How can I obtain a lost copy of a UK Visa Refusal Letter from UKBA or concerned authority?
I am a Citizen from Nepal. I applied for a UK student visa [Tier 4 (General) Student] in November 2009 got refused on grounds of poor documentation. I have lost the hard copy of my visa refusal letter sent along with my application. It was the only copy I received. I also didn't receive any emails or soft copy of it.
Now, I am applying to Australia. In which case, both the University and Australian DIBP will ask for past visa refusals and a copy of the refusal letter. However, I happen to have a photo of only the actual comment given by the Entry Clearance Officer stating the reasons of refusal but not of the whole document.
Is there any mean by which I can obtain a copy of the visa refusal letter from the UKBA or a relevant authority?
Note: Nepal only has a consulate (not an embassy) in Kathmandu. The visa applications are/were forwarded through VFS Nepal to the British High Commission, New Delhi, India. From this link (https://www.quora.com/I-have-lost-my-UK-visa-refusal-letter-Can-I-get-a-duplicate-copy-of-it) I found that the UKBA's Authority, to whom the visa application is forwarded, can provide you with a copy of it. I have emailed the British High Commission, New Delhi, India with necessary details 15 days ago. No response yet.
I am pretty sure they handle this, as my passport has been stamped "UK/New Delhi" on refusal.
Or should I directly email the UKBA requesting for the Visa Refusal Letter?
Please suggest if anyone has any knowledge regarding this.
Best Answer
You can submit a Subject Access Request to request your personal information and data held by UK Visa and Immigration.
The standard waiting period for a response is up to 40 days, but there is also a Fast Track system you may be able to take advantage of - its in the same link above.
Pictures about "How can I obtain a lost copy of a UK Visa Refusal Letter from UKBA or concerned authority?"
How can I retrieve my UK refusal letter?
To obtain a copy the notice of refusal from the UKVI, an applicant can place a subject access request to the UKVI or write to the Sheffield Home office department requesting a copy of the same, this is generally emailed within 14 working days.Does UK visa refusal come by email?
If your application is refusedYou'll get a letter or an email explaining why your application was refused. Your passport will be returned, if it was kept as part of your application. Your refusal letter will explain if you have the right to either an: administrative review.How long does UK embassy keep records?
They keep them permanently on record, although in most cases an exclusion order for the UK for immigration offences is usually 3 years. After 3 years you can re-apply, but the circumstances of the previous exclusion order will heavily affect any new decision.How do I contact UKVI caseworker?
Alternatively, you can contact the relevant UKVI department by telephone. The contact centre (0300 123 2241) is available from Monday to Thursday, between 9am to 4:45pm, and on Fridays between 9am to 4:30pm.REJECTION WITHOUT LETTER || #ukvisa
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Brett Sayles, Anete Lusina, Monstera, Anete Lusina