Guidance

Information booklet about your asylum application

Updated 1 November 2024

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Section 1

Claiming Asylum

The Home Office is responsible for considering asylum claims. Throughout the asylum process you will be treated with respect, dignity and fairness regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

This guidance contains important information about claiming asylum in the United Kingdom (UK) and explains what to expect during the asylum process. 

 We will also explain:

  • where to claim asylum

  • where you can find help and advice

  • claiming as a child

  • what to expect after claiming asylum

  • asylum support

  • your rights and responsibilities as an asylum claimant

What is asylum?

You should only make a claim for asylum (international protection) if you fear return to your country of origin / nationality. An asylum applicant becomes a refugee once they are granted asylum.

To be recognised as a refugee under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one of the following convention reasons:

  • race

  • religion

  • nationality

  • political opinion

  • membership of a particular social group*

(*a group sharing a common characteristic that cannot be changed)

If it is decided that you are not a refugee because your claim is not based on one of the five convention reasons listed above but there are substantial grounds for believing that you would face a real risk of suffering serious harm if returned to your country, you may qualify for Humanitarian Protection.

If you do not require international protection (asylum or Humanitarian Protection) but would still like to remain in the UK for other reasons, you should seek legal advice. If your claim for international protection is refused, it may affect any further claims you may have to stay or to visit the UK.

Note that asylum claims registered before 28 June 2022 will be considered under previous legislation and asylum policies.

 Asylum claims made on or after 28 June 2022 will be considered under Section 16 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

‘Inadmissible’ claims

Note that the Illegal Migration Act 2023 became law on 20 July 2023 but not all parts of it have started.

If you made an application for asylum after the 6 March 2023 you may be affected by changes within this act once it is fully implemented.

The information below will change when this section of the Illegal Migration Act has started.

For further information see the Illegal Migration Act 2023. You can find the latest asylum guidance at Visas and immigration operational guidance

If you have travelled through a ‘safe third country’ on your way to the UK or have a connection to a safe country, your asylum claim may not be admitted to the UK asylum process. A ‘safe third country’ is one which is assessed as safe according to specified criteria. For further information, see Inadmissibility: safe third country cases).

In such cases, we will make arrangements to find a safe country that will admit you there. This country may be a safe third country in which you were present before claiming asylum in the UK, one with which you have some other connection or any other safe third country that will accept you. If you are being removed to a safe third country your asylum claim will not be considered in the UK. You will be informed of this and any appeal rights you may have.

If you are an EU national, then the UK will not substantively consider your claim except in exceptional circumstances.

For further information on inadmissible claims see Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

Claiming with or as a dependant

What happens if I have dependants, or I am a dependant of someone else claiming asylum?

If you are claiming asylum and you want any of your dependants (a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner or children under 18 years old) to be part of your asylum claim, then you must bring them with you. (An unmarried partner is defined as someone that you have been living with in a subsisting relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership for two years or more.) Dependants can be added to your claim at a registration event, but not once a decision has been made on your asylum claim.

You have the right to apply as a dependant of a main claimant, but you should make your own individual claim for asylum if you have your own protection needs. If you are claiming asylum as part of someone else’s claim (for example as a dependant of your spouse), you will also be asked in private (by a Registration Officer) whether you would like to claim for asylum in your own right. If you have protection needs, you are expected to claim asylum at the earliest opportunity. Failure to do so may affect your credibility.

If you have child dependants under 18 years old, you will be asked about their protection needs. Their protection needs may be the same as you, or they may have additional/ different protection needs.

If they have the same protection needs, the claims can be considered together as a Family Asylum Claim. Whilst the main claimant and any children will each be a claimant in their own right, the claim will be dealt with in a single consideration. This is on the basis that the protection needs of each claimant are the same as those established by the main claimant.

Where your children have additional or different protection needs, their asylum claim will be individually considered. They will be treated as an accompanied asylum-seeking child and their case dealt with by officers trained in children’s asylum cases.

If your children have no protection needs, they can still be a dependant on your claim. This means that they will be considered for permission to stay in-line with the main claimant should their asylum claim be successful.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

Claims from those under 18 years of age are considered under a different process from adult claims, due to the specific needs and requirements of children. We will, when considering claims from children, consider the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the UK.

We will contact your Local Authority’s Children’s Services department on your behalf if you are not already known to them. They will also be responsible for looking after you and giving you accommodation if you are not accompanied by an adult.

If you are an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, we will also give your details to an organisation independent from the Home Office called “The Children’s Panel”, who will advise and assist you in your contact with the Home Office and local government agencies.                                   

Apply to stay in the UK as a stateless person

This route is for a person in the UK who has no nationality and is stateless, and is unable to become, or obtain a status leading to becoming, a permanent resident of another country. You can apply to stay in the UK as a stateless person if you meet the requirements in Appendix Statelessness of the Immigration Rules. You can normally stay in the UK for 5 years if you’re given permission to stay (also known as ‘leave to remain’). You can apply for settlement or further leave when your permission to stay expires.

