When was the ban issued, 2009, 2012 or 2014

I applied for a UK visa using a passport with a false date of birth in 2009. The application was refused.

In 2012, I changed my passport to an e-passport and applied for another UK visa with sworn affidavit explaining the reasons behind the fake date of birth, and included my birth certificate. I was granted a visa; I traveled and returned after 11 weeks.

I applied again in 2012 and was rejected, and again rejected in 2013 citing the dual date of birth as the reason.

I applied again in 2014, and explained with an affidavit etc. But I was advised to stop applying for now. Though I was not categorically told that I was banned.

Please, if indeed it was a ban, when was I banned and when can I reapply for another visa? The visa I got in 2012 was a business visa which I presented the business evidence.

visas uk visa-refusals

Best Answer

You should submit a Subject Access Request Link. Ask for records of your file from the CID and as well as all previous visa records. This will show you what exactly they have on you and why a visa was issued in 2012 and subsequently refused in 2012, 2013 and 2014 citing your deception in 2009.

Normally, if the Home Office agreed to your version that it was not deception when they granted your application in 2012, you should not have had problems in later applications. Your refusal letters might show if they still consider this deception and your SAR file definitely will.

Unless you were refused under v3.6 in your later applications, you don't have a ban. That would mean that even though your 2009 DOB discrepancy was cited in the refusal, they claim this affects your overall credibility rather than outright saying you lied. This appears to be more likely. The burden of proof for v3.6 is on the ECO, while for everything else, it's on the applicant.

Once you get your SAR file, you can either proceed and submit another application or hire a solicitor based in the UK to help you.