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Immigration Appeals Procedure

Expert Immigration advice for individuals and businesses. 

We specialise in business
and individual
immigration.

Authorised and
Regulated by SRA,
England and Wales

Proven track record in
sponsor license & visa
applications

We are open Mon-Fri
9:00am to 7:00pm
24/7 in emergency

We pride ourselves on our specialisation in Business and Personal Immigration, offering expert guidance and support to navigate the complexities of immigration law.

Key Service we offer to businesses and corporates:

  • Sponsor Licence:
A Sponsor Licence is required by UK employers or educational institutions who wish to sponsor foreign nationals, including international students or skilled workers, to come to the UK. With a valid sponsor licence, organizations can issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to students or Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to employees. Tide Immigration provides expert guidance on obtaining and maintaining a UK Sponsor Licence, ensuring full compliance with Home Office regulations.

  • Sponsor Licence Compliance Audit:

A Sponsor Licence Compliance Audit is an official review conducted to ensure that an organization holding a UK Sponsor Licence is meeting all Home Office requirements. This includes maintaining accurate records, monitoring sponsored individuals, and reporting any changes promptly. At Tide Immigration, we help educational institutions and employers prepare for these audits by reviewing internal systems, identifying compliance gaps, and providing tailored recommendations to avoid penalties or licence suspension.

  • Pre-Sponsor Licence Compliance:

Pre-Sponsor Licence Compliance involves reviewing an organisation’s systems and processes before applying for a UK Sponsor Licence to ensure they meet Home Office standards. This proactive step helps identify and fix any weaknesses in HR, record-keeping, and reporting practices. At Tide Immigration, we offer tailored pre-licence compliance checks to help businesses and educational institutions strengthen their readiness and improve their chances of a successful licence application.

  • Home Office Interview Training:

Home Office Interview Training is designed to help visa applicants prepare for credibility interviews conducted by the UK Home Office. These interviews assess whether applicants are genuine students or workers and understand their chosen course, institution, funding, and future plans. At Tide Immigration, we provide one-on-one mock interviews and expert coaching to help you answer confidently and clearly, increasing your chances of visa approval.

  • Suspension and revocation of a Sponsor Licence:

Suspension and revocation of a Sponsor Licence occur when the Home Office finds that a sponsoring organisation has breached compliance duties or failed to meet immigration rules. Suspension may temporarily prevent the organisation from sponsoring new applicants, while revocation permanently removes the licence. At Tide Immigration, we provide expert legal support to help institutions and employers respond to compliance issues, challenge unfair decisions, and take corrective actions to protect their sponsorship status.

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document that UK employers must assign to foreign workers they wish to sponsor under the Skilled Worker or other visa routes. There are two types: Defined CoS for overseas applicants and Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. At Tide Immigration, we assist licensed sponsors with accurate and timely CoS applications, ensuring compliance with Home Office guidelines and helping businesses hire international talent efficiently.

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) refusal:

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) refusal can disrupt hiring plans and delay visa applications. If the Home Office refuses a CoS request, it’s essential to understand the reasons and respond appropriately. At Tide Immigration, we offer expert advice on challenging CoS refusals, whether through administrative review, appeal, or by correcting and resubmitting the application. Our legal team works to protect your sponsorship rights and ensure your business remains compliant and operational.

  • Delays in Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications:

Delays in Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications can cause significant setbacks in hiring international staff or supporting visa applications. These delays may arise due to incomplete documentation, compliance issues, or Home Office backlogs. At Tide Immigration, we help employers and sponsors navigate such delays by identifying the cause, communicating with the Home Office when necessary, and ensuring all CoS applications are accurate and fully compliant to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.

  • SMS (Sponsor Management System) management:

SMS (Sponsor Management System) management is essential for maintaining your UK Sponsor Licence. It involves keeping sponsor records up to date, reporting changes such as employee start dates or visa status, and managing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). Proper use of the SMS is a key Home Office requirement. At Tide Immigration, we provide expert SMS management services, ensuring your records are compliant, accurate, and submitted on time to reduce the risk of licence suspension or revocation.