If you cannot return to another country because you fear persecution there, you should claim asylum first.

You must apply online for permission to stay in the UK as a stateless person or to extend your permission to stay.

You can find further details on how to Apply to stay in the UK as a stateless person.

Your rights and responsibilities while claiming asylum

If the UK is responsible for considering your claim your rights and responsibilities whilst you are claiming asylum include:

  • remaining in the UK throughout the duration of your asylum claim

  • having the opportunity to give full account of your reasons for claiming asylum

  • having your claim considered fairly and accurately

  • being assured of confidentiality concerning your asylum claim (the UK will not inform your country of origin that you have made a claim for asylum)

  • having access to support and accommodation if you are eligible

  • having legal representation (free legal advice depends on your financial circumstances)

  • having the right to appeal against your asylum decision, if you are eligible

As an asylum claimant, we expect you to co-operate with the asylum process and Home Office officials at all times. Any omission or misrepresentation of facts may affect the decision we make on your claim. If you use deception to obtain leave to enter or remain in the UK, any leave you have been granted may be taken away. It is also a criminal offence, and you may be prosecuted.

It is your duty to submit all available documentation to substantiate your claim, including your age, your background (including background details of relatives), your identity, your nationality or nationalities, any country or countries and place(s) of previous residence, any previous asylum claims, your travel routes, your travel documents, any medical evidence and any evidence that may support your asylum claim.

It is also your responsibility to:

  • keep in regular contact with the Home Office

  • maintain up to date contact details. You can update your address online by visiting www.visa-address-update.service.gov.uk

  • attend asylum interviews and other appointments

  • respond to Home Office correspondence

  • exit the UK if you are not granted leave and any appeal fails

  • obey the law - if you are in doubt about what the law is then it is your responsibility to find out

How to claim asylum

You are expected to claim asylum at the earliest possible opportunity. Failure to do so may be taken into account and affect the credibility of your claim. For most people this should be immediately on arrival to the UK.

If you are a social worker or guardian with an unaccompanied asylum seeking child in your care based in London and the South East, contact us on this email address: child.asuappointment@homeoffice.gov.uk.

If you are a social worker with an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child based elsewhere in the UK, contact miuminor@homeoffice.gov.uk.

All unaccompanied children should/will be advised to use the walk-in service.

If you are an adult who is not detained, you should contact the Intake Unit Appointment Line. The appointment system is for those who have somewhere they can stay until their appointment. The appointment location will be based on your location. 

If you have nowhere to live, you will still need to call the asylum intake unit appointments line. They will call you back and you may be told to attend a screening appointment or to go to a ‘walk-in’ service at an asylum registration location.

Even if you don’t have somewhere to stay, where possible you should book an appointment by telephone which will confirm the date, time and location of your appointment.

For bookings and queries, call the Intake Unit Appointment Line 0300 123 4193. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.45pm, Friday 9am to 4:30pm

Tell us as soon as possible about any special needs or requirements for the registration interview. This may be when you are booking an appointment or as soon as possible afterwards by calling us back.

Examples of special needs are mobility difficulties or whether you would prefer to be interviewed by a male or female Registration Officer. You should also inform us of any special needs on the day that you are making your asylum claim. Where feasible, we will try to accommodate any requirements you tell us about.

If you are delayed or are unable to attend your appointment for any reason, notify us as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 4193.

If you are unable to travel to Croydon due to a health condition, a disability, or an exceptional circumstance, we may be able to offer you an appointment closer to your home, at one of our regional offices.

Where to find us  

Croydon Intake Unit (CIU) 
Lunar House 
40 Wellesley Road 
Croydon
CR9 2BY

By road

You can park in one of the two car parks in central Croydon (sat nav reference: CR0 1UP and CR0 0XH).

By train

There are trains to East and West Croydon stations from London Victoria and London Bridge. If you are travelling to West Croydon, use the available underpass to get to Lunar House. Both stations are in Travelcard zone 5. To plan your journey, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

By bus

There are buses to Croydon from locations including Brixton, Bromley, Crystal Palace, Heathrow, Streatham and Tottenham Court Road. To plan your journey, visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

By tram

Tramlink is a light railway linking Croydon with Wimbledon, Beckenham and New Addington. To plan your journey, visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

Section 2

The asylum process

You must make every effort to comply with the asylum process. Failure to attend the asylum interview without a good reason may result in your asylum claim being treated as withdrawn. In addition, if you have an appointment, such as a reporting event, which you fail to attend then your claim could be withdrawn. If you have any problems with regards to attendance or compliance with our requests, you should contact the decision-making unit handling your claim and inform them at the first opportunity. The contact information will be included in your substantive interview invitation letter. If your non-compliance with the process is due to illness or exceptional circumstances, evidence should be provided such as a doctor’s letter.

