Receiving a refusal from the Home Office is distressing, but it does not have to be the end of your case. Depending on the type of decision, you may have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal or request an administrative review. As experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester, MCR Solicitors has represented hundreds of clients at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and has an excellent track record of overturning Home Office decisions.
Understanding Your Options After a Refusal
When the Home Office refuses an immigration application, you typically have two possible remedies:
1. Administrative Review
An administrative review is a check of whether the original decision was made correctly. It is available for most in-country and some out-of-country decisions. Key points:
- Deadline: 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (out-of-country)
- Cost: £80
- Scope: Limited to caseworker error — it cannot consider new evidence
- Outcome: The decision is either maintained or withdrawn
2. Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
If your case involves human rights (Article 8) or asylum, you may have a full right of appeal. This is heard by an independent immigration judge. Key points:
- Deadline: 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (out-of-country)
- Scope: Full rehearing — you can submit new evidence and give oral testimony
- Venue: Manchester Hearing Centre at Piccadilly Exchange is the nearest tribunal for residents of Longsight, Gorton, Levenshulme, Stockport, and Bolton
Types of Cases We Appeal
Our immigration lawyers in Manchester handle appeals across all immigration categories:
- Spouse and partner visa refusals — Article 8 right to family life
- Parent visa refusals — best interests of children in the UK
- Human rights claims — private life, medical cases, Article 3 claims
- Deportation appeals — for those facing removal from the UK
- Asylum appeals — refugee status and humanitarian protection
- EEA appeals — EU Settlement Scheme refusals
The Appeal Process Step by Step
- Lodge the appeal — submit the notice of appeal to the tribunal within the deadline
- Case management — the tribunal issues directions for evidence and hearing dates
- Prepare your bundle — compile all evidence including witness statements, expert reports, and supporting documents
- Attend the hearing — give evidence before the immigration judge at Manchester Hearing Centre
- Receive the decision — the judge issues a written determination, usually within 2-4 weeks
What Makes a Strong Appeal?
As one of the leading Manchester law firms for immigration appeals, we know that successful appeals require:
- Detailed witness statements — clear, honest accounts that address the refusal reasons directly
- Strong documentary evidence — photographs, financial records, communication evidence
- Expert reports — country expert reports for asylum cases, medical reports where health is relevant
- Legal submissions — citing relevant case law and demonstrating how the Home Office erred
- Credible oral evidence — our solicitors prepare you thoroughly for cross-examination
Upper Tribunal and Beyond
If the First-tier Tribunal dismisses your appeal, you may be able to seek permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal on a point of law. This is a more technical process that requires demonstrating the judge made a legal error. Our immigration solicitors have experience at all levels of the tribunal system.
Costs and Legal Aid
Legal aid is available for asylum appeals and some human rights appeals. For other cases, MCR Solicitors offers competitive fixed fees and flexible payment plans. We believe that access to justice should not depend on your financial circumstances, which is why we serve clients across Longsight, Gorton, Levenshulme, Stockport, and Bolton at affordable rates.
Do Not Miss Your Deadline
Appeal deadlines are strict and cannot be extended in most cases. If you receive a refusal, contact our immigration solicitors in Manchester immediately. Call 0161 466 1280 or email [email protected] for urgent advice.
Need Legal Advice?
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