Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) letter explained in English
Immigration office. Decides on visas, settlement (indefinite leave to remain) and citizenship applications.
Letters you may get
- Decision letter — your visa or status was granted or refused
- Request for more information — they need more documents before they decide
- Biometrics or interview letter — you must give fingerprints and a photo, or come to an interview
- eVisa letter — about your digital immigration status
What to do
- Deadlines to challenge a refusal are short — often 14 days. Get advice from a regulated immigration adviser right away.
- Keep your contact details up to date in your UKVI account, and check that your eVisa details are correct.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”). See the template.
Words you may see
- eVisa
- Your digital proof of immigration status, in your UKVI account. It replaced most physical cards (BRPs).
Questions
What is the Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)?
Immigration office. Decides on visas, settlement (indefinite leave to remain) and citizenship applications.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In the UK, a letter sent by first class post is usually treated as delivered on the second working day after it was posted. But many deadlines, for example for appeals, count from the date printed on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”).
Can I read a Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United Kingdom
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) · Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) · Council (borough, district or city council) · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) · TV Licensing · County Court / Magistrates’ Court / Tribunal (HMCTS) · Enforcement agents (bailiffs) · Debt collection agency