Receiving a Visa refusal is surely a very disappointing feeling.
UK visit visa refused for false representation not only hampers your plans and aspirations, but may also have a negative impact on your future Visa applications especially if the case worker notes that false representations have been used in the application.
This may affect your visa applications to other countries too.
A Visa may be refused due to several grounds and it is important to be cautious of these grounds. The UK Home Office provides for certain suitability grounds based on which a visa may be refused.
If your Visa application has been refused, you must keep in mind the ground for refusal and ensure that the same circumstances are not being repeated in the fresh application as it is likely to lead to the same outcome.
For instance, your visit visa application is likely to get refused if there is a previous refusal for the same visa category due to the submission of a fabricated document and the same has been submitted again as evidence.
It is therefore very important to file your application carefully as factors like active concealment of material facts, omitting information, criminal convictions can attract a refusal or travel ban for a country.
False representation is one such ground that has serious consequences. So, here is
False Representation as a ground for refusal
False representation is one of the grounds for refusal of a UK visit visa.
False representation refers to any deliberate or accidental misleading information provided in the visa application process. For instance, if you deliberately inflate your financial circumstances on your bank statements in order to meet the financial requirement on your UK Visit Visa, it would amount to false representation.
Further, if you conceal a previous visa refusal from another country to avoid any complications in your present UK visit visa application, it would amount to false representation.
Even though refusal based on false representation is not a mandatory ground for refusal, such cases do not have scope for any leniency. Moreover, acts of false representation when coupled with an intention to deceive, it is likely to attract a country ban.
It could include
- False statements,
- Fabrications,
- Misrepresentations, or
- Withholding information
In context to the visa application and also about your personal and financial circumstances. UK immigration authorities take false representation very seriously and view it as a breach of the applicant’s credibility.
False representation can lead to immediate refusal of the visa application and potential long-term consequences on future visa applications.
Therefore, it is important to provide accurate and truthful information in the visa application process to avoid the risk of visa refusal due to false representation.
By virtue of Part 9.7.1 of the Immigration Rules, an application for entry clearance, permission to enter or permission to stay may be refused in cases of false representation and non-disclosure which attracts a 10-year ban from the UK.
It is also possible that even after the country ban period is served, future applications may be impacted too.
The Way Ahead when UK visit visa refused for false representation
If UK visit visa refused for false representations, you have a few options to consider. The first thing to do is to read the refusal letter carefully to understand the reasons for the refusal.
If you believe that the decision is incorrect, you can consider refiling your application and providing the relevant clarifications or you may choose to pursue a judicial remedy. However, such recourse is often complex and financially straining.
Appeals if UK visit visa refused for false representation
If the applicant has the option to appeal the decision, it will be included in the letter of visa refusal. The applicant needs to submit a fresh visa application if the letter does not specify that an appeal can be filed unless a human rights claim is involved.
The visa appeal process takes roughly 12 weeks from the time the appeal application is submitted until its determination. Factors like honest mistakes and procedural impropriety are instrumental in overturning such a refusal.
Judicial Review if UK visit visa refused for false representation
Judicial review is the remedy by which the judges of the Administrative Division of the High Court and the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) adjudicate over the legality of the actions or inactions of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This measure must be treated as the last resort.
The grounds for Judicial Review include
- Legal imparity, i.e., existence of an error of law while making the decision
- Irrationality, procedural impropriety and bias
- The decision was in breach of the Human Rights and;
- The decision breaches any other law in existence which is applicable to the UK
Fresh Applications when UK visit visa refused for false representation
Another option is to reapply for the visa after addressing the issues that led to the false representation. You must ensure that you provide accurate and truthful information in the visa application process, including any relevant supporting documents.
It’s also essential to provide a detailed explanation and evidence to address any concerns raised by the previous refusal decision.
Throughout this process, it is advisable to seek professional advice from an immigration specialist or solicitor who can assess your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.
