Refused — what can I do now?
A refusal starts two clocks and closes one door: the administrative review window (28 days from outside the UK, £80), a wait that can run to 12 months or more — and the rule that a fresh application cancels a pending review. Choose deliberately.
What is an administrative review?
The Home Office's review of the decision itself — your decision letter tells you if you can ask for one. Read the refusal and review guide
How long do I have to ask?
28 days from getting the decision if you applied outside the UK; 14 days inside (7 if you were detained). It costs £80. Read the refusal and review guide
How long does a review take?
GOV.UK currently warns it can take 12 months or more — plan your course place around that honesty, not around hope. Read the refusal and review guide
Should I reapply instead?
A new application withdraws a pending review, so it is one track or the other — review for a decision that erred, reapply for evidence that can genuinely be fixed. Read the refusal and review guide
Do I get any money back?
The healthcare surcharge is refunded in full, automatically, after a refusal. The application and review fees are not refundable on GOV.UK's terms. Read the refusal and review guide
What would a fresh application need?
A live CAS window, money re-held for 28 days ending within 31 days of applying, and certificates still valid. Read the documents checklist
Fresh in this section
NEW UK Student Visa Refused: Administrative Review, Refunds and Reapplying
UK Student visa refused: administrative review deadlines and the £80 fee, 12-month review times, healthcare refunds, and how reapplying cancels a review.