UK Immigration Appeals 2025: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ahmed’s family visa was refused. The Home Office says he failed the financial test. He feels this is wrong. You might feel the same after a refusal. So, what now?
This guide explains UK immigration appeals 2025 from start to finish. First, you’ll see who can appeal and when. Then, you’ll learn how to file on time. Next, you’ll understand fees, forms, and evidence. After that, you’ll know what happens at the hearing. You will also learn how long each step takes. Finally, you’ll see what outcomes are possible, and what to do next.
Understanding UK Immigration Appeals
UK Immigration Appeals 2025: What is an immigration appeal?
An immigration appeal is your legal route to challenge certain Home Office decisions. Appeals are heard by an independent judge in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber, “IAC”). The modern system creates a single “one-stop” appeal against a limited set of decisions, so all grounds should be raised in that appeal.
If the First-tier Tribunal dismisses the case, you may seek permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal, but only on an “error of law”.
Who can appeal in 2025?
Not every refusal carries a right of appeal. The main appealable decisions in 2025 are:
1. Protection claims: refusal of asylum or humanitarian protection, and revocation of protection status.
2. Human rights claims: refusal of a human-rights-based application.
3. EU Settlement Scheme decisions: refusals, wrongful grants of pre-settled instead of settled status, and certain variations/revocations under the 2020 Appeals Regulations.
4. Deprivation of British citizenship: a right of appeal exists under s.40A BNA 1981; these are generally heard in the IAC.
Where national security or similar interests are certified, the appeal goes to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) instead of the IAC. If there is no right of appeal, check whether administrative review is available for an eligible decision based on a case-working error.
Where are appeals heard?
You send most appeals directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). If the tribunal refuses your appeal, you can ask for permission to take it further. The next stage is the Upper Tribunal, but only if you can show that the judge made a legal mistake.
When a case involves national security or similar sensitive matters, such as certain deprivation or deportation decisions, it goes instead to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). SIAC follows its own set of rules and procedures, which differ slightly from those used by the immigration tribunals.
The Appeals Process Step-by-Step
Start Your Appeal
You can appeal a Home Office decision only if your refusal letter says you have that right.
You need use the correct route:
• Online appeals: If you are in the UK and not detained and do not have a representative then you need to use the official tribunal service. Create an account and follow the steps to upload your documents, ask for a hearing, and track your case.
• Represented appellants: If you have a solicitor or accredited adviser, they need to appeal through MyHMCTS unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
• Paper appeals: If you cannot use the online system, send your appeal by post or email. Use:
1. IAFT-5, IAFT-6, IAFT-7 – for unrepresented appellants (depending on where you are appealing from)
2. IAFT-1 – for appeals lodged from abroad
3. IAFT-5 (GDA) – if you are in detention or prison
You need to include your full name, address, Home Office reference, the date of the refusal, and why you believe the decision is wrong. Attach the refusal letter and supporting evidence.
If you are represented, your lawyer must register with MyHMCTS before submitting your appeal. If your appeal is linked to another person’s (for example, family appeals), provide both reference numbers.
Deadlines You Must Meet
You have limited time to appeal:
- If you are in the UK: file within 14 days of getting the decision.
- You have 28 days to appeal if you are outside the UK
- If your letter says you must leave before you appeal: file within 28 days after leaving the UK.
If you missed a deadline, you may request a late appeal. You need to explain the reason and provide evidence (for example, illness or postal delays). The tribunal will decide if it can still accept your appeal.
If you have already had an administrative review under the EU Settlement Scheme, frontier worker, or S2 healthcare route, you can appeal after that review is refused.
After You Submit
Once you send your appeal, the tribunal caseworker (TCW) or a judge checks it. They may issue directions (instructions) or list the case for a Pre-Hearing Review (PHR) or a Case Management Review Hearing (CMRH) to get the case ready for the full hearing.
You will receive a Notice of Hearing telling you:
• your hearing date, time, and method (in-person, hybrid, or remote);
• any documents you must provide; and
• any deadlines you must meet.
If you cannot meet a deadline, email the tribunal straight away. Explain why and ask for an extension. The judge or caseworker decides whether to grant it.
You can tell the tribunal if:
• you or a witness need an interpreter (state the language and dialect), or
• you need adjustments such as wheelchair access or extra time.
If you become ill before the hearing, email the tribunal immediately, mark your message “Urgent”, include your case number and hearing date, and attach medical evidence if possible.
Hearings, Technology, Fees, and Decisions
Hearing Options
The First-tier Tribunal (IAC) now holds most hearings in one of three formats:
1. Face-to-face: everyone attends the hearing centre.
2. Hybrid: some attend in person; others join remotely.
3. Remote: all participants join online through the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) or by BT MeetMe phone.
Expedited Cases and Illness
If your appeal is urgent, for example, for medical or compassionate reasons, you need to email the tribunal and mark the subject line “Expedite Request.” Explain why your case should be heard sooner and attach any supporting documents.
If you fall ill before the hearing, email the tribunal immediately, mark it “Urgent”, include your case number, hearing date, and details of your illness. Attach medical evidence if available. The tribunal will decide if it can postpone or move your hearing online.
Fees and Help with Fees
Appeals cost:
• £80 without a hearing (paper appeal)
• £140 with a hearing
You may not have to pay if you receive asylum support, legal aid, or local-authority services (if under 18).
You can also apply for Help With Fees if you have low income, specific benefits, or little or no savings.
Tribunal Decisions
After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision, usually within about four weeks.
The tribunal may:
• allow the appeal (the Home Office must review its decision); or
• dismiss the appeal (the refusal stands).
Winning does not always mean you automatically get leave or entry it means the Home Office need to reconsider your application.
If you win, the tribunal may order a fee award equal to what you paid if you asked when lodging your appeal.
If you lose, you can ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (IAC). You must show a legal error—for example, that the judge applied the wrong law or ignored evidence. Both you and the Home Office can face costs orders if either acts unreasonably.
Conclusion
Ahmed’s story shows what many people face after a Home Office refusal. A rejection can feel final, but it rarely is. The UK immigration appeals process gives you a fair chance to challenge mistakes and present your side. When you act quickly, meet deadlines, and prepare strong evidence, you dramatically improve your chances of success.
Understanding UK immigration appeals 2025 is about control — knowing your rights, the right forms, and the right timing. Every stage, from the appeal form to the tribunal hearing, has clear steps. Once you know them, the process becomes far less intimidating.
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