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Asylum

Immigration lawyers supporting those seeking to claim asylum in the UK.

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Your Legal Matters, Matter.

If you need legal advice around family or immigration law, get in touch with our team of solicitors. 

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Overview

You must apply for asylum if you wish to remain in the UK as a refugee. To be eligible, you must have left your home country and be unable to return due to a fear of persecution.

For more information, see the eligibility criteria for claiming asylum.

If you wish to come to the UK for another reason, such as work, study, or joining family, you should apply for the appropriate visa, such as a family of a settled person visa, if you are already in the UK.

You should apply for asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK or when it becomes unsafe for you to return to your home country. Delaying your application may increase the chances of it being refused.

When you apply, you will attend a meeting with an immigration officer for an initial assessment (known as a ‘screening’). After the screening, the Home Office will determine whether your asylum claim can be processed in the UK. If so, you will be invited to an asylum interview with a caseworker.

You will be informed of the decision regarding your application in due course. Providing false information on your asylum application can result in up to 2 years in prison or removal from the UK.

Table of Contents

UK Asylum Eligibility

To stay in the UK as a refugee, you must demonstrate that you cannot live safely in any part of your home country due to a fear of persecution.

If you are stateless, your home country refers to the place where you usually reside.

Persecution must be based on one of the following:

  • Your race
  • Your religion
  • Your nationality
  • Your political views
  • Any other characteristic that puts you at risk due to the social, cultural, religious, or political situation in your country, such as your gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

You must have been unable to receive protection from the authorities in your home country.

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UK Asylum Support

We offer expert legal support to individuals seeking asylum in the UK. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through each stage of the asylum process, from assessing your eligibility to submitting a well-prepared application with all required documentation. We ensure your case complies with the Home Office’s stringent requirements, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.

If your asylum claim is refused, our team will help you understand the reasons behind the decision and advise you on the most appropriate next steps, including appeals or reapplications. Our personalised approach ensures that any issues are addressed with care, safeguarding your rights throughout the process.

Once your asylum application is approved, UKVS Solicitors continues to provide support, including guidance on family reunification, applying for refugee status, and planning for your long-term future in the UK. With our professional expertise, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the UK asylum process.

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When your Asylum Claim May Not Be Considered

Your claim may not be assessed if:

  • You are from an EU country
  • You traveled to the UK through a ‘safe third country’
  • You have a connection to a safe third country where you could claim asylum

A ‘safe third country’ generally refers to a country where:

  • You are not a citizen
  • You are not at risk of harm
  • The country will not send you to another country where you would face harm

Required Documents for Your Asylum Screening

When attending your asylum screening, you must bring documents for yourself and any dependants (partner and children under 18). These documents are essential to support your application.

Key documents to bring, if available, include:

  • Passports and travel documents
  • Identification documents such as identity cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, or school records
  • Any additional documents that you believe will support your asylum claim

Proof of UK Address

If you’re already in the UK, you and your dependants must provide proof of your current address. The specific documents you need depend on your living situation.

If you’re living in your own accommodation, you’ll need documents that display your full name and address, such as:

  • Bank statements
  • Housing benefit books
  • Council tax notices
  • Tenancy agreements
  • Household bills

If you’re staying with someone else, you’ll need:

  • A recent letter (dated within the last 3 months) from the person you’re staying with, confirming that you have their permission to stay
  • Documents showing the full name and address of the person you’re staying with, such as their council tax notice, tenancy agreement, or household bill.

Family Members

You can include your partner and children under 18 as dependants on your asylum application if they are with you in the UK.

If your application is approved, any dependants listed will generally be allowed to stay for the same period as you. However, they will not automatically receive refugee status unless they submit their own asylum claim.

Refugee status grants protection under the Refugee Convention and provides opportunities such as applying for family reunion or a refugee integration loan.

Available Support

You may be eligible for assistance with:

  • Securing legal representation for your asylum claim
  • Living arrangements in the UK while awaiting a decision

Children Applying Alone

If you are a child without an adult relative also seeking asylum, you may apply independently.

A father embraces his child outside a tent in a Syrian refugee camp.

FAQs

How can I check my asylum case online status in the UK?

You can check your asylum application status by contacting the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service. Online case tracking options may also be available, depending on your case.

Can asylum seekers work in the UK?

Asylum seekers are generally not allowed to work in the UK. However, if your claim takes more than 12 months without a decision, you may apply for specific roles on the Shortage Occupation List.

How to claim asylum in the UK?

You can claim asylum by notifying UKVI upon arrival in the UK or soon after, either at the border or through a scheduled appointment. The process involves a screening interview followed by a substantive interview.

What percentage of asylum seekers are approved in the UK?

Approximately 50% of asylum claims are approved at the initial stage, with additional claims succeeding during appeals.

What jobs can asylum seekers do in the UK?

Asylum seekers can only work in roles on the Shortage Occupation List if they are eligible to work after waiting over 12 months for a decision.

How to apply for asylum in the UK?

You must register your claim with UKVI through an interview process that includes providing your details and evidence of persecution. For further guidance, contact a legal expert or a trusted organisation.

How much money do asylum seekers get in the UK?

Asylum seekers receive a weekly allowance of around £45 to cover essential needs, such as food and clothing.

Who is eligible for asylum in the UK?

To qualify for asylum, you must prove a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Is it hard to get asylum in the UK?

The process can be challenging due to the high burden of proof, administrative delays, and strict eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about any part of the process or need expert guidance, feel free to contact us. You can also reach us via email at info@myukvs.co.uk or call us using the number below. 

How long does asylum last in the UK?

If granted, asylum provides refugee status for five years, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Does asylum give you citizenship in the UK?

Asylum does not directly grant citizenship, but it provides a pathway. After five years of refugee status, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and then for British citizenship after holding ILR for one year.

What happens if you fail asylum?

If your asylum claim is denied, you can appeal, submit a fresh claim with new evidence, or face enforced removal from the UK.

How much does it cost to apply for asylum in the UK?

Applying for asylum is free of charge in the UK. However, legal representation costs may apply.

How long does it take to get asylum in the UK?

The government aims to resolve claims within six months, but delays are common, and some cases may take years to process.

Can you switch from asylum to a work visa?

Switching from asylum to a work visa is generally not allowed while your asylum claim is pending. If your claim is approved, other visa or employment opportunities may become available.

Get Legal Support

If you would like more advice or to discuss your legal matter with one of our solicitors, you can contact our team on 0161 843 9000 or complete our enquiry form at the top of the page.

Contact Us

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106 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JY

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First Floor Offices, 94 Withington Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8FA

Contact

  • Email:
    info@myukvs.co.uk
  • Manchester Office:
    +44 161 843 9000
  • Rochdale Office:
    +44 1706 276803
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UKVS Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

Registered office address is 106 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JY.

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