You must maintain up to date contact details to allow important information regarding your asylum claim to be issued to you, for example questionnaires and appointment details. You can update your address online by visiting www.visa-address-update.service.gov.uk. Failure to maintain up to date contact details or respond to important information regarding your asylum claim in a reasonable time frame may result in your asylum claim being treated as withdrawn.

We will send you various letters during the asylum process. Most of these will be in English. If you do not understand what a letter says, then you should ask your legal representative, to explain the letter to you.

If you do not have a legal representative, ask a friend or family member to help. You can also use the support detailed in section 4 of this guidance (Getting advice and assistance).

Asylum questionnaire

During your asylum claim, you may be asked to complete an asylum claim questionnaire (ACQ). You will be contacted with all the necessary information if this is applicable to you. Submission of an asylum questionnaire may lead to a positive decision being made without a substantive interview or a decision being made following a shorter interview. If you cannot complete the questionnaire, contact the Home Office using the details on the letter to let us know and make alternative arrangements.

If you fail to complete an asylum questionnaire as specifically requested by the Home Office, without a reasonable explanation, your asylum claim may be withdrawn.

Separately, you can complete a form called a ‘Preliminary Information Questionnaire’ which is also known as a ‘PIQ’. The PIQ is designed to help you provide information about the reasons why you need protection in the UK and will assist you in setting out your claim. It may also help you to prepare for your substantive asylum interview.

The information you provide in your PIQ will give the Home Office a better understanding of your asylum claim and it could also help us to make any reasonable adjustments that you may require when attending your interview.

If you do not feel able to complete this form (the PIQ) yourself, you can seek assistance from your legal representative or from organisations such as Migrant Help. Further details about where you can obtain advice and assistance can be found in section 4 of this guidance.

An electronic copy of the Preliminary Information Questionnaire can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preliminary-information-questionnaire-for-asylum-claims.

Registration and screening

What to bring to your registration appointment

It is important that you attend your appointment with any dependants who are present in the UK that you wish to be part of your asylum claim. By dependant we mean your spouse or unmarried partner (an unmarried partner is defined as someone that you have been living with in a subsisting relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership for two years or more) and your child/children (under 18).

When making your asylum claim it is essential that you bring with you:

  • Your passport and the passport(s) of your spouse and any dependants in the UK that you wish to be part of your claim.

  • Other identification documents which will help us to establish your identity and nationality: these may include, birth certificates, driving license, marriage certificates and any other national identity documents.

  • Any other documents that will support your claim.

  • Any medication you or your dependants are currently taking.

  • Any necessary items for young children (nappies, milk etc.)

  • Food/water due to the possible long waiting time.

Evidence of your accommodation:

  • If you are living in the UK, provide documentary evidence of your accommodation such as a tenancy agreement or recent utility bill (for example gas, electricity) showing your full name and UK address.

  • If you are living in someone else’s house, bring a letter (no older than 3 months) from the householder which says you can stay in their house and documentary evidence such as a utility bill showing the householder’s full name and address.

Note that it is your duty to provide us with all available documentation to substantiate your claim as soon as possible.

If you claimed asylum anywhere other than an Asylum Intake Unit and you do not have with you the documents listed above, you should give them to your asylum casework team as soon as possible following registration.

What happens when I arrive for my registration appointment?

Security check

Every member of the public who enters the building must undergo a series of security checks, including of your baggage.

Reception desk

You will be greeted at the reception desk and asked some questions and to show your verification form.

Fingerprinting

Everyone that makes a claim for asylum must have their photograph and fingerprints taken.

Children under 5 years of age will not have their fingerprints taken.

Registration interview

You will be asked to confirm your personal details such as your name, date of birth and address.  You will also be asked briefly to outline why you are claiming asylum’.

The asylum registration interview is divided into several parts:

  • Basic questions about your identity and details of your family.

  • Questions about how you travelled to the United Kingdom and links to other countries.

  • Questions about whether you have any disabilities, medical or health conditions.

  • You will be asked why you left your country and reason you cannot return (requiring just a brief explanation).

  • Questions relating to any criminal offences and national security.

  • If you booked an appointment by telephone, you will be asked to confirm your personal details, family details, any medical conditions and other information gathered during the telephone booking.

  • Children do not have a registration interview, but where required they will have a welfare interview.

  • If you are unable to provide reliable evidence of your country or place of origin or we have reason to doubt your claimed nationality, we may ask you to undergo Language Analysis testing during your registration interview or when you are invited to your substantive interview. If you agree to this, you will be interviewed by a language expert over the telephone to help determine your country or region of origin and a report is then produced to help us establish your country of nationality. Failure to participate fully in the language analysis interview may undermine your claim to be a refugee and forms part of the evidence that is available for the consideration of your claim.

Your documentation

When all actions related to your registration appointment have been completed, your documents will be returned to you.

