Overturn Your Spouse Visa Refusal
Recognised and regulated
Why choose AY&J Solicitors for a Spouse Visa Refusal?
- First, we read exactly why you were refused and check the deadline you are working to.
- Then, we choose the route that fits your case: appeal, reapply, or review.
Who Is This For?
- You were refused due to missing or weak documents that you can now strengthen
- You can now show the £29,000 income, or the transitional figure that applies
- Your refusal questioned your relationship, and you can prove it is genuine
- You are still inside the appeal window and need to act quickly
You Have 14 Days to Appeal, or 28 Days From Outside the UK
Why are Spouse Visas refused?
Understanding the UK spouse visa refusal reasons is the first step to fixing them. Most are avoidable with the right evidence, and we will help you find it.
01. Income below the threshold
The income requirement is £29,000 for applications on or after 11 April 2024, or £18,600 under transitional rules.
02. Relationship not accepted
Relationship not accepted as genuine and subsisting, meaning a real marriage. This is where most couples face refusal.
03. English language
English-language evidence is missing, expired, or from a provider the Home Office does not approve.
04. Incomplete documents
Documents incomplete or inconsistent. A missing payslip or a date mismatch can undermine a strong case.
05. Accommodation not evidenced
Accommodation not evidenced, with no tenancy agreement or proof that the home is not overcrowded.
06. Immigration history
Immigration history problems, such as an undisclosed overstay or an unexplained previous refusal.
07. Suitability concerns
Suitability concerns, including a deception finding, which can carry a re-entry ban of up to ten years.
Our Process
The AY&J Process
01
Discovery
Fifteen minutes with our client team to check for issues
Screening conversation, not legal advice
Eligibility assessment
We read the refusal and confirm you have a right of appeal.
You receive
A quick standing check
02
Consult
Solicitor-led case assessment
Immigration options mapped
Initial risk identification
We confirm your ground, appeal or JR, and protect your 3C leave.
You receive
Written next steps and a document schedule with dates
03
Caseworking
Application preparation
Evidence bundle assembled
Legal representations drafted
We draft the grounds and build the bundle and skeleton argument.
You receive
A complete appeal bundle
04
Assure & Submit
Senior associate review and evidence-gap check
Legal-risk review
Submission and correspondence
Proactive monitoring
Updates on schedule
We serve the bundle and represent you at the hearing.
You receive
A pre-submission assessment call
05
After Care
Decision explained
Immediate next steps
Future immigration roadmap
We explain the outcome and advise on any onward appeal.
You receive
An outcome letter and forward plan
This diagram describes our working method and is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances and on Home Office decision-making.
Should You Reapply or Appeal?
Most spouse visa refusals are caused by a few common issues, and each one can be addressed. Where your refusal engaged your Article 8 family life, an appeal may be open, and a Pre-Action Protocol letter can sometimes resolve matters before a hearing.
| Common refusal risk | How we handle it |
|---|---|
| Income evidence below the threshold | We rebuild the financial case to the £29,000 or transitional figure |
| Relationship treated as not genuine | We assemble the cohabitation and shared-finance timeline |
| Documents missing or inconsistent | We audit the bundle and fix every gap before filing |
| The wrong route was chosen after refusal | We advise you to reapply or appeal, based on your refusal letter |
| A deadline is about to expire | We lodge in time to protect your appeal and your status |
What does each Spouse Visa Refusal option cost?
| Route / Challenge Type | Government / Statutory Fee | Expected Decision Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Reapplication (outside the UK) | £2,064 visa fee plus £3,105 NHS health surcharge | 8 to 12 weeks standard |
| Fresh Reapplication (inside the UK) | £1,407 visa fee plus £2,587.50 NHS health surcharge | Around 8 weeks standard |
| Administrative Review | £80 per applicant (where statutory review rights apply) | Up to a few months |
| First-tier Tribunal Appeal (Papers) | £80 per appellant (decision made without courtroom hearing) | 6 to 12 months |
| First-tier Tribunal Appeal (Oral hearing) | £140 per appellant (full hearing before an immigration judge) | 6 to 12 months |
Our story in numbers
In our clients' own words.
“I had an excellent experience with Ms. Ikra throughout the entire application process. She was highly professional, responsive, and attentive to detail. All of my questions were answered clearly and promptly, and I always felt that my application was handled with great care and professionalism. I’m very pleased with the successful outcome and would highly recommend their services.”
"This is the second time AY&J has helped us with a visa application. Words cannot express our gratitude for all her help and professionalism."
“Professional and comprehensive service that was faultless. The attention to detail and the guidance provided in completing the spouse visa application and the required documentation were perfect. My consultant lawyer was extremely helpful and was always accessible to answer any questions I had at any time. I would highly recommend the service.”
“After our ILR rejection, AY&J pursued our case through Administrative Review and Judicial Review. The team was open, honest, knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. They kept us informed at every stage, supported us throughout an extremely difficult journey and helped us regain confidence in our case.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Relationship and evidence
You can send us the date on your refusal letter. We will review your decision and outline your exact legal options the same day.
Relationship and evidence
Yes. We can challenge an Entry Clearance Officer refusal by proving the caseworker recorded your interview answers incorrectly.
Relationship and evidence
Caseworkers interview couples separately to test relationship genuineness. The official interview transcript becomes vital evidence if a refusal follows.
Relationship and evidence
Yes. The success rate of spouse visa appeal cases improves significantly when evidence is structured into a clear legal timeline.
Relationship and evidence
You will have to address each reason for the UK spouse visa refusal directly. A documented timeline of shared finances and cohabitation carries far more weight than wedding photographs.
Deadlines and money
Yes. Priority services can expedite a fresh application decision, though priority processing is not available for tribunal appeals.
Deadlines and money
A fresh application requires paying the visa fee and health surcharge again. A tribunal appeal costs £80 on papers or £140 for an oral hearing.
Deadlines and money
The gross income requirement is £29,000 for new applications. Older applications protected under transitional rules keep the previous £18,600 threshold.
Deadlines and money
Missing your deadline usually closes the appeal route. You should take specialist legal advice immediately to protect your status in the UK.
Deadlines and money
You have 14 calendar days if you applied inside the UK. Overseas applicants receive 28 days from the date on the decision letter.
Your options
It depends on why you were refused. Reapplying is best for missing documents, while an appeal challenges an unlawful decision before a judge.
Your options
You can reapply immediately with a fresh submission. There is no waiting period to reapply for spouse visa approval once your evidence is ready.
Your options
Read your refusal letter carefully. The specific caseworker's reasons will determine what to do when a spouse visa is refused.
Your options
Not always. A spouse visa refusal appeal requires Article 8 human rights grounds, which protect your family life in the UK.
Your options
You have four legal options after a refusal. You can submit a fresh application, request an administrative review, appeal to a tribunal, or seek judicial review.
Tell us your story
