For anyone dealing with UK immigration — whether applying for a visa, awaiting a decision, updating information, or raising concerns — contacting the Home Office contact number correctly is crucial. In 2025, the Home Office handles millions of immigration queries annually, ranging from visa status updates to administrative reviews, travel document requests, sponsor licensing queries, and more.

However, many individuals find it frustrating to navigate the available communication channels. Depending on your type of query, using the right method of contact — whether that’s by Home Office contact numbers, email, online form, or even post — can significantly improve your chances of getting a timely, effective response.

At Axis Solicitors, we assist clients daily with immigration matters requiring Home Office communication.

How to Contact the Home Office Explained

The Home Office offers several ways to get in touch like Home Office contact number , depending on the nature of your enquiry. Each method has its advantages and is suited to different types of requests. Choosing the right method can significantly affect how quickly and effectively you receive a response.

Below are the main options available in 2025:

1. By Telephone (Home Office Contact Numbers)

The Home Office operates several dedicated helplines through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These Home Office contact numbers are generally used for:

• UKVI Contact Centre (General Enquiries):
  0300 790 6268 (inside the UK)
  Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)
• BRP Enquiries (Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards):
  0300 123 2412
• Nationality and Citizenship Enquiries:
  0300 123 2253

General Enquiries 

Phone: +44 (0) 300 790 6268 

Alternate Phone: +44 (0) 203 875 4669 (if you cannot call 0300 numbers) 

Hours (UK Time): Monday to Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45; Friday, 09:00 – 16:30

Employer email address: businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk

General Enquiries: enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

Educational institution email address: educatorshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk

Coronavirus helpline email address: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk

Technical Support: ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk

Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

EU Citizen/Settlement Application Queries 

• Phone: +44 (0) 300 123 7379 
• Hours (UK Time): Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 20:00; Saturday and Sunday, 09:30 – 16:30

Asylum Applications

• Phone: +44 (0) 80 8801 0503
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00
• Email: ASCorrespondence@migranthelpuk.org

Sponsor and Educator Queries 

• Phone: +44 (0) 300 123 4699 Hours (UK Time): Monday to Thursday, 11:00 – 15:00 

Home Office Coronavirus Helpline 

• Phone: +44 (0) 800 678 1767 Hours (UK Time): Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 

 

How to Make a Complaint to the Home Office

Option 1: Online

Use the official UKVI complaints portal:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration/about/complaints-procedure

Submit your full name, reference number, the nature of your complaint, and any supporting evidence.

Option 2: Post

You can send written complaints to:

UKVI Complaints Allocation Hub
UK Visas and Immigration
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY

2. Online Contact Forms

In most cases, the Home Office prefers queries to be submitted via an online form first, rather than by phone. This ensures there is a record of your enquiry.

Examples of Online Forms:

• UKVI Email Enquiry Service (paid service for overseas applicants)
• BRP Replacement Requests
• Change of Address Notification
• Expedite Request Submissions (for urgent cases)

🔗 Visit: Contact UKVI – GOV.UK

3. Email

In some limited cases, you may still email specific Home Office departments. However, general immigration queries now mostly go through structured online forms to ensure correct routing.

Emails are typically used for:

• Document scanning support
• Reporting visa errors post-issuance
• Correspondence regarding appeals and administrative reviews

Here is the email: citizenship.supportingdocs@homeoffice.gov.uk:

Always check whether the department you wish to contact accepts direct emails before sending.

4. By Post

Certain matters — particularly appeals, submission of supporting documents, or BRP returns — must be handled by post.

Common Addresses:

• UKVI Sheffield (for supporting documents)
• Immigration Enforcement Teams (for reporting crime)
• BRP Returns Unit (for surrendering expired or invalid BRPs)

It is recommended to send postal submissions by tracked delivery and retain proof of postage.

5. Escalation Through Legal Representation

In cases involving:

• Unreasonable delays
• Procedural unfairness
• Complex immigration issues

Your solicitor can escalate matters directly through professional channels. Legal representatives can often:

• Contact Home Office departments that the public cannot access directly
• Submit pre-action letters for judicial review if delays are unreasonable
• Negotiate directly with caseworkers and Home Office lawyers

UK Home Office Contact Details

If you need to contact the Home Office about your visa application, immigration status, or related matters, several official channels are available — depending on your location, urgency, and the nature of your inquiry. Below is a breakdown of the most effective and commonly used Home Office contact methods in 2025.