Accommodation

If you can stay with a friend or relative whilst your claim is considered you can apply for financial support to cover essential living items such as food, clothing and toiletries.

If you have requested and qualify for accommodation, you may have to wait for transportation. Do not leave until you have been issued your documents.

How long will my registration appointment last?

We aim to complete your registration appointment within four hours, however, there are occasions where it will take longer. You should bring anything you need, for example: medication, food/water and anything you need for any young children you have with you.

If you require accommodation and need transport to take you to initial accommodation your wait is likely to be longer. Whilst in the waiting area, listen for announcements that will keep you informed of any change to the waiting times during the day.

Will I be detained?

If it is decided that the UK is not obliged to decide your claim because another country has responsibility for considering it, then you may be detained.

If the UK has responsibility for considering your claim and you are suitable for detention under detention policy and other qualifying circumstances apply, then you may be detained and your asylum claim considered whilst you are detained.

You will be asked if there are any reasons why you should not be detained.

If you are detained, we will explain the detention processes to you in more detail and regularly review your suitability for detention. You will be able to apply for immigration bail.

If you are not detained, and the UK is responsible for considering your claim we will allocate your case to an asylum decision making team. You will be able to contact this team if you have questions about the asylum process. If there is a change in circumstances, then your suitability for detention could be reviewed.

Application Registration Card (ARC)

When will I receive it?

The ARC is evidence that you have submitted an asylum claim in the UK. Once your asylum claim has been registered, your biometrics taken and we have your address details, we will send you an ARC.

If you move address, notify the Home Office immediately as failure to do so may lead to delays in receiving your ARC.    

You can update your address online by visiting www.visa-address-update.service.gov.uk.

Generally, the ARC will be delivered within a few working days. The ARC is not an identity card, but it will contain your personal details including your name, date of birth and nationality in addition to your photograph. Each of your dependants will have their own card. You may be asked for it when you access some services, such as registering with a doctor and interacting with the Home Office.

You can find further information on the ARC at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-registration-card-arc/application-registration-card-arc

Substantive asylum interview

When will I have my interview?

If we need to interview you to make a decision on your claim we will send you information about the date of your asylum interview in a letter. Your asylum interview will be conducted in private. If you have asked for either a male or female interviewing officer, then we will arrange this for you.

What can I expect at my asylum interview?

Your asylum interview is your opportunity to speak to us face to face (or via video conferencing). It is very important that you attend the interview. Decision Makers doing the interview are specially trained and are aware of how difficult it can be to talk about traumatic experiences, they will make it as sensitive and reassuring as possible. However, it is important that the information is shared in these interviews as this is your opportunity to give an account of all the reasons you left your country and why you are afraid of returning home. It is very important that you provide as much detail as possible.

We will interview you in your first language or a language that you are reasonably able to understand. The interview will be recorded, and you will receive a copy of your interview record. It is very important that you give us any evidence or information that you can to support your account at this time.

If you have further evidence you wish to submit after your asylum interview, you should do so within the timescale we give you and you should inform us and your legal representative if this will be a problem for you.

If your claim includes gender-based persecution, which is persecution you may have experienced because of your gender (for example domestic violence and/or abuse, forced marriage, ‘honour-based’ violence, Female Genital Mutilation, rape or other forms of sexual violence) we will ask about your experiences sensitively. You will not be asked for precise details about any sexual assaults. However, you may be asked about the events leading up to and following the assault if this is relevant to your asylum claim.

We recognise that if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or any other minority orientation or gender identity (or perceived to be), you may have experienced discrimination and/or persecution in your home country. You should be assured that we will treat your claim sensitively and will consider your statements against the objective country information (this is information collated from trusted sources).

If you have children, some offices provide partitioned family rooms or can provide childcare so that your children can be looked after whilst you are being interviewed. To check if this is available, contact the casework team handing your case.

How long will my asylum interview last?

The length of your asylum interview can vary and will depend on your asylum claim. It is advisable that you keep the day of your asylum interview free to allow sufficient time for the interview to be completed in full.

Can I bring anyone with me to my asylum interview for support?

You can bring your legal representative with you to this interview. If you are receiving free legal advice (known as Legal Aid), you should check with your legal representative if they will be able to attend or not.

If there are exceptional reasons, you may also wish to bring a friend, companion, or supporter with you for emotional, medical or spiritual support, particularly if you have suffered traumatic experiences or sexual violence. You should agree this with us before the interview. Note that this person will not be able to answer any questions for you.

 I cannot attend my interview

Interviews can only be postponed for reasons of ill health or other exceptional reasons. You should inform the asylum team as soon as possible if you think you may have a problem coming to your interview. You are expected to provide medical evidence of any illness from your doctor (GP), consultant or other appropriately qualified, regulated, relevant healthcare professional.

If you do not come to your asylum interview, we will write to you to find out why you did not attend. If you do not reply within 5 working days (24 hours if detained) providing an explanation why you were unable to attend for reasons beyond your control, your asylum claim will be withdrawn.

