A UK visa application demands meticulous precision. Minor errors may lead to the refusal of your application and have a negative impact on future applications, while even a small typo might cause serious problems. The consequences of small mistakes can be extensive; thus, accuracy is of the utmost importance.

It is crucial to submit complete and accurate information to the Home Office when applying for a UK visa to avoid any problems with processing or refusal of the application. However, mistakes may happen. If you make a mistake when applying for a UK visa, you need to fix it immediately. 

Common UK visa application mistakes

Errors in UK visa applications can range from basic typos or spelling errors, most of which may not affect the application's main point, to intentional errors meant to fraudulently ensure a visa for a candidate to which they are not entitled. There are errors that are careless but not purposefully misleading, yet they fall somewhere in between these two extremes and might be interpreted by the Home Office as such.

Innocent Mistakes

"Innocent mistakes" usually refer to inadvertent errors caused by misunderstandings or oversights. According to the Home Office's guidelines for Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs), these mistakes should not lead to the refusal of a visa application.

Unintentional errors may include typos, misspellings of dates and numbers, or inaccurate addresses or postcodes. For example, an applicant may inadvertently provide false information about their income by stating that they make £400,000 per year when, in fact, they only make £40,000.

It is likely to be considered an error if the correct amount is stated on the pay slips and job offer letter. This also includes submitting incorrect documents or paying the wrong application fee.

Deliberate Deceptions

Errors that may be seen as intentional deception include failing to disclose a criminal conviction, such as when an applicant states they have no criminal history but really have a speeding ticket on their driving conviction. It could also involve an applicant checking the box "no" when asked if they have ever had their visa application refused. This might be the case even if the applicant additionally provides clear evidence of a previous refusal, such as a passport stamp confirming a prior refusal.

Another potentially deceptive error could occur when supporting documentation for a visa application clearly contradicts the information on the form. For example, a form stating an applicant's income as £40,000 could just as easily be interpreted as an innocent mistake if supporting documentation shows earnings of £4,000.

Implications of making a mistake on your UK visa application

Whether it's a small typo or a big difference, an inaccuracy in your UK immigration application might have a lot of various outcomes. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may respond in a number of ways, from brief delays to simple refusal or even the cancellation of a previously granted visa.

How do you correct a mistake in your UK visa application?

You must get in touch with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if, after submitting your application, you find that a mistake was made on your visa application. However, how you address each mistake you make will vary depending on what kind of mistake it is. If the problem is minor, like a spelling mistake, you might be able to contact UKVI and request that it be corrected. On the other hand, you might have to request that UKVI cancel your application so that you can start again and reapply if the error reaches the basic structure of your visa application.

Crucially, it should be noted that errors on a visa application do not always result in a refusal decision. Refusal is not mandatory if application errors are considered to be innocent. It therefore follows that if you notify UKVI of any mistake, once this becomes apparent, the more likely the mistake will be interpreted as innocent.

However, applicants are strongly advised to seek expert legal prior to addressing any UK visa application mistake. This is because it is important to know how best to approach the problem and to understand the potential consequences of this on the outcome. In some cases, you may be advised to withdraw your visa application altogether. In other cases, a well-worded cover letter to the Home Office can often help to pre-empt any possible allegations of deception and clear up any misunderstandings.

Contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to Amend a Mistake

UKVI can be contacted from both inside and outside the UK. If you’re outside the UK, you can send them an online inquiry or make a phone call if the situation demands immediate attention. Please note that every online inquiry incurs a fee.

If you’re inside the UK, you can phone UKVI contact for visa corrections during their phone service hours and choose the correct option for visa application inquiries.

Request UKVI to Withdraw Your Visa Application

If you’ve made a significant UK visa application mistake, it might be best to cancel your application and request a refund, especially if the mistake is substantial and could greatly influence your eligibility. The withdrawing UK visa application option is generally available until your biometric appointment. However, eligibility for a refund of the payment made depends on the stage of your application.

The visa application withdrawal process is a very big step, so it is important to consult with an immigration lawyer.  They can provide support during the withdrawal procedure and assist you in submitting a proper reapplication.

• Terms for Withdraw: The terms for withdrawing an application can vary. For applications that have not yet registered biometrics, cancellation can be initiated online. For online applications submitted through the UKVI account, you may be able to retract the application via the account itself.
• Procedures to Withdraw: Depending on where you stand in the application process, different methods are available to withdraw your visa application. For applications involving biometrics, the process can be initiated online. For others, you may be able to retract your application through your UKVI account.

What to Do If Your UK Visa Application is Refused?

In the event that a UK visa application is refused due to an error, there are options for challenging the decision, particularly if the refusal results in a re-entry ban.

• The Administrative Review Process: The primary course of action to challenge a visa refusal that is a result of an error made by the UK Home Office itself is filing a UK visa administrative review. This enables you to explain the reasons behind the error and introduce the correct data along with relevant supporting evidence. A strong argument could potentially lead to the reversal of the initial decision.
• Filing an Appeal: If there is a legal ground to challenge the refusal decision outlined in your refusal letter, an immigration appeal could be an option for you. Note that it may take more than 6 months to get a reply after making the appeal. So, proceed with caution and ensure that you have enough time for the UK visa appeal process. 
• Opting for a Judicial Review: If you’ve tried all other options, you might potentially go for a judicial review. This is a process which reviews the legality of a judgment or an action carried out by a UK court.
• Submitting a New Application: If the error was considerable, it could be more beneficial to submit a fresh application. In certain cases, it could be more practical to consider applying for a different kind of visa that better aligns with your circumstances.

Despite the fact that the process of dealing with a refused visa application can be difficult and discouraging, it is crucial to remember that it does not signal the conclusion of your voyage. With the appropriate strategy and guidance, it is possible to navigate this situation and increase the likelihood of effectively obtaining a UK visa.

It is imperative to act promptly, provide accurate and straightforward information, and seek professional advice when necessary.

With a strong knowledge of UK immigration law, ARIS International Lawyers can help you navigate any complexities of the UK visa application process. Whether it is advice on how to fix an error, assistance with withdrawing an application or dealing with the consequences of a mistake, our team of experts is always ready to provide the assistance you need.

If you need help and assistance, contact us on 0203 865 6219 or leave a message.