  • SMS Level 1 User Training:

SMS Level 1 User Training is designed to equip designated staff with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively operate the UK Home Office’s Sponsor Management System (SMS). A Level 1 user is responsible for key tasks such as assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), updating sponsor details, and reporting changes to migrant status. At Tide Immigration, we offer tailored training sessions that ensure Level 1 users understand their responsibilities, maintain compliance, and confidently manage the sponsor licence obligations.

  • Advising the employers on sponsorship and record keeping duties:

Employers holding a UK Sponsor Licence have strict sponsorship and record-keeping duties set by the Home Office. These include maintaining accurate records of sponsored workers, tracking absences, reporting job or salary changes, and ensuring visa conditions are met. At Tide Immigration, we provide expert advice to employers on how to meet these responsibilities, implement compliant HR systems, and avoid the risks of licence suspension or revocation through proactive guidance and ongoing support.

  • Advising on TUPE and Sponsor licence in case of mergers and takeovers:

In cases of mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers, employers must carefully manage their Sponsor Licence obligations to remain compliant with UK immigration law. Under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations, sponsored workers may transfer to a new employer, but the Home Office must be properly notified, and sponsor records must be updated promptly. At Tide Immigration, we provide expert advice on handling these complex transitions, including reporting duties, licence transfers, and maintaining sponsorship continuity to avoid disruption to your workforce or immigration status.

  • Visa application for employees:

Applying for a UK work visa can be a complex process that requires careful planning and compliance with Home Office regulations. At Tide Immigration, we assist employers and their international staff with employee visa applications, including Skilled Worker visas and other sponsored routes. Our team ensures each application is complete, accurate, and supported by the required documentation—helping your employees secure their visas smoothly and start work without unnecessary delays.
Advising sponsor licensee employers on leaves, absence and wages of the migrant workers:
UK sponsor licence holders have strict duties when it comes to managing leaves, absences, and wages of sponsored migrant workers. Employers must accurately record and report long-term absences, unpaid leave, changes in working hours, and any salary adjustments to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). At Tide Immigration, we provide tailored advice to ensure employers remain fully compliant with immigration rules, helping them avoid penalties and maintain their sponsor licence in good standing.

  • Global business mobility (All routes):

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa is a UK immigration route designed for overseas businesses looking to establish or support their UK presence. It includes five key subcategories: Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, and Secondment Worker. Each route serves different business needs, from transferring senior staff to setting up a UK branch. At Tide Immigration, we advise companies on choosing the right GBM route, meeting sponsorship requirements, and preparing strong visa applications to support smooth and compliant business mobility into the UK.

Key Service we offer to individuals:

  • Skilled Worker Visa:

The Skilled Worker visa allows UK employers to sponsor international talent for eligible jobs that meet salary and skill thresholds. At Tide Immigration, we guide both employers and applicants through the sponsorship and visa process, ensuring compliance and a smooth relocation.

  • Self-Sponsorship Visa:

The Self-Sponsorship visa route enables entrepreneurs to start or manage a UK-based business without a traditional sponsor. We assist in setting up the business, securing a sponsor licence, and submitting a compliant Skilled Worker application to support your self-sponsored move.

  • Innovator Founder Visa:

The Innovator Founder visa is for experienced entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas endorsed by a UK-approved body. Tide Immigration supports you from business plan development to visa approval and ongoing compliance.

  • Global Talent Visa:

The Global Talent visa is aimed at leaders or promising individuals in fields like tech, academia, arts, and science. We help you navigate the endorsement process and build a strong application to secure entry to the UK without sponsorship.

  • Health and Care Visa:

This special category under the Skilled Worker route supports healthcare professionals joining the NHS or adult social care sector. Tide Immigration streamlines the application process for both sponsors and workers, reducing costs and processing times.

