Overview
A refusal letter can feel like the end of the road. It rarely is — but the window to act is often short, and the decisions you make in the first days after a refusal will significantly affect your options. Marsl Sharifi is an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor who handles appeals and refusal responses personally, from reading the decision letter carefully on the first day through to representing clients at the First-tier Tribunal. He will give you an honest assessment of your prospects before advising you to proceed.
Who this service is for
- Immigration appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) — where you have a right of appeal in law
- Administrative review — for Skilled Worker, student, and other points-based route refusals where an appeal is not available
- Fresh applications following refusal — where an appeal or administrative review is not appropriate or has been exhausted
- Judicial review — where no other remedy is available and the decision is arguably unlawful (referred to specialist counsel where required)
- Entry clearance refusals — including spouse, family, and visit visa refusals
- Curtailment and cancellation of leave — where the Home Office seeks to cut short your existing permission to stay
- Deportation and removal notices — urgent advice
What you'll need
- The refusal letter or decision notice (and the application form previously submitted, if available)
- All documents submitted with the original application
- Any new evidence that addresses the reasons for refusal
- Your current passport and Biometric Residence Permit
- Appeal reference number (if already issued)
Fees
Marsl's professional fees depend on the type of challenge and its complexity. The fee for your matter is £2,400 + VAT, which covers the scope agreed in your written fee agreement.
Tribunal fees (where payable) are charged separately by HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
A full written fee agreement is provided before any work begins, in line with the SRA Transparency Rules.
The process, step by step
- Step 1
Urgent deadline check
On the first contact, Marsl identifies the deadline for any appeal or administrative review. Appeal deadlines are strict and cannot generally be extended.
- Step 2
Refusal analysis
Marsl reads the decision letter in detail, identifies the specific grounds of refusal, and advises honestly on whether there are arguable grounds to challenge it.
- Step 3
Route selection
Marsl advises on the appropriate route: appeal, administrative review, fresh application, or judicial review. Not every refusal has a right of appeal; Marsl will be direct about what is and is not available.
- Step 4
Grounds and evidence
Marsl drafts grounds of appeal or administrative review, identifies any new evidence needed, and prepares the full response bundle.
- Step 5
Hearing preparation
For Tribunal appeals, Marsl prepares witness statements, bundles, and skeleton arguments, and will represent you (or brief specialist counsel where appropriate) at the hearing.
- Step 6
Decision
Marsl advises on the outcome and, if unsuccessful, on any further options.
What has changed (2024–26): record Tribunal volumes and tight deadlines
Immigration appeals to the First-tier Tribunal have increased sharply. In the most recent reported period, receipts were up approximately 53% compared with the previous year. This means hearing dates are taking longer to come through and the Tribunal is under significant pressure.
The practical consequence for applicants is that acting early matters even more than it did. Deadlines are strict:
Most in-country appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal. Out-of-country appeals typically have 28 days from the refusal date. Administrative review must usually be requested within 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (out-of-country).
These windows are measured in calendar days. Missing the deadline without a compelling reason will almost always result in the challenge being rejected without consideration of the merits. Contact Marsl as soon as you receive a refusal.