Key Points
- Read the refusal letter closely: it sets out the reasons and any right of appeal.
- Deadlines after a refusal are short.
- The right response depends on why the application was refused.
- Repeating the same application rarely changes the result.
Common reasons for spouse visa problems
- Financial evidence
- Income requirement
- Relationship evidence
- Missing documents
- English language evidence
- Accommodation
- Previous immigration history
- Inconsistencies in the application
- Suitability issues
What happens next?
The appropriate response depends on:
- The legal basis of the refusal
- The facts of the case
- The evidence available
- Whether there is a right of appeal
- Whether the issue can be corrected through a new application
- Applicable deadlines
Your options
If you are inside the UK
A refusal of an application made in the UK can leave you without permission to stay once any appeal period has passed. Act within the deadline in the decision letter, because staying without permission affects future applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a refusal stop me applying again?
Not normally. You can usually make a new application, but the refusal must be declared, and the new application should deal directly with the reasons given.
How long do I have to appeal?
The decision letter states the deadline. It is generally 28 days for a decision received outside the UK and 14 days for a decision received inside the UK.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.