  • GBM Expansion Worker Visa:

The UK Expansion Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route allows overseas businesses to send staff to the UK to set up a new branch. We help ensure all sponsorship, documentation, and visa steps are handled accurately for smooth market entry.

  • Graduate Route / PSW:

The Graduate Route (Post-Study Work) visa lets international students stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 for PhD holders) after completing an eligible UK degree. No sponsorship is needed. Tide Immigration helps you apply confidently to take advantage of post-study opportunities.

  • Dependant Visa:

Dependant visas allow family members of UK visa holders to live, work, and study in the UK. We guide families through the eligibility, documentation, and visa application process, ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with immigration rules.

  • Spouse Visa:

The Spouse visa lets non-UK partners of British citizens or settled persons join them in the UK. Tide Immigration assists with financial requirements, relationship evidence, and the application process to reunite families with confidence.

  • Standard Visitor Visa:

The Standard Visitor visa allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or short courses for up to 6 months. We help you prepare a clear, well-documented application to improve your chances of approval.

  • Student Visa:

The UK Student visa allows international students to study at recognised institutions. Tide Immigration helps applicants with CAS issuance, financial documents, and interview preparation to secure your visa with ease.

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

ILR offers permanent settlement in the UK after a qualifying residence period. We assess your eligibility and support you in compiling strong applications, including Life in the UK test and English language requirements.

  • British Citizenship / Naturalisation:

Becoming a British citizen is the final step toward full integration. Tide Immigration provides expert support with naturalisation applications, ensuring you meet residence, good character, and documentation standards.

  • Fee Waiver Applications:

If you cannot afford visa or extension fees, a fee waiver application may allow you to apply without cost. We help assess your financial situation and prepare strong supporting evidence to increase your chances of success.

  • Further Leave to Remain (FLR) Applications:

Further Leave to Remain (FLR) allows individuals to extend their stay in the UK when their current visa is due to expire. Whether you’re applying under a family, private life, or human rights route, Tide Immigration ensures your application is timely, well-documented, and meets all Home Office requirements, helping you maintain lawful status in the UK.

  • Seven-Year Child Route Applications:

Children who have lived in the UK for seven continuous years may qualify for leave to remain under the private life route. The application must show it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK. Tide Immigration helps families prepare strong, child-focused applications that demonstrate deep ties and integration into British life.

  • Ten-Year Private Life Route Applications:

The Ten-Year Private Life route offers a pathway to regularise immigration status for individuals who have spent significant time in the UK—especially those who’ve built their lives here. We help applicants prove long residence, community ties, and personal circumstances to meet the Home Office’s strict human rights criteria.

  • Private and Family Life / Human Rights Applications:

If returning to your home country would breach your right to private or family life under Article 8 of the ECHR, you may be eligible to apply to stay in the UK. Tide Immigration specialises in human rights-based applications, helping individuals and families build compelling cases based on their life and relationships in the UK.

  • Adult Dependant Relative Visa:

The Adult Dependant Relative visa allows elderly parents or relatives of British citizens or settled persons to join them in the UK for long-term personal care. This is a high-threshold visa that requires strong evidence. Our team supports families in building compassionate, well-prepared applications to reunite loved ones.

  • Same-Sex Partner Applications:

Same-sex partners of British citizens or settled individuals can apply for visas under the same rules as opposite-sex couples. We provide inclusive, confidential, and respectful support to LGBTQ+ applicants in proving genuine relationships, cohabitation, and long-term commitment, with full guidance through the application process.

  • EUSS Applications (EU Settlement Scheme):

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) protects the rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family members living in the UK after Brexit. Tide Immigration assists with late applications, family permits, and the transition from pre-settled to settled status, ensuring applicants secure their legal rights and status in the UK.

