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Even the most genuine applicants get refused because of small administrative errors. It is frustrating to lose your application fee over a technicality, so please double-check these specific areas before you submit.
This is the most common reason for refusal on work and student visas.
The Mistake: You have the required money (like £1,270 for a Skilled Worker) in your account today, so you think you are safe.
The Reality: The money must have been in your account for a full 28-day period without dropping below the limit. If your balance dipped below the requirement for even one day during that month, the Home Office will reject it.
The Fix: Check your statement carefully. The closing balance is not enough. You need to look at the running balance for the whole month.
The Mistake: You took a generic English test (like Duolingo or a standard TOEFL) because it was cheaper or faster.
The Reality: UKVI only accepts "Secure English Language Tests" (SELT) from specific providers.
The Fix: Ensure your test certificate explicitly has a "UKVI Reference Number" on it. If you are booking a test with IELTS or Pearson, make sure you select the specific "for UKVI" option.
The Mistake: Uploading a document (like a marriage certificate or degree) in your native language without a proper translation.
The Reality: The caseworker cannot read documents that are not in English or Welsh.
The Fix: Any document not in English needs a certified translation. This means the translation must include the translator's credentials, their signature, and the date. A translation by a friend or family member is not accepted.
The Mistake: You leave out a visa refusal from 10 years ago or a minor traffic conviction because you think it is irrelevant, or they won't find out.
The Reality: The UK shares immigration data with many countries (including the USA, Canada, and Australia). If you fail to declare a past issue, the Home Office views this as "deception."
The Fix: Always be honest. It is usually better to declare a past refusal and explain it than to be caught hiding it, which can lead to a 10-year ban.
The Mistake: You are asked to upload your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), so you scan the front side with your photo.
The Reality: The application requires evidence of both sides of the card.
The Fix: Always upload a scan of the front and the back of your BRP.
The Mistake: You want to be organized, so you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain a few months before your 5-year anniversary.
The Reality: There is a strict window. If you apply more than 28 days before you complete your qualifying period, you will be refused.
The Fix: Calculate your 5-year timeline carefully. Do not submit the application until you are within that 28-day window before your qualifying period ends.
The Mistake: You hold foreign currency that is exactly equal to the pound sterling requirement on the day you check Google.
The Reality: Exchange rates change. If the rate drops on the day the caseworker reviews your file, you might fall short by a few pennies.
The Fix: Always hold a little more money than the minimum requirement to create a safety buffer against currency drops.
Our experienced immigration solicitors can review your application and help you avoid these common mistakes. Contact us for a consultation:
Bekenbey Solicitors
150 Minories
London, England
EC3N 1LS
United Kingdom
Email: info@bekenbeysolicitors.com
Phone: +44 7784 720070
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 18:00
We're here to help with your immigration needs
