Incomplete Entry Clearance Refusal letter – Next Steps?

[ederson231]

Dear forum members,

I am seeking advice regarding an incomplete decision letter, received for a Skilled Worker child dependant entry clearance application. The refusal letter (dated 07 February 2025) lacks specific refusal reasons—the section where the grounds for refusal should be stated is completely blank. I have typed out the exact wording of the refusal letter below removing any personal details which was solely the name of the applicant.

I have already contacted:
The Home Office team that initially requested further documents for the application
UKVI Contact Centre
Home Office complaints email
The Visa Application Centre in the applicant's country

However, each department is redirecting us elsewhere, and we are being sent in circles without receiving a substantive response.

Given the lack of clear refusal reasons, applicant is unable to make an informed decision on whether to request an Administrative Review (AR) or submit a fresh application.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue? What is the best course of action in this situation? Would a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter be appropriate to challenge the procedural failure before considering judicial review?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Letter Below:

You applied for entry clearance as enter application route on insert date. I am writing to tell you that your application is refused.

What this means for you You can apply for an administrative review of this decision. Instructions on how to apply can be found under the ‘next steps’ section.

The reasons for this decision are set out in the next section.

Yours sincerely

Enter ECO name / identifier Enter DMC name

Reasons for Decision

Your application has been refused for the following reason(s): Enter your refusal reasons here

[CR001]

What is the immigration status of both parents?

How old is the child?

[ederson231]

Mother holds a valid skilled worker visa in the UK, she has been in the UK since 31 Oct 2023. father is not involved in the child's life, child applied under sole responsibility of the mother. the child is 12 years old.

[CR001]

What evidence of sole responsibility was submitted?

[ederson231]

Documents from the applicant’s school confirm that the mother has been solely responsible for their care, including their education. Their mother has taken care of the applicant’s educational needs, paying fees and overseeing their progress. The school records indicate the mother as the sole parental contact. The mother is the primary contact for information in any situation, given the biological father's absence in his care and the school records
-Letter dated 22 November 2024 from the Government State Department of Social Protection and Children Services confirming and acknowledging that the mother has had full rights and responsibilities over the applicant since the father abdicated parental responsibility in 2019.
-Family Photos
-Parental Consent letter from Mother
- Hospital and Sunday school letter attesting to the mother's sole involvement in child's life - similar to school letter
- whatsapp correspondence and money remittance to child
- whatsapp correspondence to grandma showing she seeks consent from mother for any important decisions in childs life
- letter from hopsital detailing that the grandma who temporarily lives with child has worsening health problems and can not look after the child long term
- applicant tb cert
- UK tenancy agreement and mother's payslips showing adequate accommodation and maintenance for child once arrived in UK

[ederson231]

Any assistance on the above query, really lost on what to do. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

[razergd1]

Hi, it's difficult to say the reason because you were sent a template rather then a refusal letter by mistake. This is obviously embarrassing and unprofessional on the case work side.

Sole responsibility is difficult to prove. It is also has to be demonstrated over a long period of time. E.g. you need to show that you have sole parental responsibility for a few years prior to the application.

I suggest that you seek a professional immigration advice before reapplying. Also, lodge a complaint regarding the letter and ask for the refusal letter. It will shed more light to your circumstances.

In parallel you can apply for SAR.