Receiving a visa refusal or an adverse immigration decision is deeply distressing. Our immigration appeal solicitors in Bolton provide expert, robust representation at all levels of the UK immigration appeal system, from the First-tier Tribunal to the Upper Tribunal and beyond.
Your Right to Appeal
Following the Immigration Act 2014, appeal rights were significantly curtailed. You now have a right of appeal only in specific circumstances, including:
- Refusal of an asylum claim or humanitarian protection application
- Refusal based on human rights grounds (Articles 2, 3 and 8 ECHR)
- Refusal of an EU Settlement Scheme application
- Deprivation of British citizenship
- EEA deportation decisions where saved rights apply
Most Points-Based System visa refusals, visitor visa refusals and entry clearance decisions no longer carry a right of appeal. However, Administrative Review or judicial review may be available.
Appeal Time Limits
Strict time limits apply. You must appeal within 14 days if you are in the UK or 28 days if outside the UK. Missing these deadlines can be fatal to your case, so urgent legal advice is essential upon receiving a refusal.
The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
Most immigration appeals are heard at the First-tier Tribunal (FTTIAC). The tribunal is currently under significant pressure with a backlog of over 90,000 outstanding cases as of early 2025, with average waiting times of approximately 40 weeks across all appeal categories.
Administrative Review
For visa refusals that do not carry an appeal right, Administrative Review allows you to ask the Home Office to reconsider its decision based on a caseworking error. It does not allow new evidence to be submitted. Applications must be made within 14 days of the decision.
Judicial Review
Judicial Review is a High Court challenge to the lawfulness of a public authority’s decision. It may be available where there is no right of appeal or Administrative Review. Judicial Review must be brought promptly — typically within 3 months of the decision.
Upper Tribunal Appeals
If you believe a First-tier Tribunal decision contains an error of law, you may apply to the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) for permission to appeal. Permission is required and is not granted automatically.
Our Appeals Success Rate
Our Bolton immigration appeal solicitors have an excellent track record of success at the First-tier and Upper Tribunal. We prepare meticulous appeal bundles, draft compelling grounds of appeal and provide experienced oral advocacy at hearings.
Need Expert Immigration Advice in Bolton?
Contact our specialist immigration solicitors today for a confidential consultation on your case.
Related Services
Our appeals solicitors work closely with our asylum team, deportation defence team and EU Settlement Scheme team. We also handle challenges to refusals of spouse visas, skilled worker visas and other entry clearance decisions where appeal rights remain available. Visit our FAQ page for answers to common appeal questions, or see all immigration services we offer.
