UKVI Decision Letter: What It Means & What to Do Next

If you've recently applied for a UK visa, your journey doesn't end when you submit the application. One of the most important documents you'll receive is the UKVI decision letter. This letter contains the official outcome of your visa application—and understanding it is critical to knowing your next steps.

In this guide, we break down what a UKVI decision letter is, how to read it, and what actions you can take after receiving one—whether your application was approved, refused, or needs further action.

What Is a UKVI Decision Letter?

A UKVI decision letter is an official letter from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department confirming the outcome of your visa application.

You will typically receive it by email or post, depending on your application method. It may be accompanied by your passport and biometric residence permit (BRP), or it may precede these documents.

When Will You Receive the Decision Letter?

You’ll usually receive the decision letter within the UKVI’s published processing times. These vary depending on:

• The type of visa applied for (Skilled Worker, Spouse, Student, ILR, etc.)
• Whether the application was made from inside or outside the UK
• If you paid for priority or super priority services

You can check current timeframes in our guide on UK visa processing times.

What Does the UKVI Decision Letter Contain?

The decision letter includes:

• Your personal information (name, date of birth, nationality)
• Application reference number
• Type of visa applied for
• Decision outcome (approved, refused, or requiring further steps)
• Any conditions or restrictions
• Instructions on what to do next

There are two types of outcomes: approval or refusal.

UKVI Approval Letter

If your application is approved, the decision letter will:

• Confirm that your visa has been granted
• State the type and duration of visa
• Include instructions on collecting your biometric residence permit (BRP) (for in-country applications)
• Outline any conditions (e.g. work restrictions, no recourse to public funds)

Make sure to double-check:

• The visa start and end dates
• Your personal details are correct
• Any work, study, or travel conditions

If your BRP contains errors, refer to our guide on What to Do When Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Expires or Is Wrong.

UKVI Refusal Letter

If your visa was refused, the decision letter becomes even more important.

It will explain:

• The grounds for refusal (e.g. lack of financial evidence, unmet eligibility criteria)
• Whether you have the right to appeal, administrative review, or judicial review
• Any re-entry ban periods (in rare cases)
• Whether a new application can be made immediately

The refusal letter typically refers to the Immigration Rules and may contain paragraphs like:

“Your application is refused under paragraph XYZ of the Immigration Rules because…”

Common Reasons for UKVI Visa Refusals

Some of the most common refusal reasons include:

• Insufficient financial documentation
• Failure to meet the English language requirement
• Incorrect or missing documents
• Failure to disclose immigration history
• Applying under the wrong visa category
• Lack of a valid certificate of sponsorship for work visas

What to Do If Your Visa Is Refused

Here are your main options:

1. Administrative Review

If eligible, you can request a UKVI officer to review the refusal decision.

• Usually available for points-based system applications
• Must be submitted within 14 or 28 days, depending on your location
• Costs £80

2. Appeal the Decision

Some refusals (mainly family and human rights cases) may carry a right of appeal to an independent immigration tribunal.

• Appeals must be lodged within a strict time frame
• You may need legal representation
• This process can take several months

3. Reapply with Stronger Evidence

If you're not eligible for review or appeal—or prefer to act faster—you can make a new visa application with stronger documentation.

• Carefully address the refusal reasons
• Include a cover letter and legal representations if necessary

Need support? You can get in touch with Borderless for visa refusal guidance.

Can You Travel While Waiting for a Decision Letter?

If you applied from inside the UK, you should not travel until you receive your decision and any BRP—doing so may result in your application being withdrawn automatically.

If you applied from outside the UK, you should wait until you receive a visa vignette or BRP collection instructions before travelling.

How to Track or Follow Up on Your Decision

• Use your UKVI reference number to check the status of your application
• If your decision is delayed, you can contact UKVI (see Home Office contact number)
• You may also consider escalation via the Home Office's Sponsor Action Plan if applicable

FAQs About UKVI Decision Letters

Do I need to keep the decision letter?
Yes. It's an official document and should be kept for your records. You may need it for future applications.

Will I get a hard copy and an email?
Usually, you’ll receive the letter via email. Some applicants also receive a physical copy.

What if I disagree with the decision?
Review the refusal reasons and assess whether you're eligible for an appeal, administrative review, or a reapplication.

Conclusion

A UKVI decision letter is more than just a formality—it's your key to understanding the outcome of your visa application and what to do next.

Whether approved or refused, it’s essential to read it carefully, understand your rights, and take appropriate action based on the outcome.

If your application has been refused or you’re unsure about next steps, get in touch with our expert immigration team for tailored advice.