Immigration appeal route: refusal → FTT → UT → Court of Appeal
Appellate pathway for Home Office immigration and asylum refusals.
When to use this route
The Home Office has refused an immigration or asylum application and the refusal letter states you have a right of appeal.
When NOT to use this route
If your refusal letter says there is no right of appeal — judicial review may be the only route. Visit visa refusals (most) carry no appeal.
Prerequisites
- • A refusal that carries a right of appeal
- • Within the deadline (14 days in-country, 28 days out-of-country, 5 working days if detained)
Evidence to gather
- • Refusal letter
- • Original application bundle
- • Country expert evidence (for asylum claims)
- • Article 8 family / private life evidence
Route map
- Stage 1
Lodge Notice of Appeal
Online via MyHMCTS or on paper.
- Stage 2
Case management review
Tribunal sets directions for bundles, expert evidence, and listing.
- Stage 3
Substantive hearing
Before a judge (sometimes with a non-legal member). Evidence is given orally; interpreter provided if needed.
- Stage 4
Determination
Written decision normally within weeks. Either allows the appeal (Home Office must reconsider) or dismisses it.
- Stage 5
Upper Tribunal appeal
Either party can apply for permission to appeal on a point of law, first to the FTT, then to the UT.
- Stage 6
Court of Appeal / Supreme Court
Onward appeals to higher courts on points of law of public importance.
Final remedies
- • Appeal allowed (Home Office must reconsider in line with the determination)
- • Appeal dismissed (can re-apply / fresh claim / JR)