A refusal means UKVI considered your application valid but found you did not meet one or more requirements under the Immigration Rules. You will receive a decision letter that lists the reasons and tells you if you can request an Administrative Review.
A rejection usually means your application was invalid and not considered on the merits. A refusal means it was valid but failed on eligibility or evidence. This distinction matters for next steps and deadlines.
Home Office data shows work visa patterns changed in 2024 to 2025, with more scrutiny on sponsors and Skilled Worker grants falling from prior highs. Use the latest Immigration system statistics and outcomes tables for current rates by route and nationality.
No. Many applicants win on Administrative Review or succeed with a corrected reapply. The key is to fix the refusal reasons and meet the updated salary, skills, and evidence rules. Deadlines for Administrative Review are strict.
Missing pages, inconsistent dates, or names not matching across forms and evidence.
Wrong SOC code, expired CoS, or job details not matching the offer letter.
Below £41,700 or the role’s going rate; limited exceptions for ISL roles or new entrants at £33,400.
Duties, skills, and business needs don’t align with the SOC code and required RQF level 6.
Application refused where the sponsor has compliance breaches or licensing action.
Maintenance funds missing, insufficient, or evidence not acceptable where required.
Incorrect test, wrong CEFR level, or proof not from an approved provider.
Overstaying, deception, or false documents trigger refusal and credibility concerns.
Failing TB screening, undisclosed convictions, or offences of concern to the Home Office.
Example: In August 2025, an overseas marketing executive’s Skilled Worker visa was refused because their sponsor used an outdated SOC code that had been withdrawn during the July 2025 SOC refresh. Despite a valid job offer, the mismatch between the CoS code and the updated classification list led to an automatic refusal.
Under Immigration Rules Part 9, re-entry bans for specific breaches can be imposed for up to 10 years, and biometric data may be retained for up to 15 years
Spouse and children may also be refused where the main application fails
Some employers may pause or withdraw offers until the case is resolved
Typical sunk costs can reach £3,000 to £5,000 across fees, tests, and document prep
A refusal does not automatically end your ILR prospects, but it can derail them if it creates a gap in lawful residence that breaks the 5-year clock. Findings of deception, false documents, or serious non-compliance can trigger suitability refusals at ILR even if time is met. If you switch to a route that does not lead to settlement or face curtailment and must leave and reapply, your qualifying period can reset. Dependants run on separate clocks, but if the main applicant loses leave or exits the UK, their continuity can also be broken.
Extract every refusal reason into a checklist. Note the rule cited, the evidence you gave, and what the caseworker discounted or missed.
Use AR to challenge caseworker error only. Typical deadline is 14 days if you applied inside the UK, or 28 days if you applied outside the UK. Fee is £80. If you file a new application, your AR is treated as withdrawn, so choose your route before you act.
If the issue is fixable, correct it before a fresh application. Examples include updating the SOC code, issuing a fresh CoS, meeting the correct salary or going rate, or supplying stronger document evidence. Remember that submitting a new application will withdraw any pending AR.
JR is a last resort to challenge an error of law or an unlawful decision. It does not re-decide your case on the merits, it tests legality and procedure. Specialist legal advice is strongly recommended.
Appeals for Skilled Worker refusals are very limited. A right of appeal usually exists only where human rights grounds are engaged, or for protection and certain scheme decisions. Otherwise, AR or JR are the main routes.
Note: If you were granted Skilled Worker leave before 4 April 2024, you may benefit from lower transitional salary thresholds. However, this protection is lost if you change employer or switch into a new route. In that case, you must meet the new higher salary rules (generally £41,700 or the revised going rate). Always confirm with your sponsor and check the latest Home Office guidance before making changes, as losing transitional eligibility can trigger a refusal.
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As a multi-award-winning, SRA-regulated law firm recommended by The Legal 500 with over a decade of specialised immigration experience, we create the gold standard and benchmark in expertise, authority, and credibility to get the desired results. Moreover, this result driven approach has created an overall record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa applications, enabling the companies and individuals to be confident that their visa process is in experienced hands committed to their success.
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Administrative Review provides a cost-effective way for those who have had their Skilled Worker Visa application refused to get their application reconsidered, because they believe an error has been made by the caseworker reviewing it.
Our expert lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the Administrative Review process. We will assist you with the correct application procedure and ensure UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) know exactly why an Administrative Review is being requested so they can focus on correcting the relevant issue. We understand that those entering the UK on the Skilled Worker Visa route require quick support, and are keen to get on with their new position. Our team can put together an application quickly, allowing you to focus on the exciting adventure of moving to the UK.
At A Y & J Solicitors, we will take the time to carefully examine why your visa application was refused and advise you on the best course of action to take. You can be confident that as an SRA regulated firm, we will act with the utmost integrity, ensuring your application has the best chance of success.
Administrative Review can be a complex process; however, by instructing us, you can trust that your matter will be dealt with quickly, and all aspects of the Administrative Review process will be explained to you in a clear manner.
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