UK Home Office Email Address

For general immigration-related enquiries, you can email the Home Office at:

enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

This email is suitable for non-urgent questions or requests that require written documentation. Always include your full name, date of birth, and relevant reference numbers (e.g. GWF or Case ID) for faster handling.

Home Office Immigration Contact Number (General Enquiries)

For telephone assistance:

• Within the UK: 0300 790 6268
• Outside the UK: +44 (0)20 3080 0010

At Axis Solicitors, we regularly assist clients by using these escalation routes to achieve faster and fairer outcomes.

Cost of Contacting the Home Office From outside the UK

If you are contacting the UK Home Office from outside the UK regarding your visa or immigration matter, please be aware of the following charges for their international contact services:

• International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query): £2.74 
• International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute): £0.69

Cost of Contacting the Home Office From Inside the UK

If you are contacting the UK Home Office from inside the UK regarding your visa or immigration matter, please be aware of the following charges for their contact services

• Phone numbers beginning with 030:

• • • Landlines (per minute): Up to £0.10
    • Mobile phones (per minute): £0.30 – £0.40

• Phone numbers beginning with 02:

• • Landlines (per minute): £0.16
  • Mobile phones (per minute): £0.30 – £0.65
• Phone numbers beginning with 0800/ 0808: 
  • Freephone service (no cost)
• Email Service in the UK: 
  • No charge

When Should You Contact the Home Office?

Contacting the Home Office should be done carefully and only when necessary. Understanding when and why to reach out ensures your query is handled efficiently and reduces the risk of unnecessary delays or confusion.

Here are the most common reasons individuals, sponsors, and applicants contact the Home Office:

1. Checking the Status of a Visa or Immigration Application

If you have submitted a visa, settlement, or nationality application and have not yet received a decision within the published processing times, you may contact the Home Office for a status update.

Examples:

• Delayed visa applications (Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse Visa)
• Awaiting Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after approval
• Naturalisation or British citizenship decisions taking longer than expected

Important: It is advisable to wait until after the standard service time has elapsed before contacting them unless urgent travel or other serious issues apply.

2. Updating Personal Details

You must inform the Home Office if there are changes to:

• Your name
• Address
• Passport details
• Contact information
• Marital status (for family visa holders)

Failing to update your details could lead to complications, visa curtailment, or problems when applying for future extensions or settlement.

3. Reporting a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged BRP

If your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is lost, stolen, or damaged, you are legally required to report it to the Home Office within three months. Failure to do so can result in fines or immigration status issues.

4. Requesting a Faster Decision (Priority or Expedite Requests)

In exceptional cases, applicants can request that their application be expedited. This applies if:

• There are compassionate grounds (e.g., illness or bereavement)
• Significant harm will be caused by a delay
• You have an urgent business need (for some business routes)

Supporting documents must be provided, and the Home Office is not obligated to grant expedite requests unless very strong evidence exists.

5. Making an Enquiry About Immigration Enforcement Issues

You may need to contact the Home Office if:

• You wish to report someone working illegally
• You have information about immigration crime
• You are involved in immigration enforcement action and need advice

Different departments handle enforcement compared to visa processing teams.

6. Requesting Refunds or Corrections

Errors in fee payments, duplicate applications, or incorrect details on visas or permits can be corrected by contacting the relevant Home Office team.

At Axis Solicitors, we help our clients determine the right time and method to contact the Home Office, ensuring that every enquiry is professionally structured to maximise response effectiveness.

 

Important Information to Provide When Contacting the Home Office

When contacting the Home Office about an immigration matter, providing the correct information upfront is essential. Incomplete or unclear communications often result in delayed responses, misdirected enquiries, or automatic rejections.

To maximise the chances of a prompt and helpful reply, always include the following details:

1. Full Personal Details

• Full legal name (as it appears on your passport)
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Current UK address (if applicable)

Make sure these match the information used on your visa or immigration application.

2. Reference Numbers

You should always quote the relevant reference number(s) associated with your immigration case. These might include:

• GWF number (Global Web Form reference)
• Case ID (issued by UKVI after application)
• BRP number (for BRP enquiries)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number (for work visas)
• Unique Application Number (UAN) (for newer applications)

Missing or incorrect references can cause serious delays, as caseworkers may be unable to locate your file.

