UKVI. You can apply for Administrative Review Online. There is a fee of £80 for applying for an Administrative Review (AR). The Administrative Review (AR) must be filed within 14 days from the date of receipt of the UKVI refusal letter. The review of the refusal of your Graduate visa application will be done by a different person, but using the same documents and facts sent with your original application.
If the result of the Administrative Review (AR) is that the Home Office withdraws its original decision and grants you leave to remain in the UK (permission to stay), your fee paid for Administrative Review (AR) will be refunded. You should get a decision on your Administrative Review request within 12 months. The Home Office, UKVI will write to you if they think it will take longer. You cannot be removed from the UK whilst your request for Administrative Review (AR) is pending consideration with the Home Office, UKVI.
If the Home Office UKVI maintains its decision to refuse your application for switching into Graduate visa, you then have the option to file Pre Action Protocol (PAP) and Judicial Review (JR) against the refusal of your application. In some cases, filing a fresh application for switching into Graduate visa may be more appropriate rather than challenging the refusal by way of Judicial Review (JR). It is also possible to file fresh application as well as Judicial Review (JR) against the refusal of Graduate visa application.
Administrative Review Of Graduate Visa Refusal From Outside The UK
If your Graduate visa application was refused outside the UK, you may be eligible to request an Administrative Review (AR) if your refusal letter confirms this right. AR allows you to challenge the decision if you believe UKVI made a caseworking error. The process is time-sensitive, does not accept new evidence, and must be based on the original application.
- Eligibility: Only available if your refusal notice states you can request AR.
- Deadline: Apply within 28 calendar days of the refusal decision.
- Fee: £80 (refunded only if UKVI overturns the decision or rejects the AR as invalid).
- Scope: No new evidence allowed; only original application and documents are considered.
- Processing Time: It can take 12 months to get a decision.
Who can Apply for Administrative Review of Graduate Visa?
If your Graduate visa application has been refused by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you may be eligible to apply for an Administrative Review (AR)—but only if certain conditions are met. Below is a clear explanation of who can apply for AR specifically in the context of a Graduate visa refusal.
- You Applied for the Graduate Visa from Within the UK
- Your Refusal Letter Confirms the Right to Administrative Review
- You Believe a Caseworking Error Occurred
- You Are Still in the UK and Submit the AR on Time
Step to File for An Administrative Review of Graduate Visa
Carefully Review the Refusal Decision
Begin by thoroughly examining the refusal letter issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Pay close attention to the reasons cited for the refusal, and assess whether any factual, legal, or procedural errors were made in interpreting or applying the Immigration Rules relevant to your Graduate visa application.
Identify and Compile Relevant Evidence
Gather all documents that directly address the points raised in the refusal. This includes any evidence demonstrating that you meet the Graduate route requirements—such as proof of a valid degree award, Student visa status at the time of application, and enrolment at a recognised sponsor. Ensure the evidence is clear, relevant, and supports your position comprehensively.
Complete the Administrative Review Application Form
Access and complete the correct online AR form via the official UK Government website. In your submission, provide a detailed explanation of why the refusal decision was incorrect, citing any specific caseworking errors or misinterpretations by UKVI.
Pay the Required Review Fee
The current fee for submitting an Administrative Review is £80 (subject to change per Home Office updates). Ensure the fee is paid promptly to avoid delays or rejection of your request. Payment is typically made online during the submission process.
Submit Within the Prescribed Time Limit
You must submit your Administrative Review application within 14 calendar days of receiving the refusal decision (if applying from within the UK). In case you are detained the timeline to submit an AR is 7 days. Ensure that all supporting documents are submitted at the same time, as new evidence cannot be added later. Timely and accurate submission is critical to preserve your legal rights and maintain your lawful status.
When an Administrative Review Withdraw Automatically?
Your request for an Administrative Review (AR) will be automatically withdrawn (cancelled) by the Home Office if you do any of the following while your review is still pending:
- Submit a new immigration or visa application for the UK;
- Request the return of your passport in order to travel;
- Leave the UK before a decision is made on your review.
In addition, your AR request will be rejected outright if you try to challenge a previous decision after submitting a new application for the same visa or immigration category.
If you no longer wish to proceed with your Administrative Review, you can email the Home Office and formally request to withdraw it. Please note that the £80 application fee will not be refunded under any circumstances—even if you cancel your request.
How Can We Help With Your Administrative Review Request?
As specialist immigration solicitors, we can represent you in your request for Administrative Review of Graduate Visa refusal and carry out all the work in relation to your Administrative Review (AR) of Graduate visa refusal. Our work on your Administrative Review (AR) may include the following:
- Discussing the reasons for refusal letter with you and advising on potential grounds to challenge the refusal of your Graduate visa application;
- Where relevant, considering the relevant documentary evidence which can be relied upon in rebuttal of the reasons for refusal of your Graduate visa application;
- Completing the relevant application form for Administrative Review (AR), if applicable;
- Preparing detailed grounds for Administrative Review (AR) arguing rationally how the decision of the Home Office is not in accordance with relevant laws and facts and why the Home Office UKVI should reverse the decision of the Home Office caseworker to refuse the Graduate visa application;
- Submitting the Administrative Review (AR) to the Home Office UKVI as per UKVI Guidance for the Administrative Review to be a valid for consideration by the Home Office, UKVI;
- Keeping you fully informed on the progress of your matter;
- Doing all the follow up work until decision is reached on your Administrative Review (AR) request by the Home Office UKVI.
Our Fixed Fees For Administrative Review (AR)
The fixed fees for providing expert legal help and assistance for an administrative review of UK visa refusal are given in the fee table below:
Our Service | Our Fee |
Complete help with Administrative Review (AR) of refusal of UK visa entry clearance | From £800 To £1,500 |
Complete help with Administrative Review (AR) of refusal of an in-country application | From £800 + VAT To £1,500 + VAT |
The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the matter and the volume of casework involved in the Administrative Review (AR). In addition to our fixed fee for helping with Administrative Review (AR), the applicant will also have to pay the Home office UKVI fees for the Administrative Review (AR).