If your claim is recorded as withdrawn, we will not consider your asylum claim any further and you will be required to leave the UK.

Asylum decision

Who will decide my asylum claim?

A decision-maker will decide your asylum claim after your asylum interview. You should note that the person who interviewed you may be different from the person making the decision on your claim, in some circumstances a decision may be made without you having to complete a substantive interview. We will notify you of this decision in writing.

How long will it take to decide my asylum claim?

We will aim to make a decision on your claim as soon as possible, however, there may sometimes be delays. We will seek to prioritise claims based on individual circumstances.

Possible outcomes

Grant of refugee status

If you are granted refugee status, you will also be granted permission to stay for a minimum of five years.  

During your period of limited leave, if there is a significant and non-temporary change in country conditions, it may be decided to review grants of refugee status. Your status may also be reviewed if we receive information relating to your actions that may mean you were not eligible to be granted refugee status, such as if your refugee status was obtained by misrepresentation.

Individuals granted refugee status can apply for settlement after five years on the protection route. Applications for settlement can be made one month before your grant of permission to stay expires.

Grant of Humanitarian Protection

If you do not qualify as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention but it is accepted that you have a need for international protection, you will be granted Humanitarian Protection. If you are granted Humanitarian Protection, you will be granted permission to stay for a minimum of 5 years.

If there is a significant change of circumstances in the country you fled from during your initial grant of leave and you no longer require international protection, or if there is other evidence that shows that Humanitarian Protection is no longer appropriate, we may review your status.

Individuals granted Humanitarian Protection can apply for settlement after five years on the protection route. Applications for settlement can be made one month before your grant of permission to stay expires.

Grant of other leave

If you are not accepted as needing international protection but it is considered that there are reasons for allowing you to stay on a temporary basis, you will be granted Limited permission to stay. One month before your limited leave expires, you should contact the Home Office and make arrangements to leave the UK or apply for additional leave.

Integration assistance

If you are granted status (or permission to stay) in the UK, you will be provided with information to help you access your entitlements and assist with your integration into the UK. Migrant Help (section 4 of this guidance) will also be able to provide advice and support.

eVisas

If you are granted status (or permission to stay) in the UK and do not have a valid passport, you will have a UKVI account created automatically by the Home Office and will be notified how to access your account. This gives you an online record of your immigration status and is known as an eVisa.

Once you access your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, for example your type of permission to stay, when it expires and your conditions of stay. You will also be able to update your personal details and register your passport, if applicable, in your UKVI account so that you can easily travel to and from the UK.

Access and update your UKVI account.

If you were previously issued a biometric residence permit (BRP), you should keep your expired BRP card as it may help with future applications to stay in the UK. You may also want it for your personal records.

Refusal of an asylum claim

If you are refused asylum, we will give you a letter explaining why. The letter will explain whether you have a right of appeal against this decision. If you disagree with the decision and are entitled to appeal, you will also receive information on how to appeal.

Requirement to leave the UK

If your asylum claim is withdrawn or we refuse your claim and you are at the end of any appeal process (or if you do not submit an appeal), you will be required to leave the UK. It is expected that you should leave the UK within 21 days. If you do not leave voluntarily, the Home Office will enforce your removal. If your removal is enforced, you will be banned from travelling to the UK for 10 years.

Voluntary Returns Service (VRS)

There is support available to you at all stages of the asylum process if you decide that you wish to return home as you no longer want to claim asylum in the United Kingdom. If you decide to make your own arrangements to leave the UK, you should inform the Home Office and your asylum claim can be closed. .

You can notify us directly or use the independent support services detailed within this guidance (see section 4 – Getting advice and assistance).

If you need support to return home, the Home Office voluntary returns service can help you to make arrangements to return home including help with financing your return and financial support of up to £3000 to help you after you have left the UK. For details about how to use the Home Office voluntary returns service visit www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily.

To apply online you will need to provide your UK residential address and an email address.

To speak to the Home Office voluntary returns service, call 0300 004 0202 lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Section 3

Asylum support

Financial and accommodation support

Am I entitled to asylum support?

When you claim asylum, we will ask you if you need accommodation. If you have nowhere to stay or insufficient funds to provide for your own accommodation, we will firstly accommodate you in what is called ‘initial accommodation’ (IA). Initial accommodation is housing that can be full-board, half- board, or self-catering. It is usually communal accommodation in a hostel-type environment or hotel but may be something else such as on a vessel.

Migrant Help (migranthelpuk.org) are an independent charity contracted to provide independent advice to asylum seekers by the Home Office. In addition to providing information and assistance about the asylum process (but not legal advice), they will assist you with a support application and any changes in circumstance, such as applying for subsistence only. See section 4 of this guidance for contact details for Migrant Help asylum services.

Whilst you are in initial accommodation, you will need to complete an asylum support application form (ASF1) which will be assessed to see if you qualify for support.

