As an asylum seeker in the UK, the asylum process involves seeking protection because you fear persecution in your home country. Once in the UK, you'll need to inform immigration officials of your intention to seek asylum. Following this, you'll undergo an interview to explain your reasons for seeking protection and provide any evidence supporting your claim. Throughout this process, you may be provided with accommodation and financial support. The asylum process can take time, but organisations such as the Welcome Project are here to help!
How to understand the asylum process in the UK
Before arriving in your dispersal accommodation, you will sit an initial screening interview and collect an Application Registration Card (ARC). These cards are usually sent to asylum seekers automatically following the screening interview, but there can be problems.
How to prepare for the screening interview
How to report ARC problems
The Home Office deals with all ARC problems. If your card is missing, stolen, damaged or delayed you can fill out a form here.
As an asylum seeker, you should find legal representation in the UK. You might qualify for free legal aid. The claim process is complex and legal help is crucial. It’s your job to seek legal representation, but help is available.
How to find a solicitor
The Home Office has a tool to see if you are eligible for free legal services
Migrant Help can help with finding legal assistance.
Justice First is a charity based in the North East who help asylum seekers and refugees with legal issues
Alternatively, there are solicitors in and around the area who may take your case
After your screening interview, if you're seeking asylum in the UK, you might be moved to a different place to live while your application is processed. This is called dispersal. The UK government decides where you go based on things like available housing and support services in different areas. You might be sent to live in a different city or town, but you can still apply for asylum and get help wherever you are sent.
Following your screening interview, you will be informed of the date of your upcoming main interview. Unfortunately, the wait for this date can be weeks or years.
The main (sometimes called ‘substantive’) interview is when you have the chance to put forward your case. It happens at a Home Office Interview Centre and will take several hours. You must be on time and prepared.
How to prepare for the main interview
Following your main interview, you will receive your decision from the Home Office - though it can take months (or even over a year) for the decision to be made.
What to do if you receive a positive decision
What to do if you receive a negative decision
Details
Find out more