3. Application Details

If your query relates to a specific application, also provide:

• Type of visa or immigration route (e.g. Spouse Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa)
• Date of submission of your application
• Type of service used (Standard, Priority, or Super Priority)

This helps the Home Office quickly check processing times and queue placement.

4. Reason for Contact

Be clear, concise, and factual about why you are contacting them. For example:

• Requesting an update after waiting beyond published processing times
• Notifying a change of address or circumstances
• Reporting loss of BRP
• Submitting supporting documents

Avoid lengthy or emotional narratives. Stick to relevant facts that help them understand and resolve your query efficiently.

5. Supporting Evidence (if applicable)

In some cases, it is beneficial to attach supporting documents:

• Confirmation emails or written invitation letter for UK Visa
• Proof of previous correspondence
• Travel tickets (for urgent expedite requests)
• Medical reports (for compassionate grounds)

Ensure all documents are legible, correctly labelled, and — if necessary — officially translated into English.

6. Contact Details for Reply

Always provide your:

• Email address (double-check for typos)
• Mobile phone number (including international dialling code if outside the UK)

This ensures the Home Office can respond quickly or request additional information if needed.

At Axis Solicitors, we ensure that all Home Office communications we handle for clients are structured professionally, providing every necessary detail to avoid unnecessary follow-ups or procedural delays

Accessing Home Office Service and Support Centres Across Britain

For individuals navigating visa and immigration applications, the Home Office operates Service and Support Centres (SSCs) in key locations across Britain. While Axis Solicitors provides comprehensive support throughout your application process, these centres offer specific services. Here’s a list of SSC locations for your convenience:

• Belfast: Her Majesty’s Passport Office, Law Society House, 90-106 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GN.
• Cardiff: General Buildings, 1st Floor, 31-33 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 0AB.
• Croydon: Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY.
• Glasgow: Festival Court 1, 200 Brand Street, Govan, Glasgow, G51 1DH.
• Liverpool: The Capital Building, 6 Union Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP.
• Peterborough: Her Majesty’s Passport Office, Aragon Court, Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1QC.
• Sheffield: Vulcan House, Riverside Entrance, 6 Millsands, Sheffield, S3 8NU.
• Solihull (Birmingham): Dominion Court, 41 Station Road, Solihull, Birmingham, B91 3RT.

 

When Should You Get Legal Help to Contact the Home Office?

Here are the key scenarios where professional legal support is strongly recommended:

1. After an Unreasonable Delay

If your visa or immigration application has been pending well beyond the published service times and you are receiving no meaningful updates from UKVI, a solicitor can:

• Formally escalate the delay through official Home Office complaint channels
• Issue a Pre-Action Protocol letter threatening judicial review (if necessary)
• Negotiate a faster decision through legal correspondence

Delays without explanation are not just frustrating — they may also breach your rights.

2. If You Have a Previous Refusal or Immigration History

Applicants with a history of:

• Previous standard visitor visa refusals
• Overstaying in the UK
• Deportation orders
• Breaches of immigration rules

should never contact the Home Office informally without legal advice.
Any poorly phrased communication could harm future applications or even trigger enforcement action.

At Axis Solicitors, we review your full immigration history and carefully structure communications to protect your interests.

3. Complex Family or Human Rights Cases

If your enquiry involves:

• Spouse visa issues
• Dependent child visas
• Long residence applications
• Human rights claims under Article 8 (right to family life)

then legal representation is vital. Family and human rights cases are often sensitive, and errors can result in separation from loved ones or loss of appeal rights.

4. Reporting Errors on a Visa or BRP

If you spot mistakes on your visa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — such as:

• Wrong expiry dates
• Misspelled names
• Incorrect visa conditions

These errors must be reported quickly.
Axis Solicitors can assist by drafting formal error notification letters and ensuring corrections are issued without jeopardising your immigration status.

5. Requests for Discretionary or Exceptional Decisions

If you are asking the Home Office for discretion, such as:

• Waiving a financial requirement
• Granting outside the Immigration Rules
• Exercising discretion due to compassionate circumstances

then a professionally prepared legal submission greatly increases your chances of success.
Without legal support, such requests are often ignored or refused.

