Grounds for Refusal of Visa Applications and Cancellation of Visas
On 11 November 2025, the immigration rules changed. Unlike many other recent rule changes, there was no extensive media coverage. However, UK Immigration Solicitors warn that with the abolition of the old visa refusal grounds, it's vital that your Visa Lawyer understands the new suitability rules and how to ensure a successful visa application.
Contact OTS Solicitors Today for Expert Immigration and Visa Legal Advice.
Immigration rule changes
On 14 October 2025, the Home Office published a Statement of Changes planning further immigration rules changes. Immigration Lawyers took note that Part 9 of the immigration rules would be abolished. This was a significant change. For years, Immigration Solicitors advised visa applicants about the Part 9 grounds for refusal and prepared visa applications to ensure the best chance of Home Office success.
In its explanatory memorandum, the Home Office said the rationale behind the rule change was as part of ‘a broader simplification initiative in line with the recommendations made by the Law Commission on Simplification of the Immigration Rules in January 2019, to make the rules more accessible and easier to navigate’.
Scope of part suitability
Part suitability applies to relevant visa applications and to cancellations of entry clearance for relevant visas and routes.
Importantly, the new refusal rules apply to:
- Work Visa routes.
- Appendix Family Member (FM) applicants.
- Appendix Private Life applicants.
- Appendix Adult Dependant Relative Visa applicants.
- Appendix Settlement Family Life.
It is more of a case of understanding what routes part suitability does not apply to. They include:
- Appendix EU and Appendix EU - family permits.
- Most asylum applications.
- Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation applications.
Part suitability
The new immigration rules on general grounds for visa refusal and cancellation of entry clearance can be found at Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules: Part Suitability - Guidance - GOV.UK.
Three key points are:
- The new rules continue to provide for mandatory refusal in some scenarios and, in others, give Home Office officials discretion to decide whether the applicant’s circumstances justify a visa refusal or cancellation.
- Where a refusal under the part suitability criteria is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the visa-specific immigration rules will be used to determine if the application should be refused.
- Overstayers and the 14-day exception rule for late applications with good reason will now be dealt with under the part suitability rule.
Talk to the Visa Lawyers at OTS Solicitors
The part-suitability immigration rules may not have generated much publicity, but their side effects will be wide-ranging, as refusal decisions made after the 11 November 2025 implementation date will be based on the new refusal grounds.
The significant impact on Family Visa and Spouse Visa applications needs to be carefully considered by specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors when making visa applications and when advising on Spouse Visa appeals.
OTS Solicitors is recommended for immigration law services in the 2026 editions of Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and Legal 500. Our UK Immigration Solicitors pay close attention to detail and will do their best to ensure that your visa application or appeal proceeds smoothly.
Contact OTS Solicitors Today for Expert Spouse Visa Legal Advice.
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