The latest UK Immigration statistics highlight the significant Home Office delays in processing times for UK Immigration Appeals. Over the past year, Applicants have waited on average 12 months for their UK Immigration Appeal to be processed. It is therefore extremely important that Applicants ensure their UK Visa applications are prepared as strongly as possible to give it the greatest chance of being granted the first time around and avoid having to go through the lengthy and costly appeals process.
What the latest UK Immigration Statistics say about the Home Office delays in processing times for UK Immigration Appeals
The most recent statistics in regard to UK Visas and Immigration demonstrate that processing times for UK Immigration Appeals against Home Office decisions has increased by 45% over the last year. This means that Applicants are now being forced to wait an average of almost a year for a decision to be made on their UK Immigration Appeal compared to the 31 week average waiting time the previous year. Figures also demonstrated that 50% of those appeals were successful. Further, in response to a Written Question regarding the length of processing times for UK Immigration Appeals, the Justice Minister, Lucy Frazer, recently commented that:
“The average clearance time, which is measured from receipt of an appeal to its conclusion, went up between 2015-16 and 2016-17 because of the Tribunal significantly reducing its outstanding caseload and clearing older cases during that period. Outstanding caseload has now reduced from 64,800 in June 2016 to 35,100 at the end of December 2017”.
Campaigners argue that these extended waiting times are leaving already vulnerable people and their families facing long periods of uncertainty and are victim to poor decision making at every stage of the process. This in turn could end up having an impact on their health.
Sadly, it appears that the Home Office is aware of these issues but is unwilling to make an changes to ease the process. This is because the increased time for an appeal to be processed is argued to be as a result of the Government’s hostile environment policy towards immigration in the UK by deterring migrants from lodging appeals against negative Home Office decisions. The number of UK Immigration Appeals that have been lodged as also significantly decreased from 25,000 in 2014 to just 7,000 last year which unfortunately demonstrates that the Government’s plan is working.
What is the purpose of UK Immigration Appeals?
When a UK Visa application has been refused by the Home Office, Applicants may be given a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) or if not an administrative review, in order to challenge the Home Office’s decision. Home Office decisions that may be challenged on appeal are:
- When an asylum claim or humanitarian protection claim has been refused;
- When a human rights claim has been refused;
- A decision under the European Economic Area (EEA) Regulations, i.e. when the Home Office has decided to deport or refused to issue a residence document;
- Revocation of protection status; and
- Revocation of British citizenship.
Depending on what application was refused, Applicants may be given an in-country right of appeal or out of country right of appeal. If the appeal is won, the Home Office will revise its original decision.
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to challenge a decision by way of a Judicial Review, but this is only the ‘last resort’ when all other appeal options have been exhausted.
Using Legal Representation to lodge UK Immigration Appeals
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit UK Immigration Appeals.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK Immigration appeal succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your UK Immigration appeal meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful UK Immigration Appeals
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your UK Immigration appeal before your matter even reaches the Home Office. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK Immigration appeal.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key for successful UK Immigration Appeals. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.