You can file it yourself — free and online
The appeal is submitted through the tribunal website (HMCTS). You don't necessarily need a lawyer — but with a lawyer your chances are higher. About 50% of people win their appeal.
📋 What to prepare
1. Refusal letter from Home Office (it contains your reference number)
2. Your name, date of birth, nationality
3. Address where you currently live
4. Email or phone number for contact
Step by step
1
Go to the tribunal website
Open the link below and click "Create an account" if you don't have one, or "Sign in" if you already do.
Open tribunal website → 2
Create an account
Enter your email and create a password. A confirmation code will be sent to your email — enter it.
3
Answer the questions
The system will ask: Are you in the UK? Are you in detention? What type of decision are you appealing? Answer honestly.
4
Enter the number from your refusal letter
Home Office reference number and the date of the letter. All of this is in the letter they sent you.
5
Fill in your personal details
Name, date of birth, nationality, address, phone or email.
6
Check and submit
Review all the details. Tick the box. Click "Submit". Done — your appeal is filed!
What happens next
1. You'll receive an email confirmation that your appeal has been accepted
2. You'll be given time to prepare your arguments and evidence
3. A hearing date will be set
4. At the hearing the judge will make a decision
⏰ Real timelines — don't worry
What they'll write: the tribunal letter will say they'll contact you within 14 days.
What actually happens: the tribunal is currently very overloaded. The real wait from submission to hearing is 6 months or more. This is normal, it doesn't mean something went wrong.
What to do while you wait:
✓ Housing and money (Section 95) — continue while your appeal is pending
✓ Gather evidence for the court
✓ Find a lawyer if you don't have one — they'll help prepare arguments
✓ If something changes (new evidence, changes in your country) — tell your lawyer
⚠️ Missed the deadline? If more than 14 days have passed — submit anyway! The system will ask you to explain why you're late. Write the reason (you were ill, didn't have a lawyer, didn't receive the letter on time). The court will decide whether to accept it or not.
Need help?
You can file it yourself, but with a lawyer your chances are higher. A lawyer is free through Legal Aid.
File your appeal online →