Visa Refusal Assessment
A visa refusal is stressful, and refusal letters are often short and written in formal, standard wording. Before you spend money on a new application, it helps to understand exactly why the application was refused and what, if anything, can realistically be done.
Our refusal assessment looks at the refusal letter alongside what you submitted, and explains the reasons in plain language so you can decide on your next step.
Why visas are commonly refused
Every refusal is specific to the application, but the reasons given often fall into a small number of themes:
- The purpose of the trip was not clearly explained or supported by documents
- The officer was not satisfied that the applicant would leave at the end of the visit (ties to home country)
- Financial documents did not show sufficient or clearly explained funds
- Inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents
- Missing, unclear or unverifiable documents
- Previous immigration history, including earlier refusals or overstays
Your options after a refusal
Options depend on the country that refused the visa and the type of visa. Depending on the case, they can include re-applying with a stronger application, an appeal or administrative review where the law allows it, or waiting until your circumstances change.
Some routes have strict time limits that start from the date of the decision, so it is important to look at a refusal promptly. Where a formal appeal or legal challenge may be appropriate, we will tell you that you should obtain advice from a qualified immigration lawyer in the relevant country.
What we need from you
To start, the visa assessment asks for the destination, the type of visa, when it was refused and the reason given. If you have the refusal letter you can upload it. We do not need your passport or bank statements at this stage.
How we can help
- Reviewing the refusal letter and explaining each reason in plain language
- Comparing the reasons with what was submitted, to identify gaps or inconsistencies
- Advising whether re-applying makes sense now, and what would need to change
- Helping you prepare a stronger re-application if you decide to proceed
What we do not do
- Guarantee a visa, an appointment date or a decision timeline
- Act as, or on behalf of, a government office, embassy, consulate or visa application centre
- Ask for, or log in with, your passwords for government or visa-centre portals
- Submit false or misleading information or documents
- Represent you in court or formal legal appeal proceedings
Fees
We do not publish fixed prices because cases differ. After reviewing your assessment, we explain the service your case needs and send a written quotation before any work starts. Government, embassy and visa-centre fees are separate from our service fee and are paid to those bodies. Submitting an assessment is free. See our refund policy.
Common questions
Can you overturn my refusal?
No private service can overturn a government decision. We help you understand the refusal and prepare your next step properly. Where a formal appeal or legal challenge is relevant, we will recommend that you speak to a qualified immigration lawyer.
Should I re-apply straight away?
Usually not without changes. Re-applying with the same documents and circumstances often leads to the same result. The assessment helps identify what needs to be addressed first.
I don't have the refusal letter. Can you still help?
Yes, but the letter is the most useful document in a refusal case. Tell us what you remember about the reasons, and we will advise how you may be able to obtain a copy.
Important: what we are, and what we are not
- Immigrant Support Network (ISN) is a private visa assistance service.
- We are not a government office, an embassy or consulate, or a visa application centre operator, and we are not a law firm.
- Every visa decision is made by the relevant government authority. Our assistance does not guarantee approval.
- Government, embassy and visa application centre fees are separate from our professional service fees and are paid to those bodies.
- We do not find jobs or provide employment.
Read our full disclaimer.
Had a visa refused? Get it assessed
Submit a short assessment. We review your case and contact you to explain how we can help, the scope of work and our quotation, before you decide whether to proceed.