At Axis Solicitors, we provide clients with strong, legally supported communication strategies that:

• Increase responsiveness from the Home Office
• Protect immigration status and legal rights
• Reduce stress and uncertainty during immigration processes

Home Office Contact Times and Service Standards in 2025

Here’s what applicants and legal representatives should realistically expect:

1. Standard Visa Processing Times

For straightforward visa and immigration applications (without complications), the Home Office aims to process within:

Visa Type	Standard Processing Time
Work Visas (e.g. Skilled Worker Visa)	8 weeks
Student Visas	3 weeks (outside UK)
Family Visas (e.g. Spouse, Partner)	12 weeks
Visit Visas (Standard Visitor Visa)	3 weeks
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)	6 months
British Citizenship Applications	6 months

2. Response Times to Enquiries

When contacting the Home Office directly (through email, online forms, or helplines), you can expect:

Type of Enquiry	Typical Response Time
Online Form Submission (general query)	15–30 working days
Email Enquiry (paid services overseas)	5 working days
BRP Loss or Error Reporting	10–20 working days
Urgent Expedite Request	10 working days (decision or update)
Administrative Review Response	6 months

3. Delays and Backlogs

As of early 2025, some areas of the Home Office — particularly family visa applications and settlement cases — continue to experience backlogs.
Delays are common in cases involving:

• Requests for further information (Additional documentation requests)
• Background checks or verifications
• Cases requiring national security vetting
• Human rights-based applications

In these situations, even properly submitted expedite requests may not guarantee faster action.

What to Do if You Cannot Reach the Home Office or Get No Response

Here’s what you should do if the Home Office is unresponsive:

1. Follow Up at Reasonable Intervals

If you have submitted an online enquiry or contacted the Home Office by phone or post:

• Wait at least 15 working days before sending a follow-up message for standard cases.
• For urgent or expedited matters, a follow-up may be sent after 5–10 working days.

2. Use Priority Services Where Available

If your visa category offers a Priority or Super Priority upgrade and you have urgent needs (such as upcoming travel, work start dates, or family emergencies), upgrading your application may result in faster decisions.

Axis Solicitors can help request upgrades if available, including after submission.

3. Request Assistance Through a Legal Representative

Solicitors are authorised to:

• Send formal representations to caseworkers
• Request urgent case consideration through internal Home Office liaison channels
• Raise a complaint if your legal rights are being breached

Legal letters from reputable immigration solicitors are often treated more seriously than individual follow-ups.

4. Send a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) Letter

If there has been:

• An unlawful delay in decision-making
• A refusal to consider urgent requests
• Procedural unfairness

then your solicitor can send a Pre-Action Protocol Letter to the Home Office.
This letter threatens judicial review — a court-based challenge against unlawful government action.

Often, the Home Office will respond to a properly drafted PAP letter within 14 days, resolving the issue without the need for full court proceedings.

5. Submit a Complaint

You can file a complaint directly to the Home Office if:

• Service standards have not been met
• Staff have been rude or unprofessional
• Your application has been mishandled

Official complaints process: Home Office Complaints Procedure – GOV.UK

Complaints are usually acknowledged within 5 working days and a full reply is provided within 20 working days.

If dissatisfied, you can escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman via your MP.

6. Consider Judicial Review Proceedings

As a last resort, if:

• The Home Office fails to act within reasonable timeframes
• There is clear evidence of an unlawful act or omission

you may pursue a judicial review in the High Court

.This is a serious legal action and should only be attempted with expert advice. Axis Solicitors can represent you throughout the pre-action and judicial review stages where necessary.

 

How Axis Solicitors Can Help

At Axis Solicitors, we provide expert legal representation across all UK immigration categories, including:

• Visa applications (partner visa, skilled worker visa, student visa, visit visa, and settlement)
• Home Office correspondence and delay escalations
• Complaint and refusal response drafting
• Appeals and Judicial Review pre-action protocol letters
• Sponsor licence compliance for employers
• Reporting obligations and lawful guidance for whistleblowers

We offer practical, legally sound advice and act as your formal point of contact with UKVI — reducing stress, improving turnaround times, and helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to write an email to the Home Office UK

When writing an email to the Home Office, ensure your message is clear, concise, and includes all necessary details to facilitate a prompt response. Here’s a general structure you can follow:

Subject Line: Clearly state the purpose of your email. 

