Revocation of An Existing Visa UK
Specialist legal advice if your UK visa has been withdrawn or you’ve received a Home Office cancellation notice
Visa revocation, now officially called cancellation of permission is one of the most serious actions the Home Office can take. If your leave has been cancelled or you’ve received a notice stating that your immigration permission is being withdrawn, you must act quickly.
You can contact us by phone or complete our online enquiry form. Our immigration solicitors offer confidential, informed and strategic advice to help protect your legal status.
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What Is Visa Revocation (Cancellation of Permission)?
Under the 2025 digital-first immigration system, the Home Office now uses the term “Cancellation of Permission” to cover both full withdrawal (revocation) and shortened leave (formerly called curtailment).
This occurs when your existing permission to remain in the UK is withdrawn before its expiry date. It is distinct from refusal (permission never granted) or expiry (reaching the end of its term).
Once cancelled, your digital immigration record (eVisa) is updated immediately, removing your lawful status.
Common Reasons for Visa Cancellation
The Home Office may cancel permission if it is not conducive to the public good or if a ground in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules applies.
False Information or Misrepresentation
Breach of Visa Conditions
Criminal Convictions (SUI 5.1 Rules)
For shorter or non-custodial offences, it is discretionary, depending on conduct, character, and public risk.
National Security or Public Safety
Change in Personal Circumstances
Sponsor or Employer Non-Compliance
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Cancellation can apply to any visa category but most often affects:
- Spouse or Partner Visas – where the relationship ends or is found not genuine.
- Student Visas – if study ceases or sponsorship is withdrawn.
- Skilled Worker Visas – when employment ends or the sponsor loses their licence.
- Visitor Visas – for overstaying or misuse of entry conditions.
- Innovator and Start-Up Visas – if endorsement is withdrawn or business activity fails.
How the Cancellation Process Works
Usually, the process begins with a Notice of Intention to Cancel Permission, explaining the reasons and allowing a short period (often 14 days) to respond.
If the Home Office is not satisfied, it issues a Cancellation Decision. From that point, your eVisa is updated to show “permission cancelled,” and you must stop work or study immediately.
You may be allowed to apply for a new visa route or required to leave the UK within a set timeframe. Failure to comply can lead to detention or enforced removal.
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Visa cancellation has serious consequences. You must normally leave the UK voluntarily within the stated period.
If you fail to depart, enforced removal may follow. Under SUI 12.1, a 10-year mandatory re-entry ban now applies to anyone found to have used deception or removed by force.
A 2-year or 5-year ban typically applies when the Home Office pays for your voluntary return (departure at public expense). Those who leave at their own cost usually face shorter or no bans, depending on the circumstances.
Dependants’ visas normally end at the same time unless they qualify independently under another immigration route.
Can You Challenge a Visa Revocation?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to challenge the decision through:
- Administrative Review – to correct a case-working or factual error.
- Statutory Appeal – if human-rights or asylum grounds are involved.
- Judicial Review – where no statutory appeal exists but the decision may be unlawful.
If you act within the permitted time limit, your protection under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 may continue. This means your previous visa conditions remain valid until your review or appeal is decided.
We can also help you obtain digital proof of your Section 3C status from the Home Office. This ensures your employer or landlord can verify your right to remain while your case is pending, a right recognised following the RAMFEL (2025) judicial review ruling.
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Do not ignore the notice. Contact an immigration solicitor immediately. We can:
- Review the Home Office’s reasoning and identify legal or procedural errors.
- Advise on your right to review, appeal, or judicial review.
- Prepare written representations supported by evidence.
- Liaise directly with the Home Office to protect your position.
Keep copies of all correspondence and avoid breaching immigration conditions while your case is under review.
Avoiding Visa Revocation
Compliance is the best protection. Always follow your visa conditions, report any changes in your circumstances, and ensure your sponsor meets all obligations.
Since January 2025, all immigration records are digital-only. Log in regularly to your UKVI account to check that your eVisa is active and your details are correct.
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
Our solicitors specialise in challenging Home Office cancellation decisions. We draft detailed responses, represent clients in appeals and judicial reviews, and provide clear advice on future visa options.
We can help you maintain lawful status, protect your family’s position, and, where possible, restore your immigration record.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Home Office revoke a visa after it’s granted?
Yes. The Home Office can cancel permission under the “Cancellation of Permission” powers if a ground under Part 9 applies.
What if I have a criminal conviction?
If you were sentenced to 12 months or more, cancellation is mandatory under SUI 5.1. Lesser offences are assessed on a discretionary basis.
What are the current re-entry ban rules?
Under SUI 12.1:
- 10 years for enforced removal or deception (mandatory)
- 2–5 years for voluntary returns funded by the Home Office (public expense)
- 0–2 years for voluntary departures at personal expense
Will I be told before my visa is cancelled?
In most cases, yes. The Home Office issues a notice of intention, though immediate cancellation can occur in national-security or fraud cases.
Can I stay in the UK while appealing?
If your challenge is filed in time, Section 3C leave protects you until the case is resolved. You can also obtain digital proof of this status for your employer or landlord.
What happens to my dependants?
Their permission usually ends when yours is cancelled unless they qualify independently.
Contact Our Visa Revocation Solicitors UK
If your visa has been cancelled or you’ve received a Home Office revocation notice, contact us right away. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to protect your rights and remain lawfully in the UK.
📞 Call us or complete our online enquiry form for a confidential consultation.
Immigration Solicitors UK, clear, experienced and trusted advice on visa cancellation, appeals and immigration protection under the 2025 Immigration Rules.