Checks will be made to see if you have your own income or assets. You will need to declare any resources that you have in the UK and abroad. A decision will be made on whether you should use them to fund your own living expenses.

If we accept that you qualify for accommodation (and financial support) you will be granted Section 95 support and await dispersal to longer term accommodation. The amount of time people stay in initial accommodation can vary before moving onto dispersal accommodation, but it could be significant. This means that you may be in initial accommodation for an extended period, and your accommodation may not consist of what would be considered a ‘conventional’ dwelling, like a house or flat. However, your provider and the Home Office will ensure that your needs are met during this time and any form of accommodation offered will be adequate for your purposes. If you consider that your needs are not being met, you should raise this with Migrant Help to look at how changes can be made to your accommodation.

If you need accommodation, it is offered on a no choice basis. We will not accommodate you in a specific location unless we consider you to have an exceptional need.

How long will asylum support be provided for?

Support can only be provided until a decision is made on your asylum claim and whilst an in-country appeal is pending. Separate rules apply if you have children.

Can I apply for support if I only need accommodation or only need financial support?

Yes. If you have accommodation, for example with a relative or friend who can provide you with a place to stay, you can stay with them and still apply for financial support for your day-to-day needs. If you have money or a regular income but no accommodation, you can apply for accommodation only.

What if my circumstances change?

You should advise us immediately if your circumstances change. You can notify us directly or use the independent support services detailed within this guidance (see section 4). For example, if the relative or friend who you are staying with can no longer provide you with accommodation, you will be able to apply for accommodation and financial support.

What happens if I delay making my asylum claim?

If you delay making your asylum claim, your support application may be refused so you must make your asylum claim as soon as possible. The time between booking your appointment and attending the appointment will not count as a delay.

Am I liable for prosecution if I fail to disclose that I have funds?

When applying for asylum support you must tell the Home Office about any funds you have, either in the UK or elsewhere. This will be taken into account when we arrange support for you. Failure to disclose this information may result in prosecution. It is an offence to secure support through false or dishonest representations. When you apply for support you will have to agree to a credit check and databases (such as bank databases) will be checked.

Is additional asylum support available?

If you are pregnant or have children under the age of 4 and are in receipt of asylum support, you are entitled to receive additional payments for the purchase of supplementary foods.

More information on asylum support can be found at: Asylum support: Overview

Section 4

Useful information

Getting advice and assistance

Migrant Help

Migrant Help Asylum Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

They provide free independent advice, guidance and information on:

  • how to claim asylum

  • financial support

  • finding legal representation

  • the asylum process

  • accessing healthcare

  • accommodation support

  • any other asylum issues

  • complaints

  • Migrant Help cannot assist with ARC related issues.

Feel free to contact them for assistance. You can contact Migrant Help by:

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offer full interpreting service. Note: If you reside at Napier, Migrant Help personnel are available on site.

More information and translated advice in 10 languages is available on Migrant Help’s website www.migranthelpuk.org.

As well as Migrant Help, you might want to contact the following organisations for help finding legal representation:

Support available for people seeking asylum

If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, you may wish to, in the first instance, consider what support mainstream NHS can provide. Your asylum claim will not be affected by any illness or treatment you are receiving. You are entitled to see a doctor (GP) and have NHS provided hospital care without charge.

Find out more about physical and mental health support for people seeking asylum.

If you have funds of your own you may have to contribute to your healthcare costs by paying for your prescription medicines (England only). Prescription medicines in Scotland and Wales are free of charge. Further information is available at: NHS entitlements: migrant health guide.

Here is a list of other services, from the NHS and from non-governmental organisations, who provide information and support to migrants:

Help if you’re a child or young person

If you need to talk to someone about something that’s happening or something you are worried about:

Tracing your family

If you have lost contact with your family, the Red Cross may be able to assist. We can refer you to the Red Cross, who will contact you to arrange an appointment. They have offices throughout the UK which can be found at: 

Modern slavery

Modern slavery is a term that covers all forms of slavery, trafficking and exploitation. Trafficking includes transporting, recruiting or harbouring an individual with a view to them being exploited. Modern slavery crimes may involve, or take place alongside, a wide range of abuses and other criminal offences such as grievous bodily harm, assault, rape or child sexual abuse.

Victims of modern slavery can be men, women and children of any age across the world. 

To be considered a victim of human trafficking there must have been action (recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt) achieved by a means (threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability) for the purpose of exploitation (e.g. sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude, slavery, financial exploitation, illegal adoption, removal of organs).

For example, you may have been told you were coming to the UK to work legally, but once in the UK you have been forced to work as a domestic servant or as a prostitute, with threats of violence if you refused.

The National Referral Mechanism (known as the NRM) is the process by which people who may have been victims of modern slavery are identified, referred, assessed and supported in the United Kingdom.

The Salvation Army provides specialist support for all adult victims of modern slavery in the UK.

