This letter serves as a formal attempt to resolve the dispute before resorting to court action. Often referred to as a "letter before claim" or "letter before action," the PAP letter outlines the reasons why the Home Office's decision is considered unlawful and notifies the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) of your intention to seek a Judicial Review if the matter is not resolved within 14 days. By sending a PAP letter, you give the Home Office UKVI a final opportunity to reconsider their refusal decision before Judicial Review proceedings are commenced. This step is crucial as it could potentially resolve the issue without the need for further legal action.

When Should You Send a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) Letter?

A PAP letter is appropriate in various situations, such as:

1- When the refusal decision does not provide the right to appeal or request an Administrative Review (AR) of your visa or immigration application.

2- If your AR has been unsuccessful and you have no further right to appeal.

3- When your request for reconsideration of a refusal, such as for naturalization as a British Citizen, has been denied.

4- If the Home Office UKVI has delayed or failed to make a decision on your application within a reasonable timeframe, particularly if this delay negatively impacts you.

Purpose of the Pre-Action Protocol (PAP)

The main aim of a PAP letter is to clarify the issues in dispute and determine whether litigation against the Home Office UKVI can be avoided. The letter should include the date and details of the decision being challenged, a summary of the facts supporting your Judicial Review claim, and any relevant information you are requesting from the Home Office.

Appropriate Work Experience

Response from the Home Office UKVI to the Pre-Action Protocol (PAP)

Judicial Review proceedings typically should not be initiated until the 14-day response period specified in the PAP letter has passed, unless urgent circumstances require immediate action. The Home Office UKVI is expected to respond within this timeframe, and failing to do so could result in cost implications for the Home Office. If they either fail to respond or maintain their refusal decision, you can then file for Judicial Review in the Upper Tribunal or Administrative Court. The PAP process does not alter the strict time limits for filing a Judicial Review, which must be done promptly and within three months of the date when the grounds for the claim first arose, as per CPR Part 54.5(1).

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Free Assessment of UK Visa and Immigration Refusals

Our team of immigration solicitors offers a free assessment of your visa or immigration refusal to determine whether you have valid grounds for a challenge. If we identify a basis for challenging the refusal, we will provide a fixed-fee quote for our legal representation. To receive a free assessment, you can email your refusal letter to info@visahotspot.com.

How We Can Assist You

Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors is here to offer specialized advice and legal support for your Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter in preparation for Judicial Review (JR) against the Home Office UKVI. The services we provide in relation to your PAP letter may include the following:



  • Reviewing the Refusal Decision: Our immigration solicitors will carefully evaluate the decision made by the Home Office UKVI to identify the grounds on which it may be considered unlawful or inconsistent with relevant immigration laws.
  • Case Evaluation and Advice: We will discuss the potential grounds for challenging the refusal decision with you, providing clear advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your case, as well as the likelihood of success.
  • Drafting the PAP Letter: Our specialists will craft a compelling Pre-Action Protocol letter, outlining how the UKVI's refusal decision violates immigration laws and why it should be reconsidered.
  • Client Consultation on the PAP Letter: Before submitting the PAP letter, we will review the draft with you to ensure it accurately represents your case and concerns.
  • Submission and Follow-Up: Once finalized, we will submit the PAP letter to the Home Office UKVI and manage all communications, including following up on their response.
  • Assessment of the UKVI’s Response: After receiving the UKVI’s reply, our solicitors will analyze their position and discuss the next steps with you.
  • Re-evaluation of Case Merits: Based on the UKVI's response, we will reassess the merits of your case to determine if pursuing a Judicial Review remains a viable option. We will provide updated advice on your chances of success moving forward.
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Fixed Fees for Challenging UK Visa Refusals

Our fixed fees for challenging UK visa refusals are outlined below:



  • Administrative Review (AR) and Pre-Action Protocol (PAP): Full service for preparing and submitting an Administrative Review of the UK visa refusal decision: £700 to £1,500 + VAT, if applicable.
  • Full service for preparing and submitting a Pre-Action Protocol letter against the Home Office UKVI: £800 to £1,500 + VAT, if applicable..
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No Win No Fee for Judicial Review (JR) Against the Home Office UKVI

  • Our immigration solicitors may handle your Judicial Review case on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t incur legal costs if the review is unsuccessful. If we win, we will recover our fees from the Home Office UKVI.
  • Please note that this agreement does not cover disbursements such as court fees and Barrister fees. These costs must be paid upfront. If successful, these costs will be refunded to you as they will be claimed from the Home Office UKVI. If we do not recover legal costs from the Home Office UKVI, you will not receive a refund for these disbursements.
  • We only take cases on a no win, no fee basis if there are strong grounds to challenge the Home Office UK's decision.
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Fixed Fees for Immigration Appeals

  • Appeal to the First Tier Tribunal: £2,000 to £4,000 + VAT, if applicable.
  • Application for Permission to Appeal to the Upper Tribunal: £800 to £1,500 + VAT, if applicable.
  • Upper Tribunal Error of Law Appeal Hearing: £800 to £1,500 + VAT, if applicable.
  • Appeal to the Court of Appeal: £1,500 to £3,000 + VAT, if applicable.

The fixed fee depends on the complexity of your case and the amount of work required. Additional costs may include third-party fees such as court and Barrister fees.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Immigration Solicitors

You can book an appointment online with our specialist immigration solicitors for detailed advice and consultation regarding your UK visa and immigration matter by using the links below:



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Main Boulevard Gulberg, Main Market, Lahore, Punjab 54000

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Burhan Center, 97-99, Gulistan Market Railway Road, Faislabad, Pakistan

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