UK refusal letter analyzer — decode + recommend 4-track strategy

Analyse the UK refusal letter for [CLIENT_NAME] ([VISA_TYPE]). UKVI refusal letters reference Immigration Rules paragraphs but often use templated language. Decode the actual basis for refusal, infer the underlying caseworking, and recommend a 4-track strategy.

REFUSAL LETTER:
"""
[REFUSAL_LETTER]
"""

APPLICANT PROFILE:
[APPLICANT_PROFILE]

§1 — DECODE REFUSAL GROUNDS (150-180 words)

Identify each specific basis cited:
  (a) Immigration Rules paragraphs referenced (e.g. Appendix Skilled Worker SW 8.1, Appendix FM EX.1, Part 9 paragraph 9.7.1)
  (b) The implicit officer reasoning behind each ground
  (c) Whether the ground is mandatory or discretionary
  (d) Whether the ground is points-based / suitability / human rights

Common UK refusal grounds + decoding:

  ▪ "Insufficient maintenance" → Appendix Finance + Appendix Skilled Worker SW 7 / Appendix Student ST 22 — 28-day rule failure
  ▪ "Genuine Student" → Appendix Student ST 11 — credibility concerns
  ▪ "Genuine vacancy" → Appendix Skilled Worker SW 4.2 — sponsor / role concerns
  ▪ "Sponsor licence not in good standing" → sponsor downgrade / suspension
  ▪ "Insurmountable obstacles" → Appendix FM EX.1(b) — Article 8 partner case
  ▪ "Section 9 false representation" → 10-year ban (Part 9, paragraph 9.7.1)
  ▪ "Criminal record" → Part 9 paragraph 9.1 / 9.4 — suitability
  ▪ "Continuous residence" → Appendix CR — 180-day rule breach
  ▪ "Adequate maintenance" → Appendix FM with Mahad framework

§2 — IDENTIFY THE OPERATIVE GROUND (100-120 words)

Often multiple grounds cited; identify the primary basis for refusal.

For each ground, note:
  ▪ Is this a mandatory refusal ground (cannot be overcome)?
  ▪ Is this a discretionary ground (subject to officer judgement)?
  ▪ Is the underlying fact contested?
  ▪ Is the underlying fact accepted but interpretation contested?
  ▪ Is the ground capable of remediation by new evidence?

Example:
  ▪ "Insufficient evidence of English language" — discretionary, remediable by new evidence
  ▪ "Section 9 false representation" — mandatory, requires Article 8 / JR challenge
  ▪ "Sponsor licence suspended" — sponsor-side issue, applicant cannot fix
  ▪ "Insurmountable obstacles not shown" — discretionary, requires Article 8 framework

§3 — FOUR-TRACK STRATEGY (300-400 words)

Track A — ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW (AR):
  ▪ For PBS refusals (Skilled Worker / Student / GBM etc.) with casework error
  ▪ Filing window: 14 days (in-country) / 28 days (out-of-country)
  ▪ Fee: GBP 80
  ▪ Decision: 28 days standard
  ▪ Success: 30-40% where genuine casework error
  ▪ Best for: officer ignored evidence; wrong rule applied; mathematical / clerical error

Track B — TRIBUNAL APPEAL (FTT-IAC):
  ▪ For refusals with appeal right under s.82 NIAA 2002 (Article 8, refugee, EUSS, deportation)
  ▪ Filing window: 14 days (in-country) / 28 days (out-of-country)
  ▪ Fee: GBP 140 paper / GBP 80 oral
  ▪ Decision: 6-12 months to hearing
  ▪ Success: 25-50% depending on case strength
  ▪ Best for: Article 8 family/private life; Refugee claim; EU Settlement Scheme rejection

Track C — JUDICIAL REVIEW (UTIAC / Admin Court):
  ▪ For decisions with error of law or procedural unfairness
  ▪ Filing window: 3 months (CPR 54.5)
  ▪ Pre-Action Protocol: 14 days response from Home Office
  ▪ Fee: GBP 154 + counsel costs
  ▪ Decision: 6-12 months
  ▪ Success: 25-35% leave grant rate
  ▪ Best for: clear legal error; procedural unfairness; Wednesbury unreasonableness

Track D — FRESH APPLICATION:
  ▪ For most refusals where new evidence available
  ▪ Cost: standard application fee + IHS
  ▪ Decision: standard processing time
  ▪ Success: depends on remedied gap
  ▪ Best for: new evidence not previously submitted; sponsor change; threshold met
  ▪ DO NOT pursue if 10-year ban / Section 9 finding (premature reapplication = harm)

§4 — RECOMMENDED PRIMARY TRACK (120-150 words)

Based on refusal grounds + applicant profile:

Primary recommendation: [Track A / B / C / D]
Justification: [based on facts]

Common decision matrix:
  ▪ PBS refusal + casework error visible → Track A (AR)
  ▪ Family / partner / human rights refusal → Track B (FTT-IAC)
  ▪ AR denied + clear legal error → Track C (UTIAC JR)
  ▪ New evidence available + no mandatory ban → Track D (fresh)

Parallel tracks (do not pursue all simultaneously):
  ▪ Track A + Track D if AR fails, fresh application as backup
  ▪ Track B + JR (after Tribunal decision) — sequential
  ▪ AR alone if straightforward; FTT or JR if more complex

§5 — IMMEDIATE 7-DAY CHECKLIST (60-80 words)

  □ Calendar AR / Tribunal / JR deadlines (HARD STOPS)
  □ Identify which evidence in original submission was overlooked
  □ Begin collecting new evidence per refusal grounds
  □ Engage OISC/IAA Level 3 adviser or immigration solicitor
  □ Cost estimate from solicitor for chosen track
  □ Identify any prior refusals / criminal records / civil debts
  □ Decide primary track within 7 days; do not delay

§6 — SUBSEQUENT REFUSAL DISCLOSURE (60-80 words)

For any new UK application or any other country application:
  ▪ Prior UK refusal MUST be disclosed
  ▪ Failure = Section 9 / equivalent misrepresentation
  ▪ Disclosure obligations:
    - UK: all visa applications + all UK applications
    - Canada: IRCC checks history
    - Australia: all visas
    - Schengen: all visas
    - US: questioned on travel history

§7 — POST-REFUSAL RECOVERY STRATEGY (60-80 words)

Standard recovery framework:
  ▪ ATIP-equivalent: Subject Access Request (SAR) under Data Protection Act 2018 — free; 30 days; provides full file
  ▪ Verify all dates + facts in refusal
  ▪ Identify procedural fairness gaps
  ▪ Build evidence chest for chosen track
  ▪ Engage counsel + solicitor if not already
  ▪ Calendar all deadlines

End with: "DRAFT REFUSAL ANALYSIS — for OISC/IAA-registered adviser or solicitor review. UK refusal recovery timelines are non-extendable (14-28 days for AR / Tribunal; 3 months for JR). Identify primary track within 7 days. Do not file premature fresh application if mandatory ban applies. Engage specialist counsel for Section 9 / Article 8 / Refugee / Long Residence cases."