UK visa refusal letter glossary
In short
Refusal letters use terms from the Immigration Rules and immigration law. This glossary explains the most common ones in plain English, with a link to the official source for each.
Last reviewed: · General information, not legal advice
- Administrative review
A Home Office check of whether a visa decision contains a caseworking error, such as a rule applied wrongly or evidence overlooked. It is usually only available where there is no right of appeal, and your decision letter says whether you can ask for one. It is not a fresh look at the whole application.
- Appendix FM
The part of the UK Immigration Rules that sets out the requirements for family visas, including applications as a partner, spouse, fiancé(e) or parent. Refusal letters often quote paragraph numbers from Appendix FM.
Source: Immigration Rules Appendix FM: family members — GOV.UK
- Appendix FM-SE
The part of the Immigration Rules that lists the specified evidence family visa applicants must provide, for example which documents prove income or savings and the period they must cover.
Source: Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE: family members specified evidence — GOV.UK
- Article 8
Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects the right to respect for private and family life. Partner applications usually involve family life, which is why many spouse visa refusals are treated as refusals of a human rights claim.
Source: Appeal against a visa or immigration decision — GOV.UK
- Caseworking error
A mistake in how the Home Office decided an application, for example overlooking a document that was provided or applying the wrong rule. Administrative review exists to correct this kind of error.
- English language requirement
The requirement for most partner applicants to show knowledge of English, for example with an approved English test or a degree taught in English, unless an exemption applies.
- Entry clearance
Permission to come to the UK, applied for from outside the UK before travelling. A spouse visa applied for from abroad is an application for entry clearance.
- Entry Clearance Officer (ECO)
The Home Office official who decides an entry clearance application made from outside the UK. Refusal letters are often written in the first person by the ECO.
- Exceptional circumstances
Where the normal requirements are not met, the Home Office must still consider whether refusal would breach human rights, for example because it would have unjustifiably harsh consequences for the applicant, their partner or a child.
- Financial requirement
The requirement for most partner applicants to show income, savings or both at or above a minimum level, called the minimum income requirement, proven with the evidence listed in Appendix FM-SE. The level that applies is published on GOV.UK.
Source: Family visas: financial requirements for partners — GOV.UK
- First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
The independent tribunal that hears appeals against many immigration decisions, including refusals of human rights claims. A judge hears both sides before deciding.
Source: Appeal against a visa or immigration decision — GOV.UK
- Genuine and subsisting relationship
The requirement that a partner relationship is real (genuine) and still continuing (subsisting), and that the couple intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Source: Immigration Rules Appendix FM: family members — GOV.UK
- Global Web Form (GWF) reference
The reference number given when a visa application is made from outside the UK. It appears on Home Office letters and emails and is needed when contacting the Home Office about the application.
- Grounds for refusal
Reasons in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules that can lead to refusal regardless of other requirements, for example deception or previous breaches of immigration law.
Source: Immigration Rules Part 9: grounds for refusal — GOV.UK
- Human rights claim
A claim that removing someone from the UK, or refusing them entry, would breach their human rights. Refusal of a human rights claim usually carries a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Source: Appeal against a visa or immigration decision — GOV.UK
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
The body that regulates immigration advisers in the UK. It was previously called the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Giving immigration advice in the UK generally requires regulation.
- Immigration health surcharge
A charge paid as part of many visa applications for access to the NHS. It has its own rules on who pays and on refunds.
Source: Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application — GOV.UK
- Minimum income requirement
The minimum yearly income partner applicants usually need to show. The figure has changed over time and is published on GOV.UK.
Source: Family visas: financial requirements for partners — GOV.UK
- Public funds
Certain benefits and housing assistance listed in the Immigration Rules. Partner applicants usually need to show they can live and be housed without relying on additional public funds.
Source: Public funds guidance — GOV.UK
- Right of appeal
The right to ask an independent tribunal to review a Home Office decision. Your refusal letter states whether you have a right of appeal and the time limit for using it.
Source: Appeal against a visa or immigration decision — GOV.UK
- Section 82
Section 82 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 lists the decisions that carry a right of appeal, including refusal of a human rights claim. Refusal letters sometimes refer to it when explaining appeal rights.
Source: Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, section 82 — legislation.gov.uk
- Secure English Language Test (SELT)
An English language test from a provider and test centre approved by the Home Office. Only approved tests are accepted for visa applications.
Source: Prove your English language abilities with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) — GOV.UK
- Specified evidence
The particular documents, in the particular form and covering the particular period, that Appendix FM-SE requires. An application can be refused if the evidence does not match, even if the underlying facts are true.
Source: Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE: family members specified evidence — GOV.UK
- Sponsor
The partner in the UK whom the applicant is joining. Refusal letters often call the British, Irish or settled partner the sponsor.
- Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
The tribunal that can hear further appeals from the First-tier Tribunal, usually only where the First-tier decision contains an error of law and permission to appeal is given.
Source: Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) — GOV.UK
Vizyt gives plain-English explanations and general information about UK visa refusals. We are not lawyers, we are not a law firm, and we are not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), previously the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), or by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, so we cannot give immigration advice about your individual case. For advice, we can connect you with regulated advisers, or you can find a regulated immigration adviser on gov.uk.