The confidential Referral Helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone who suspects that they, or someone they have come across, might be a victim of modern slavery in need of help.

You can also visit their websites for further information:

Help groups

Victims of torture

If you have been the victim of torture, you may need support from specialist organisations that work with torture victims. Freedom from Torture and the Helen Bamber Foundation are two charities, independent of the Home Office, that can provide medical and social care, practical assistance and psychological and physical therapy:

If you feel you are in need of assistance from one of these organisations, then your legal representative, your doctor (GP) or voluntary sector organisations can refer you to them. If you feel able to do so, you should also inform the officer who interviews you either at your asylum registration interview or at your substantive asylum interview.

Gender based violence and abuse

You may have suffered gender-based violence and/or abuse in your home country, in transit to the UK or whilst in the UK. This can include acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion (threats made against you that made you feel like you had no choice) and other deprivations of liberty.

If you have experienced this type of violence and/or abuse, you should disclose such information as soon as possible. We want you to feel safe so that you can tell us about any rape, sexual violence or other harm that you have suffered either in your country of origin or here in the UK. If you feel unable to tell a Home Office official, speak to your legal representative. If the violence and/or abuse has taken place in the UK, you should contact the police. You can also contact one of the specialist organisations below for independent advice and support:

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)

FGM is the mutilation of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is sometimes known as female circumcision, cutting or ‘sunna’. FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM. Offenders face a large fine and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

What can you do?

If you are worried about someone who is at risk of FGM or has had FGM after coming to the UK, then you must share this information with the police or with Social Services. It is their responsibility to investigate and protect any girls or women involved.

If you have been affected by FGM, you can contact Forward for information on the services available including one-to-one support:

Sexual and gender identity support

For advice, information and support if you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or another minority orientation or gender identity you can contact:

Living and working in the United Kingdom

Will I be given permission to work in the UK?

You are generally not allowed to work while your claim for asylum is being considered. However, if you have previously been given valid leave and Permission to Work in the UK, you should contact the asylum team considering your case to clarify whether you still have the right to work and whether there are any restrictions.

If we have not made a decision on your initial asylum claim after one year (and this delay is not attributed to you), you may request Permission to Work in certain job roles on the Immigration Salary List by completing the Permission to work (PTW1) Form.

This right will cease if your claim for asylum is finally determined as unsuccessful and your appeal rights are exhausted.

For more information on how to apply, see Working while an asylum claim is considered.

Will I be able to undertake any voluntary work?

You may undertake voluntary activity for a registered charity or voluntary organisation. However, you should check with the asylum team considering your case before you volunteer, as there are exceptions to this position. The activity must not amount to unpaid employment or payment in kind (such as you are being given something other than money in exchange for working, including, for example, accommodation).

Criminal and anti-social behaviour

Criminal and/or anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in the UK. Action may be taken against you if you are found taking part in:

  • rowdy, nuisance or intimidating behaviour

  • vandalism or graffiti

  • begging, fighting, spitting or anti-social drinking

  • using or selling drugs

  • carrying illegal weapons

  • not following road safety laws

  • dumping rubbish or abandoning cars

The carrying of offensive weapons, such as a knives, may result in a prison sentence.

Violence and sexual offences are serious crimes that deeply affect the lives of victims and warrant significant prison sentences. The age of sexual consent in the UK is 16.

Smoking ban

It is illegal to smoke inside public buildings or enclosed public spaces and business premises (this includes restaurants, shops, buses, trams, trains and hospitals). You may be prosecuted and fined for smoking in public places.

Driving laws

As an asylum claimant you are not entitled to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for a UK driving licence and you should not send your ARC to the DVLA to obtain a driving licence. Additionally, access to or ownership of a vehicle may affect your asylum support claim or ongoing support payments.

Driving laws in the UK may be different from those in your home country. If you have access to a vehicle, you must:

  • have a current and valid driving licence

  • have current and valid insurance cover allowing you to drive the vehicle

  • have a current and valid MOT certificate for the vehicle – which means the vehicle is safe to drive

  • have current and valid road tax for the vehicle

  • abide by UK traffic laws and drive on the left-hand side

Driving without any of the above is against the law. You could also be prosecuted if you drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (over the legal limit) or drugs, or if you use a mobile phone while driving.

Healthcare

Your asylum claim will not be affected by any illness or treatment you are receiving. You are entitled to see a doctor (GP) and have National Health Service (NHS) provided hospital care without charge. You may also receive free NHS prescriptions, dental and optical care.

You can check if you are eligible for NHS help with health cost HC2 certificates: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme/hc2-certificates-full-help-health-costs

Note that if you have resources of your own you may have to contribute to your healthcare costs by paying for your prescription medicines (England only). Prescription medicines in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are free of charge.

If you think that you may have tuberculosis (TB) or any other contagious disease, virus or infection you should seek medical assistance straight away.

