RFL13 - Writing and serving a refusal notice

This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance staff on the handling of refusals for visa applications made outside the United Kingdom (UK). It is a live document under constant review and is for information only.

RFL13.1 What a refusal notice must contain

Every refusal notice must contain the following:

  • The applicant's name, date of birth, nationality and the Post reference number;
  • What category the applicant has applied for;
  • The duration of stay (where appropriate);
  • Which paragraph(s) of the Rules the application has been considered under;
  • The reasons for refusals stating which requirement of the Rules have not been met;
  • The decision - 'I therefore refuse your application...';
  • The appropriate appeal rights;
  • The date the case was considered and the entry clearance officer's name, initials or number;
  • The method and date of service (for example, in person, by post or by the visa application centre).

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RFL13.2 Serving a refusal notice

An applicant should be given the following:

  • A notice of decision, signed and dated by the entry clearance officer;
  • If interviewed, a copy of the interview record; and
  • If the applicant has a full right of appeal an IAFT-2 Notice of Appeal form (please see Related Documents on the right side of this page).

If the application has been considered and refused on papers you must ensure all the above is posted to applicant directly or through the commercial partner. 

 

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