Other legal service we offer :

  • Detention, Removal and Deportation Matters:

Facing immigration detention, removal, or deportation can be distressing and life-altering. At Tide Immigration, we provide urgent legal support for individuals detained under immigration powers or threatened with removal from the UK. We assess each case thoroughly, explore legal remedies, and take swift action to protect your rights and prevent unlawful deportation wherever possible.

  • Immigration Bail:

If you or a loved one is being held in immigration detention, applying for immigration bail can secure release while your case continues. Tide Immigration offers expert representation in preparing strong bail applications and representing clients at bail hearings, ensuring that all conditions and legal arguments are properly presented to the tribunal or Home Office.

  • Pre-Action Protocol:

The Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) is a formal legal step before initiating Judicial Review. It gives the Home Office a chance to reconsider unlawful or unreasonable decisions without court intervention. At Tide Immigration, we draft persuasive PAP letters to challenge visa refusals, delays, or removals, often resolving cases efficiently without the need for full litigation.

  • Administrative Review:

If your visa or immigration application has been refused due to a legal or factual error, you may be eligible for Administrative Review. This process allows the Home Office to reassess its own decision. We identify errors in decision-making and submit detailed representations on your behalf to secure a fair outcome.

  • Immigration Appeals:

An immigration appeal allows you to challenge certain Home Office refusals through the First-tier Tribunal. Whether it’s a family visa, human rights, or asylum case, Tide Immigration provides expert representation, case preparation, and legal advocacy to give your appeal the best chance of success.

  • Judicial Reviews:

When no other remedy is available, a Judicial Review (JR) can be used to challenge unlawful immigration decisions. It’s a powerful legal tool used in high-stakes cases, such as removals, detention, or refusal of protection claims. Our experienced legal team prepares and files Judicial Review claims with precision, advocating fiercely for your rights in the High Court.

Family law services we offer :

  • Divorce Applications – No Fault:

With the introduction of no-fault divorce in the UK, couples can now end their marriage without assigning blame. Tide Immigration provides sensitive, straightforward guidance through the divorce process, ensuring all legal steps are handled with care—especially in cases involving international or immigration elements.

  • Intercountry Child Adoption Matters:

International adoption involves complex legal and immigration procedures. At Tide Immigration, we assist families with intercountry child adoption, guiding them through UK adoption recognition, visa applications, and Home Office processes to ensure a smooth and lawful transition for the adopted child.

  • Registration of Overseas Adoption of Child in the UK:

If you’ve adopted a child abroad, you may need to register the adoption in the UK to have it officially recognised. We assist with this formal registration process, ensuring it meets UK standards and enables access to UK residency or citizenship pathways for the child.

  • British Citizenship Application of Adopted Child from Overseas:

Applying for British citizenship for an adopted child from overseas requires careful attention to legal status, adoption recognition, and immigration history. Tide Immigration ensures your child’s application is complete, compliant, and supported with all required documentation for a successful outcome.

  • Other Miscellaneous Matters:

From complex family immigration issues to rare or sensitive legal concerns, Tide Immigration is equipped to handle miscellaneous immigration and nationality matters with professionalism and discretion. If you’re unsure where your case fits, our team is ready to provide clear guidance and support.

Contact Tide Immigration

Get in touch with us for your
Immigration Queries and needs.

Simplifying UK Visa Appeals

At Tide Immigration in London, we understand how stressful UK visa refusal appeals can be. That’s why we’re dedicated to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. With years of experience and thousands of successful cases, our legal team knows exactly what it takes to craft a compelling, accurate appeal. We take the time to learn about your unique circumstances, allowing us to offer personalized solutions that work best for you and your family. Trust us to handle the complexities while you focus on what matters most.

Your Trusted Partner for Every Immigration Challenge

No matter how complex your immigration issue may be, we’re here to help. As specialists in UK immigration law, we’ve successfully guided over 4,000 business owners and professionals worldwide through the complexities of the British immigration system. Our team works swiftly, responding to all inquiries within 24 working hours, and collaborates closely with the Home Office to address potential issues before they impact sponsorship applications or compliance. We handle all aspects of UK immigration, including visa applications under the new points-based system, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visas, nationality applications, and more. Our expertise also extends to challenging cases involving appeals, administrative reviews, judicial reviews, and immigration matters related to European Union law and human rights. Trust us to provide the strategic guidance you need for a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions – UK Immigration Appeals Procedure

What is an immigration appeal?

