In this guide
Use this material to examine your own work. Confirm current requirements, forms and dates with ICE before applying.
An appeal concerns an error in the review process or unforeseen events. It cannot be used to obtain a second opinion on the reviewers' professional judgement.
What an appeal is, and is not, for
| Situation | Within scope | Outside scope |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Something in the process did not happen as it should: for example, a stated adjustment was not provided. | The reviewers asked hard questions, or concentrated on an area you found difficult. |
| Events | An unforeseen event affected your review: for example, a failure that was not resolved as ICE's guidance provides for. | You were unwell but did not tell anyone at the time and completed the review anyway. |
| Judgement | You believe a decision was reached other than by the proper process. | You disagree with the reviewers' professional judgement of your competence. |
| Evidence | Evidence you submitted was not before the reviewers because of an administrative error. | Evidence you did not submit, but wish you had. |
the preparation guidance of the stated grounds, offered to help you decide whether to spend two months on this. It is not ICE's own categorisation: read the appeals guidance.
Before making an appeal
Discuss the result with your lead sponsor and ICE staff. Identify whether the concern relates to a gap in evidence or to an error in the process. A gap needs further experience or preparation for a re-sit.
If you believe the process went wrong, act promptly. The appeal window is two months from the date on the result letter and is not extended. Use the reviewers' comments to explain the concern accurately and check it against the permitted grounds.
Before you spend two months on an appeal
Official sources
Selected publisher pages were rechecked in September 2026. Other source records were last checked in July 2026. Open the latest official document before relying on a requirement.