Challenging Home Office Decisions
This practical training session looks at the legal, procedural and strategic issues that arise when Home Office decisions are delayed, including how to assess what is reasonable, advise clients clearly and take appropriate action where delay becomes unacceptable.

About the Course
Immigration delays can create real pressure for clients. They may affect work, family life, travel, status, future applications and wider legal or professional plans. For legal representatives, the challenge is knowing when a delay is simply part of the process, and when it has crossed the line into something that should be challenged.
This course examines the common reasons behind delayed immigration decisions and the timeframes that may be considered reasonable in different types of cases. It also looks at what representatives can do to reduce avoidable delays, manage client expectations and identify situations where further action may be needed.
The session takes a practical approach. You will consider how to spot unreasonable delay, advise clients on their options and prepare for possible escalation. This includes pre-action correspondence, constructive alternatives to litigation and, where appropriate, judicial review.
The course will also cover priority cases, including how to recognise matters that require urgent handling and how to present them effectively when seeking escalation or resolution.
Joining instructions and course links will be sent to the email address provided at registration 24 hours before the session.
Course Topics
This training session covers:
- Common causes of delay in Home Office decision-making
- What may count as a reasonable timeframe for different immigration case types
- How to avoid contributing to delays through case preparation or communication issues
- Advising clients on delay, risk and available options
- Pre-action steps and alternatives to formal litigation
- When judicial review may be appropriate
- How to challenge unreasonable delay effectively
- The impact of delay on related legal, personal or professional matters
- Identifying priority cases and seeking appropriate treatment
Why Study with Total Law?
Total Law has been providing professional immigration services for over 10 years across the public, private and corporate sectors.
Our training is built around practical legal understanding, giving professionals the knowledge and confidence to deal with complex immigration issues more effectively.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for legal professionals, including immigration advisers, solicitors, caseworkers and representatives who support clients affected by Home Office delays or decision-making issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delegates are provided with an up-to-date materials used during the training course.
Attendance on our courses provides evidence of practitioners having considered and met their CPD requirements.
Certificates of Attendance are issued which can be included in the practitioner’s CPD record.
Our courses are always up-to-date with the latest legal changes.
Our courses are great for beginners and experienced professionals. Take a ready of our course topics and contact our Training Team if you need any assistance.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.