An immigration appeal is a legal process that allows you to challenge a decision made by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you believe it was incorrect or unfair. This could be a refusal of a visa application, denial of asylum, or revocation of immigration status. The appeal is submitted to the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), where an independent judge reviews the case.

When can I appeal a UK immigration decision?

You can appeal a UK immigration decision if you have been refused:

  1. A human rights or protection claim (e.g., asylum)
  2. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on human rights grounds
  3. A decision under the European Economic Area (EEA) regulations
  4. Deportation or removal from the UK
  5. Revocation of refugee status or humanitarian protection
    Not all visa refusals have a right of appeal. In some cases, you may need to request an administrative review instead.

What is the difference between an appeal and an administrative review?

  1. Appeal: Challenges the legality or fairness of the decision, and you can present new evidence before an immigration judge.
  2. Administrative Review: Requests a reconsideration of the decision, arguing that an error was made during the assessment. You cannot introduce new evidence, and the review is conducted by a different Home Office caseworker.

How do I know if I have the right to appeal?

Your refusal letter from UKVI will specify if you have the right to appeal. It will also state the deadline for lodging the appeal and the grounds on which you can challenge the decision. If you’re unsure about your appeal rights, consult an immigration lawyer for guidance.

What are the grounds for appealing an immigration decision?

You can appeal an immigration decision on the following grounds:

  1. Human Rights Violation: If the decision breaches your human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
  2. Protection Grounds: If your asylum or humanitarian protection claim was wrongly refused.
  3. EEA Regulations: If the decision affects your rights as an EEA national or their family member.
  4. Error in Law: If the decision was made based on a legal error or misinterpretation of the law.

How do I lodge an immigration appeal?

To lodge an immigration appeal, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Appeal Form: Use the correct form (e.g., IAFT-1 for in-country appeals or IAFT-2 for out-of-country appeals).
  2. Pay the Appeal Fee: The fee varies depending on whether you choose an oral hearing or a paper-based decision.
  3. Submit the Appeal: Submit the form and supporting documents online or by post within the specified deadline.
  4. Receive a Hearing Date: The First-Tier Tribunal will notify you of the hearing date or confirm if a paper-based decision will be made.

What documents are needed for an immigration appeal?

Key documents include:

  1. Refusal notice from UKVI
  2. Completed appeal form
  3. Proof of payment for the appeal fee
  4. Supporting evidence (e.g., passport, medical reports, financial documents, witness statements)
  5. Legal arguments and case references to support your appeal
    Working with an immigration lawyer can help ensure all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.

What are the types of hearings for immigration appeals?

There are two types of hearings:

  1. Oral Hearing: You (and your legal representative) attend the tribunal to present your case before a judge. Witnesses can also be called to give evidence.
  2. Paper Hearing: The judge reviews the appeal and evidence without a hearing. No one attends in person, and the decision is based solely on the written documents provided.

How long does the immigration appeal process take?

The duration of the appeal process varies depending on the complexity of the case and the tribunal’s caseload. Typically:

  1. The First-Tier Tribunal hearing is scheduled within 6 to 12 months after lodging the appeal.
  2. The judge’s decision is usually delivered within 4 to 8 weeks after the hearing.
    If the appeal is dismissed, further appeals or judicial reviews can extend the process.

Can I stay in the UK while my appeal is pending?

Your right to remain in the UK during the appeal process depends on your immigration status and the type of decision being appealed. In most cases, if you had valid leave to remain when your application was refused, you can stay until the appeal is decided. However, if you applied from outside the UK, you must wait for the decision before traveling.

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