What to Do If Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Is Refused (2025)

If your Skilled Worker visa has been refused by the Home Office, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming especially after the time, effort and money you’ve put into your application. The good news is that a refusal doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. In many cases, you can either appeal, request a review, or reapply but the best next step depends on the reasons behind the refusal.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons for refusal, how to appeal or reapply, and how solicitors in Manchester can help you avoid delays and get your application back on track.

Common Reasons for Skilled Worker Visa Refusals

Understanding why your visa was refused is the first step in deciding what to do next. Some refusals are caused by paperwork errors, while others may relate to eligibility or compliance with immigration rules.

Invalid or Incorrect Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your Certificate of Sponsorship must be correctly assigned by a licensed UK employer and contain accurate job, salary and SOC code details. If there are mistakes or if your sponsor isn’t properly licensed, your application may be refused.

Not Meeting the Salary or Skill Threshold

To be eligible, your job must meet the required salary level and skill type (typically RQF Level 3 or above). If UKVI believes your salary is too low or the role doesn’t match the eligible occupations list, your visa may be rejected.

Incomplete Documentation or Errors

Missing documents, incorrect dates, or expired evidence can result in refusal. Common issues include:

• Uncertified translations
• Missing maintenance fund evidence
• Outdated employer or job details

English Language Requirement Not Met

You must meet the English language requirement via an approved test or exempt qualification. Failing to provide this correctly is a frequent reason for refusal.

Genuineness or Suitability Concerns

If UKVI doubts your intention to work in the UK or suspects you won’t perform the role genuinely, this could lead to refusal. Similarly, if you have a criminal record, history of overstaying, or false information in your application, your visa may be rejected on suitability grounds.

Previous UK Immigration Violations

Past breaches of UK immigration rules, such as overstaying or working illegally, can affect your credibility and result in a visa refusal.

Can You Appeal a UK Skilled Worker Visa Refusal?

Whether you can appeal depends on the reason for refusal. Most Skilled Worker refusals do not come with a full right of appeal. However, you may still be able to request an Administrative Review or take legal action via a Judicial Review or Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter.

When You’re Eligible to Appeal

You will only have a right of appeal if the refusal involves a human rights claim, which is rare in standard Skilled Worker cases. Most refusals are dealt with via Administrative Review or legal challenge.

What Is an Administrative Review (AR)?

An Administrative Review lets you challenge the refusal decision if you believe there was a caseworking error for example, if UKVI overlooked documents or misinterpreted rules. You must apply within 14 days (in the UK) or 28 days (outside the UK).

What Is a Judicial Review (JR)?

A Judicial Review is a legal process where a judge examines whether the Home Office acted unlawfully. It’s only suitable in certain cases where no appeal or review rights exist, and usually follows a PAP letter.

What Is a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP)?

A Pre-Action Protocol letter is a formal legal letter sent to the Home Office before starting Judicial Review. It outlines your grounds for challenge and gives UKVI a chance to respond or reconsider the decision before court action begins.

Skilled Worker Visa Appeal Timeline and Processing Time (2025)

Understanding how long you have to act is key. Immigration timelines are strict, and missing a deadline can close off your legal options.

How Long You Have to Appeal

• Administrative Review: Must be submitted within 14 calendar days (in the UK) or 28 calendar days (outside the UK) from the date of refusal.
• PAP Letter: Should be submitted as soon as possible ideally within 3 months of refusal.
• Judicial Review: Must be started within 3 months of the date the decision was made.

Estimated Time for Appeal Processing

• Administrative Review: 28 calendar days (but may take longer)
• PAP response: 14 days after submission
• Judicial Review: Timelines vary, especially if the case goes to court

Can You Reapply After a Skilled Worker Visa Refusal?

In many situations, it may be faster and more effective to fix the issues and submit a fresh application, especially if:

• You now have correct documents
• Your employer is ready to issue a new CoS
• The refusal was due to minor errors

Should You Appeal or Reapply?

If your refusal was clearly due to a Home Office error, an Administrative Review might be the better option. But if your refusal was based on missing or incorrect information, it’s often quicker and more successful to reapply with improved evidence.

Steps to Strengthen Your New Application

• Double check all documents are up to date and certified
• Get a new CoS if necessary
• Provide stronger proof of your salary and job offer
• Include a letter from your sponsor clarifying any previous mistakes
• Consider getting legal help before resubmitting

How a Solicitor Can Help After a Visa Refusal

Dealing with visa refusals can be complex, especially when deadlines and legal processes are involved. An immigration solicitor can support you through the process, helping to improve your chances of success.

Reviewing the Refusal Letter in Detail

An experienced solicitor will examine the wording of the refusal to understand whether it was based on law, fact, or procedure and then advise you on your options.

Gathering New Evidence or Addressing Mistakes

If the refusal was due to missing or unclear documentation, a solicitor can help you gather stronger evidence and write a cover letter explaining how the issues have been addressed.

Legal Representation During Appeal or Reapplication

A solicitor can:

• Draft a Pre-Action Protocol letter
• Submit an Administrative Review on your behalf
• Represent you if your case proceeds to Judicial Review
• Liaise with your employer and UKVI for any required clarification

Real Life Case Example: Overcoming a Skilled Worker Visa Refusal

One of our recent clients was refused a Skilled Worker visa due to a CoS mismatch the job code entered did not align with the job description provided. We reviewed the documents, helped the employer issue a new CoS under the correct SOC code, and supported the applicant through a fresh application. Within 4 weeks, the skilled worker visa was approved.

Skilled Worker Visa Refusal FAQs

What happens if your Skilled Worker visa is refused? 

You’ll receive a written decision explaining the refusal. You may be eligible for an Administrative Review or able to reapply, depending on the reason.

Can you reapply after UK visa refusal? 

Yes. There’s no limit to how many times you can apply, but it’s vital to correct any previous issues before resubmitting.

What is the success rate of Administrative Review? 

This varies depending on the case, but if there’s clear evidence of a Home Office error, success is possible.

Is a Skilled Worker visa refusal permanent? 

No, but repeated refusals can affect your credibility. Each application is assessed on its own merit.

How do I prove I’m a genuine Skilled Worker applicant? 

Ensure your job offer, duties, and salary match UKVI requirements, and your documentation is accurate and complete.

Need Help with a UK Skilled Worker Visa Refusal?

If your visa has been refused, don’t panic. Our immigration solicitors in Manchester are here to guide you through the next steps whether that’s appealing, requesting a review, or reapplying.

Call 0161 464 4140 Or book a consultation online

We’ll review your refusal letter, advise on the best course of action, and help you move forward with confidence.