Quick answer: how do I appeal a Home Office refusal?
If your refusal carries a statutory right of appeal, you appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The deadline is strict: usually 14 days from the decision if you are in the UK, or 28 days if you are outside the UK — always check the date and route stated in your refusal letter. The tribunal fee is £82 for an appeal decided on the papers or £144 with a hearing.
NA Law Solicitors can help with: checking whether you have a right of appeal, drafting grounds, preparing witness statements and evidence, and representation at the hearing.
Updated immigration guidance – June 2026
Immigration appeals: deadlines and evidence matter
Appeal deadlines are strict. GOV.UK currently states that in-country appeals generally need to be submitted within 14 days of receiving the decision. Where the decision says you must leave the UK before appealing, the deadline is usually 28 days from the date you left the UK.
A strong appeal is built from the refusal reasons backwards: evidence, witness statements, legal grounds and hearing preparation should all answer the actual issues raised by the Home Office.
What we focus on:
- Deadline and appeal right checked first
- Grounds of appeal drafted around the refusal reasons
- Witness statements and evidence bundles prepared for the Tribunal
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal?
In-country appeals are commonly 14 days. Some out-of-country appeals are 28 days. Always check the refusal letter.
What happens at an appeal hearing?
The Tribunal considers evidence, witness statements and legal submissions. A judge decides whether the Home Office decision should stand.
Can new evidence be used?
Often yes, especially in human rights appeals, but it must be relevant and properly prepared.
Can NA Law represent me at appeal?
Yes. We can prepare grounds, evidence, witness statements and representation for the hearing.
Immigration Appeal Solicitors | NA Law
Challenging refused immigration applications at the First-tier Tribunal.
SRA Regulated|Fixed-Fee Options|Free Initial Assessment|Online Consultations Available
Appeal deadlines: Immigration appeal deadlines are strict. In-country appeals are usually due within 14 days and out-of-country appeals within 28 days. The correct route depends on the refusal decision and whether a statutory right of appeal exists.
Time limits on appeals are strict – act now
You typically have 14 to 28 days to lodge an appeal. Missing the deadline can mean losing your right of challenge.
Get Urgent Appeal Advice
Or call: 0203 524 5439
Immigration Appeal Solicitors | NA Law
Making an immigration appeal
If the Home Office has refused your application, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. You can appeal in the following situations if:
- Your protection claim i.e. your asylum or humanitarian protection application was refused
- Your human rights claim has failed
- A decision has been made in line with the European Economic Area i.e. you are being deported or denied residency documents
- Your British citizenship has been revoked
- Your protection status has been revoked
- Your status under the EU Settlement Scheme has been revoked or you are not satisfied with the length or conditions upon which you have been granted your visa
- A decision has been made to deport you under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Your travel permit or family permit has been revoked under the EU Settlement Scheme or your right to go in and out of the UK has been limited
- You are being deported as a frontier worker or your permit has been revoked
- You are being deported as an S2 healthcare visitor or have been refused your leave
Call now to speak to an immigration expert on 0203 5245439
When should I make an immigration appeal?
You should make an appeal as soon as the Home Office has made a decision as you will have:
- 14 days to make an appeal after the date of the decision providing you are within the UK; or
- 28 days to make an appeal after the date of the decision providing you are outside the UK
Appeal for applications made before the 6th April 2015:
You may be eligible to make an appeal for an application that was sent before the 6th April 2015.
Can I get asylum support?
Although the Home Office has refused asylum you still may be eligible to gain asylum support. Our specialist’s teams will be able to discuss this matter further with you upon having reviewed your documents.
How will my immigration appeal be judged?
The First-tier Tribunal is composed of independent judges who will hear both parties case. They will base their decision on either:
- Reading the information you have provided to the tribunal, which include the appeals form and any additional documents that you provide
- Provide a decision at a hearing where we will represent your case
What if the Tribunal refuses my appeal?
You will have the opportunity to make an appeal to the Upper-Tier Tribunal, who will be able to reassess your case and provide you an impartial decision depending on your circumstances.
However, if our specialist teams will advise you accordingly about all options available to you and advise you to make a decision on appealing the First-tier Tribunal’s judgement.
Why instruct us?
At NA Law we do things differently. We ethos ourselves in ensuring all of our clients attains good quality legal advice. Our specialist’s teams will carefully consider your case and inform you about the potential routes you may want to take in order to make your appeal. Furthermore, the following page may be useful if you are considering filing an immigration appeal:
Frequently asked questions
What is the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)?
It is an independent judicial body that hears immigration and asylum appeals against Home Office decisions. Further appeal may be possible on a point of law.
How long does an immigration appeal take?
Timescales vary. A listed appeal can take several months. Urgent cases may be expedited where there is good reason.
What happens at an immigration appeal hearing?
The Tribunal hears evidence from you and witnesses. Legal representatives present arguments, the Home Office responds, and the judge normally gives a written decision later.
Can I appeal from outside the UK?
In some cases yes, particularly where the refusal carries an out-of-country statutory right of appeal. There may be practical limits, so early advice is important.
What is the success rate for immigration appeals?
Success depends on the route and evidence. Proper preparation, witness evidence and legal argument can materially improve prospects.
Don't face your immigration appeal alone
We prepare grounds of appeal, gather evidence, draft witness statements and represent you at the Tribunal. Fixed-fee representation available.
Instruct Us on Your Appeal
Or call: 0203 524 5439