 

Example: “Visa Application Status Enquiry – [Your Full Name]”
Introduction: Introduce yourself and briefly explain your enquiry.
Detailed Description: Provide a detailed explanation of your issue or query. Include relevant information such as your reference number, date of application, and any other pertinent details.
Attachments: If applicable, attach any relevant documents or screenshots that can help clarify your enquiry.
Closing: Politely request a prompt response and provide your contact details.

For example:
Subject: Visa Application Status Enquiry – John Doe

Dear UKVI Team,

I am writing to enquire about the current status of my visa application submitted on [Date]. My application reference number is [Reference Number].

I have attached a copy of my application receipt and supporting documents for your reference. Could you please provide an update on the progress of my application?

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

 

2. What is the official Home Office contact number for immigration enquiries?

The main Home Office contact number for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when calling from inside the UK is:

0300 790 6268

This number covers enquiries relating to visa applications, sponsorships, nationality, asylum, biometric enrolment, and citizenship services. You’ll be prompted to select a menu option depending on your query (e.g. visas, citizenship, status letters).

If calling from outside the UK on the Home Office contact number, you must use the UKVI’s international enquiry service available through an online form. Depending on your location and language preference, you may be offered a callback, email response, or paid phone service provided by UKVI partners such as VFS Global or TLScontact.

3. When should I use the Home Office contact number instead of the website?

Use the Home Office contact number if:

• You need an urgent update on an application already submitted
• You missed a biometric appointment and need to reschedule
• You’re unsure how to proceed after receiving a Home Office letter
• You’ve received correspondence with unclear instructions or conflicting information
• You’re reporting changes in your personal details or immigration circumstances

For general queries and application tracking, the GOV.UK website is often sufficient, but when your issue requires human clarification or decision review, calling the Home Office contact number is often more effective.

4. What information do I need before calling the Home Office contact number?

Before calling the Home Office contact number, ensure you have the following to hand:

• Your GWF reference number (or Unique Application Number)
• Your full name and date of birth
• Details of your visa type and the date you submitted your application
• Your passport number or Home Office-issued reference (if applicable)
• Any recent Home Office letters or emails for reference

This allows the agent to find your case quickly and respond appropriately.

5. Is the Home Office contact number available 24/7?

No. The Home Office contact number for UKVI is only available during standard working hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Closed on weekends and bank holidays

For immigration enforcement or to report immigration crime, however, you can use a separate Home Office contact number that is available 24 hours a day:

Immigration Enforcement Hotline:
0300 123 7000

6. What if I can’t get through on the Home Office contact number?

The Home Office contact number often receives a high volume of calls. If you’re unable to reach an agent:

• Try calling earlier in the day or mid-week when queues are typically shorter
• Use the UKVI online contact form for non-urgent enquiries
• If your matter is urgent or time-sensitive (such as a pending removal or detention), legal advice should be sought immediately — Axis Solicitors can make legal contact directly with the Home Office on your behalf

7. Can I call the Home Office contact number to speed up my visa?

The Home Office contact number does not guarantee faster processing. However, it can:

• Clarify your application’s status
• Identify if any documents are missing
• Help you understand the expected timeline
• Offer escalation options if your application is outside standard processing times

For further action, your solicitor may submit an escalation request, a pre-action protocol letter, or formal complaint if applicable.

8. Can someone else call the Home Office contact number for me?

Yes — but only if you have authorised them in writing or you are represented by a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor. At Axis Solicitors, we regularly contact the Home Office on the Home Office contact number on behalf of our clients and are recognised by UKVI to correspond formally using legal channels.

You must provide consent in writing or include your representative’s details in your visa application if you want them to speak with UKVI on your behalf.

9. What’s the Home Office contact number for complaints?

There is no dedicated Home Office contact number for complaints. Instead, you must submit your complaint using:

• The online complaints form on GOV.UK
• Or by post to:
  UKVI Complaints Allocation Hub
  Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road
  Croydon CR9 2BY

The Home Office aims to reply to complaints within 20 working days. If unresolved, you can request a review or escalate it to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman through your MP.

10. Can I report fraud or immigration crime using the Home Office contact number?

Yes. If you suspect someone is breaching immigration laws, you can call the Home Office Immigration Enforcement contact number at:

0300 123 7000 – available 24/7

Alternatively, you can use the online reporting service at: www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime

Reports can be made anonymously, and all submissions are reviewed by the Home Office’s Intelligence and Compliance team.