13 May How can you apply for a ‘Subject Access Request’?
Migrants can apply for a ‘Subject Access Request’ (SAR) in order to obtain a copy of the personal information held on the Home Office’s immigration records.
There are three types of request that individuals can make: basic request, specific request, and detailed request.
Basic request
A basic request including:
- An electronic summary of your immigration history;
- Landing cards the Home Office holds electronically;
- Visa applications you submitted from outside of the UK (as part of entry clearance);
- Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) information if you are a national of Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia;
- Entry and exit into and out of the UK travel history in the past 5 years.
Specific request
Individuals can request copies of up to 5 single documents, for instance:
- A list of your applications;
- A particular decision letter;
- The outcome of an appeal (appeal determination);
- A particular detention progress report;
- A deportation order;
- A particular interview’s record.
Detailed request
A detailed request allows migrants to request a copy of their Home Office paper file. At the beginning, the individual will be sent an electronic summary of their immigration information. Migrants can request further information in relation to their Home Office paper file if the electronic data did not fulfil their request.
How to apply for a ‘Subject Access Request’?
Migrants will need to make an application by using the online application form: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/saru to request access to personal information held by the UKVI.
List of supporting evidence
Individuals will need to provide the following evidence to confirm their identity when they make a SAR:
- A copy of their photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence, biometric permit residence (BRP) card, national identity card, and travel document;
- A letter giving permission for the records to be sent to the migrant, or their representative;
- Proof of their relationship, if they are applying for a child under 12.
Please note that if you wish to submit a letter of permission or statement, the letter must include:
- Confirmation that you give permission for your records to be sent to you;
- Confirmation that you give permission for your records to be sent to a third party representative – if they are completing the application on your behalf;
- Your signature and the date, within the last 6 months – please note your signature as well as your photo identification is used to verify that the person making the request is entitled to do so.
If you are completing this application for a child under 12 or have the power of attorney for an application, or are a litigation friend, you can sign the letter of permission on the applicant’s behalf.
If you are making a request on behalf of a child under 12, you must provide evidence of your relationship, such as a birth certificate and proof of parental responsibility.
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075.
