Appeals

For some types of application, there is a right of appeal when a visa is refused. The refusal notice will explain if you have a right of appeal and the appeal forms will be attached. You must fill in and return the Notice of Appeal to the AIT or the British High Commission no later than 28 days after you receive the Notice of Refusal.

You can lodge your appeal directly with the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) in the UK or you can send your appeal form to the visa section in the British High Commission at 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919. You cannot do both.

When the visa section receives the Notice of Appeal, the Entry Clearance Manager (ECM) will review your application again, taking into account any further comments and supporting documents you have included in the Notice of Appeal. If the ECM is satisfied that your application meets the Immigration Rules, the original decision may be overturned, and entry clearance issued.

If the ECM does not overturn the decision, an ECO will write a statement to explain in greater detail the reasons for refusing your visa. This will be sent with all your papers (the appeal bundle) to the AIT to be heard by an Immigration Judge.

When the visa section receives the Notice of Appeal, they will prepare and send the appeal papers to the AIT within 20 working days for non-settlement cases and family visit cases. For settlement cases, they will prepare and send the papers within 60 working days. You must send a copy of your Notice of Refusal with your Notice of Appeal form. There is no charge for appealing against your visa being refused.

Information about the UK appeals system, who has the right of appeal if their visa or other entry clearance for the United Kingdom (UK) has been refused, and how to make such an appeal, is available in leaflet INF 19 on the UK Border Agency website.

Complaints and comments

UK Border Agency and our commercial partner, VFS Global, are committed to providing the best possible service and believe that handling complaints is an important part of that. We also welcome any comments that you may wish to make about our operation. We are committed to:

1. your full name or the name of the applicant
2. applicant's date of birth
3. applicant's nationality
4. type of application made
5. application reference number, if known