Medical emergencies

If you require an ambulance for a medical emergency, that is a serious threat to life, then you should telephone 999 or 112 for the emergency services (ambulance, fire and police). Calls to emergency services are free of charge from a landline or mobile telephone. Always call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. Where you need medical help in non-emergency situations you can call 111.

Disability care needs

If you have a disability or special care need, you can contact your local Social Services to request a community care assessment. The local authority may decide to offer you accommodation and support.

Find your local council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Education

If any of your dependants are of compulsory school age, they must go to school. The compulsory age for a child to start full time education in the UK is the start of the autumn school term after the child’s fifth birthday. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compulsory education continues until the year the person is 16 (when someone can leave depends when their birthday occurs). In England, young people are required to be in school or training until they are 18. Further information can be found here: School leaving age

Reporting crime and emergency numbers

If you are the victim of a crime or if you have witnessed a crime, it is important that you report it to the police who will help you. You can go to your local police station or telephone 999 or 112 for emergency services and request police assistance for urgent help, for non-urgent issues you can contact the police on 101. Non urgent crimes can also be reported online.

For further information on reporting crime: https://www.gov.uk/contact-police

Harassment

Harassment is any unwelcome or hostile act carried out towards you and includes verbal or physical threats, abuse, or violence. If someone threatens you or has harmed you because of your age, a disability, your nationality, race, gender, gender reassignment, religion, belief, or sexual orientation you should report the incident to:

  • your local police station

  • your accommodation provider (if you are housed by the Home Office)

  • your asylum casework team who can help you contact the police or an accommodation provider

  • you should also inform your legal representative and/or the advisory services for asylum seekers

Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence and/or abuse is a criminal offence in the UK. It is defined as any threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or financial) between adults who are, or were, in a relationship together or between family members, regardless of gender, age or sexuality. If you are the victim of domestic violence, be aware that it is safe to report it.

Anything you tell us will not be passed on without your consent. Your identity and those of your dependants will be protected. You have choices about the types of protection you and your dependants receive. We will move you and your dependants into alternative accommodation.

Information can be provided by your accommodation provider (if accommodated by UK Visas and Immigration) and the advisory services for asylum seekers about how to get the support you need.

The following people or organisations will be able to assist you and your dependants to seek help and protection:

Complaints

We take complaints seriously. Our aim is to resolve complaints fairly and quickly. We will take steps to put things right when they have gone wrong and to learn lessons on how to improve our service. If you have a complaint, it will not affect your asylum claim. The procedure for making a complaint depends on the type of complaint that you want to make. You can make a complaint in person or in writing. You can pick up a leaflet from one of our public offices or read our complaints procedure at : https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration/about/complaints-procedure

Frequently asked questions

What if I don’t have evidence to prove my age?

If you claim to be under 18 years of age but your physical appearance and demeanour very strongly suggest you are significantly over 18, we will consider your asylum claim under adult procedures. If we do not think that you are significantly over 18 but we doubt you are the age you claim to be, you will be afforded the benefit of the doubt and treated as a child pending further consideration of your age, which may include a holistic Social Worker-led Age Assessment.

If you disagree with our decision to treat you as an adult, you may approach your Local Authority’s Children’s Services department who will decide whether a further assessment of your age is required.

What happens to my asylum claim if I travel abroad?

Your asylum claim will normally be considered as withdrawn if you leave the UK without first seeking our agreement.

How do I contact the Home Office?

We will give you contact numbers and addresses at which you can contact us. You are also required to keep us informed of your address and of any changes of address. You can update your address online by visiting www.visa-address-update.service.gov.uk. If you do not keep the Home Office up to date with your contact details your claim may be withdrawn.

Will I need to report to the Home Office?

If you did not have permission to enter or stay in the UK when you claimed asylum and you are not detained you will be given an Immigration Bail form, which will inform you of the bail conditions. You may be asked to attend reporting events as one of the conditions. You must make sure you follow any conditions you are given, as you may be committing an offence if you do not, you may be detained and or your asylum claim may be withdrawn.

If you still had Leave to Remain when you claimed asylum, then your conditions will be stated on the form IS248. If you do not follow your conditions, you may be detained. If you fail to attend a reporting event your asylum claim may also be withdrawn.

What if I wish to return home?

The Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) is available to support you at all stages of the asylum process if you decide that you wish to return home as you no longer want to claim asylum in the United Kingdom.

If you decide to make your own arrangements to leave the UK then you should inform the Home Office so that any documents can be returned to you and your asylum claim can be closed.

You can notify us directly or use the independent support services detailed within this guidance (see section 4 – Getting help and assistance to notify us).

If you need support to return home then the Home Office voluntary returns service can help you to make arrangements to return home including help with financing your return and financial support for when you arrive.

For details about how to use the Home Office voluntary returns service visit www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily

To apply online you will need to provide your UK residential address and an email address.

To speak to the Home Office voluntary returns service call 0300 004 0202 (lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

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