The time it takes for us to complete the review process depends on a range of factors, including:
- the number of applications we receive
- the number of members available to conduct reviews
- the type of decision under review
- the strategies we have in place for dealing with different caseloads
- the complexity of the review.
As outlined in previous Annual Reports, applications for reviews in the Migration and Refugee Division have more than doubled in recent years (see our Statistics). We have been unable to keep pace with the increased workload with the resources available to us. This has impacted on how long it takes us to complete reviews.
The following table shows the time taken to finalise reviews in a recent six-month period. The two columns below represent the time in calendar days that 50% and 95% of cases were finalised within, in the specified period.
These statistics are a general guide only, and we cannot guarantee that we will finalise any individual review within these timeframes.
Processing times in calendar days for reviews finalised between 1/12/22 and 31/05/23
| Case category | 50% of cases finalised within (days) | 95% of cases finalised within (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Bridging | 12 | 372 |
| Family | 918 | 1,595 |
| Nomination/Sponsor approval | 1,301 | 1,393 |
| Partner | 1,313 | 1,693 |
| Permanent business | 1,276 | 1,395 |
| Skill linked | 661 | 1,221 |
| Student cancellation | 302 | 659 |
| Student refusal | 393 | 533 |
| Temporary work | 1,200 | 1,546 |
| Visitor | 318 | 672 |
| Other | 434 | 1,239 |
| Protection | 1,465 | 2,075 |
| Total for migration case categories | 701 | 1,550 |
| Total for protection case categories | 1,465 | 2,075 |
| Total | 1,116 | 2,001 |
Note:
These figures do not include cases where the Tribunal found it did not have jurisdiction to review the decision or cases that were withdrawn. These are usually finalised more quickly than other reviews.
Can the review be processed as a priority?
The President’s Direction on Prioritising Cases in Migration and Refugee Division sets out the circumstances in which cases are prioritised. You can ask us to process the review as a priority by writing to us, fully explaining your reasons and providing supporting evidence.
Additionally, the Migration and Refugee Practice Direction outlines the strategies we have in place for dealing with different caseloads, including what types of cases may be eligible for expedited processing.