How to Complain About Passport or Visa Processing
Passport delays, visa refusal, Home Office complaints. UKVI complaints process and Parliamentary Ombudsman escalation route.
If you have experienced unreasonable delays, errors, or poor service from HM Passport Office or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you can raise a formal complaint. Both services have published complaints procedures with target response times.
For visa refusal decisions, you may have the right to an administrative review or appeal depending on the visa type. Administrative reviews are handled by a different caseworker and must be requested within 28 days. Appeals go to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
If the complaints process does not resolve your issue, escalate to the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration or the Parliamentary Ombudsman (PHSO) via your MP.
Key Legislation
- Immigration Act 1971
- UK Borders Act 2007
Key Deadlines
- Administrative review: 28 days from decision
- Tribunal appeal: 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (out-of-country)