26 April 2013 The Home Office is removing the full right of appeal for applicants refused leave to enter the UK as a family visitor. On 25 April 2013 Royal Assent was given to a clause in the Crime and Courts Bill, published on 10 May 2012, which will allow the change to be pushed through. The change is expected to come into force on or soon after 25 June. The new appeal arrangements will apply to anybody who applies to enter the UK to visit a family member on or after the implementation date. By removing the right of appeal, we are bringing the family visitor visa in line with all other visitor visa categories. Applicants who are refused can re-apply addressing the reasons for refusal instead of appealing. This will be quicker and cost less than an appeal. In 2011-12 95% of applications were decided within 15 days, whereas the appeal system can take up to 8 months to deliver a result. We will update our guidance, forms and website information to reflect these changes in time for implementation. Source:- http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/april/63-royalassent
