Reapplying for a UK spouse visa after a refusal

What does reapplying mean?

Reapplying is simply making a fresh application. The new caseworker assesses it against the rules that apply on the new application date, using the evidence you submit with it. The previous refusal is part of your immigration history, and you will normally be asked about it on the form, so the new application should show clearly how each earlier concern has been addressed.

The requirements for partners are described on gov.uk under apply as a partner or spouse, with the detailed rules in Appendix FM and the evidence rules in Appendix FM-SE.

How does reapplying compare with appealing?

• Reapplying lets you submit new and corrected evidence. It involves a new application fee; gov.uk explains how the immigration health surcharge is handled when an application is refused.
• Appealing asks an independent tribunal to look at the decision. It can take longer, but it can matter where the officer made a judgement you disagree with. See our general guide to spouse visa appeals.
• Administrative review, where available, checks for caseworking errors. See gov.uk on administrative review.

Some routes cannot run at the same time — for example, gov.uk says an administrative review request is withdrawn if you make another visa application. Your letter, and a regulated adviser, can clarify what applies to you.

What do people usually check before reapplying?

General information only. People commonly:

• list every reason in the refusal letter and match each one with new or corrected evidence;
• check that the rules and any financial figure have not changed since the first application;
• check that English test results, passports and other documents are still valid;
• check that dates, names and addresses are consistent across every document;
• add a short cover letter explaining how each earlier reason has been dealt with;
• check whether reapplying affects any appeal or review they have started, or are still in time to start.

Which documents are often reviewed again?

• Financial evidence for the full required period (see financial requirement).
• Relationship evidence over time (see genuine relationship).
• English language evidence (see English language).
• Accommodation evidence (see accommodation).
• Certified translations and readable copies (see documents).

Where do you find your deadline?

Reapplying does not have a deadline in the same way, but your other options do.

Your refusal letter is the only reliable source for your own time limit. It says whether you have a right of appeal, whether you can ask for an administrative review, and how long you have. Check the deadline stated in your refusal letter as early as you can — time limits are strict and usually count from the date of the decision or the date you received it. The general process is described on gov.uk: appeal against a visa or immigration decision and ask for a visa administrative review.