Wrong Visa Granted

What this means

An incorrect grant is still a decision. It has consequences for your right to work, your route to settlement, and your next application.

Sometimes the Home Office makes administrative errors and grants the wrong type of visa, an incorrect visa duration, or fails to include dependants properly. These errors can have serious consequences for your immigration status, employment rights, and future applications.

We do not handle visa rectification matters directly. We work with specialist advisers who are experts in resolving Home Office errors. We will review your visa grant, identify the specific errors, and connect you with the right specialist to rectify your status before it affects your rights or future applications.

Common wrong visa scenarios

Five patterns account for most of the errors we see.

• Category error

  You applied for Skilled Worker but were granted a visitor visa or a different work route.

• Duration error

  You were entitled to a 5-year visa but were only granted 3 years.

• Conditions error

  Work restrictions were applied when you should have unrestricted access.

• Dependants missing

  The main applicant was granted a visa but dependants were excluded from the decision.

• Settlement route wrong

  You applied for indefinite leave to remain but were granted limited leave instead.

Why it matters

The consequences reach beyond the document itself.

Your options

Five remedies, from the quickest and cheapest to the last resort.

• Administrative review

  Where the error falls within AR grounds, that is a caseworker mistake in a points-based application.

• Variation application

  Apply to vary the conditions or the category while you are in the UK.

• Rectification request

  Write to the Home Office requesting correction of an administrative error.

• Fresh application

  Submit a new application for the correct visa category, with a fee refund request.

• Judicial review

  If the administrative remedies fail, the decision can be challenged in court.

What happens next

How a rectification matter is worked through.

Evidence you will need

• Your application: a copy of what you actually applied for.
• The decision letter: the grant notice showing what was issued.
• Supporting documents proving the error, for example a marriage certificate if the wrong partnership type was recorded.
• Any correspondence with the Home Office about the application.

Time limits and costs

Administrative review, from the decision date

14 days

Administrative review if you are out of the country

28 days

Administrative correction

From £500

Administrative review, including Home Office fee

From £800

The case assessment is a paid initial review with an adviser to determine the best approach. A fresh application depends on the visa type and includes new Home Office fees. There is no specific deadline for corrections, but sooner is better.