Student visa UKVI mess

[Jojo93]

Hello,

A relative has secured a government-funded scholarship for a UK PhD. They applied for a visa online and received an initial positive decision. However, a few days later, they received an email from UKVI stating that more time was needed to review the application. Subsequently, a visa refusal email was received. Confused, my relative contacted UKVI and incurred additional costs, only to be informed that the initial positive decision was a mistake. This situation has taken a financial and emotional toll.

We are seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar issue with UKVI, lodged a complaint, and whether compensation was awarded.

Thank you.

[AmazonianX]

Hello,

A relative has secured a government-funded scholarship for a UK PhD. They applied for a visa online and received an initial positive decision. However, a few days later, they received an email from UKVI stating that more time was needed to review the application. Subsequently, a visa refusal email was received. Confused, my relative contacted UKVI and incurred additional costs, only to be informed that the initial positive decision was a mistake. This situation has taken a financial and emotional toll.

We are seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar issue with UKVI, lodged a complaint, and whether compensation was awarded.

Thank you.

Would applicant want to state reason for refusal and see how to address it and reapply.
May be easier to squeeze water out of a rock than get compensation even in the situation you described above.

[Jojo93]

Thanks for the reply.

The UKVI’s refusal email mentioned their attempts to verify the sponsorship by contacting the relevant department, but they received no response. This was not the applicant’s fault. The scholarship has a long history, with many students coming to the UK for PhD studies and returning over the years.

[sah10406]

He needs to contact the international student adviser at his university and ask for their advice and support on his options. They are best placed to help him.

[AmazonianX]

Thanks for the reply.

The UKVI’s refusal email mentioned their attempts to verify the sponsorship by contacting the relevant department, but they received no response. This was not the applicant’s fault. The scholarship has a long history, with many students coming to the UK for PhD studies and returning over the years.

Should he need to reapply, will be good to put the relevant government department on notice to expect enquiry from the UKVI/HO and to confirm his scholarship when reached.

[vinny]

Thanks for the reply.

The UKVI’s refusal email mentioned their attempts to verify the sponsorship by contacting the relevant department, but they received no response. This was not the applicant’s fault. The scholarship has a long history, with many students coming to the UK for PhD studies and returning over the years.

Also check if your relative gave the UKVI the correct details for the relevant department, then did the relevant department get any queries from the UKVI?

[Jojo93]

Thanks for the information everyone.