Grounds For Refusal Of A UK Immigration Application Explained

Part 9 of the Immigration Rules applies to the vast majority of applications for entry clearance and permission to stay in the UK. It contains the general grounds of refusals and in certain circumstances provides a mandatory ground for refusal, even if an applicant meets the remainder of the suitability, eligibility and validity requirements for their application.

If a mandatory ground applies, the entry clearance officer must refuse the application or cancel permission, whereas if a discretionary ground does, the entry clearance officer has the discretion to refuse permission.

This post will focus on Part 9 grounds for refusal in relation to the prospect of refusal of an application but not on cancelling existing permission. This is Part 1 of 2 posts and covers refusals under: non-conducive grounds, criminality grounds and breach of immigration laws. Part 2 will cover refusals under: exclusion, deportation order or travel ban grounds, false