Appeals system

This page explains the role and structure of the Tribunals Service for Immigration and Asylum, and how to contact it.

There are two tribunals, a First-tier Tribunal and an Upper Tribunal. There is an Immigration and Asylum Chamber in each.

Fees are payable for some appeals in the First-tier Tribunal. Details of these fees and when they need to be paid are included in the guidance accompanying the Notice of Appeal and on the Ministry of Justice website.

The Immigration and Asylum Chambers hear appeals on asylum, immigration, and nationality matters. The role of the First-tier Tribunal is to hear and decide appeals against decisions made by the UK Border Agency's officers in the UK or at diplomatic posts abroad who can issue visas.

One or more immigration judges may hear an appeal. They are sometimes accompanied by non-legal members of the tribunal. Immigration judges and non-legal members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and are independent of the government.

Appeals are heard in a number of centres around the UK.

If you make an appeal, you will usually attend the hearing with your legal representative. The UK Border Agency will also have a legal representative at the hearing.

The immigration judge, or panel, will decide whether your appeal against our decision is successful or not (this is known as the decision being 'allowed' or 'dismissed'). The tribunal's decision will be given to you in writing. It is called a 'determination'.

In certain circumstances you may be able to challenge a decision made by the First-tier Tribunal by applying to the Upper Tribunal. We may also apply to the Upper Tribunal to challenge a First-tier Tribunal decision.

If an appeal has been considered by the Upper Tribunal, in some circumstances it may be possible to challenge the decision by applying to the Court of Appeal.

How to contact the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal

There is guidance on the appeals process on the Tribunals Service website, which includes guidance on how to lodge an appeal.

The tribunal can also answer questions about the appeals process after you have made an appeal.

You can find contact details for the Tribunals Service on the right side of this page.

A solicitor or other qualified adviser who advises you on how our laws apply to your case.The Lord Chancellor is also the Secretary of State for Justice. The Lord Chancellor has responsibility for overseeing constitutional reform and the running of the civil and criminal courts through the Ministry of Justice.