Claiming Asylum in the UK: Complete Guide
What you need to know
- •You must claim asylum in person, either at the UK border or at the Asylum Intake Unit.
- •You will have a screening interview and then a substantive asylum interview.
- •Asylum support (accommodation and a weekly allowance) is available if you are destitute.
- •You cannot normally work, but may apply after 12 months of waiting.
- •If granted refugee status, you receive 5 years' leave to remain with a path to ILR and citizenship.
Claiming asylum is a legal right under international law. If you fear persecution in your home country, the UK has a process for assessing your claim and granting protection. This guide walks you through every stage: from your initial claim, through the screening and interview process, to the decision and beyond. It also explains the support available to you while you wait, and what happens if your claim is refused.
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What Is Asylum?
Asylum is a form of international protection. When a country grants asylum, it recognises that a person cannot safely return to their home country because they face persecution.
The right to seek asylum is established by the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, to which the UK is a signatory. Under UK law, you can claim asylum if you fear persecution because of your:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership of a particular social group (including gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics)
How to Claim Asylum
You must claim asylum in person. You cannot claim online or from outside the UK.
At the Border
If you are arriving in the UK, you can tell the immigration officer at the airport, seaport, or train terminal that you want to claim asylum. They will begin the process.
Inside the UK
If you are already in the UK, you should contact the Asylum Intake Unit to arrange an appointment. The unit is based in Croydon, south London. You will need to attend in person.
It is very important to claim asylum as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. Delays can affect your credibility during the assessment process.
The Asylum Process
The UK asylum process follows a structured series of steps:
Step 1: Screening Interview
When you first claim asylum, you will have a short screening interview. This is usually on the same day or very soon after. The purpose is to:
- Record your identity and personal details
- Understand the basic reasons for your claim
- Take your fingerprints and photograph
- Check if you have any documents
This is not the main interview. You do not need to give a detailed account of your claim at this stage. An interpreter will be provided if you need one.
Step 2: Asylum Registration Card (ARC)
After screening, you will receive an ARC card. This confirms your identity and that you have an active asylum claim. You must keep this card with you at all times.
Step 3: Substantive Asylum Interview
The substantive interview is the most important part of the process. A Home Office caseworker will ask you detailed questions about:
- Why you left your home country
- What persecution you have experienced or fear
- Who persecuted you (or who you fear will)
- Why you cannot get protection from your own government
- Your journey to the UK
You have the right to have a legal representative and an interpreter present. It is strongly recommended that you have legal representation. The interview can last several hours.
Step 4: Decision
After the interview, the caseworker will consider all the evidence and make a decision. There are three main outcomes:
- Refugee status. You are recognised as a refugee and given 5 years' leave to remain. You can work, access public services, and eventually apply for ILR and citizenship.
- Humanitarian protection. You do not qualify as a refugee under the Convention, but you face a real risk of serious harm if returned. You receive leave to remain (usually 5 years) with similar rights.
- Refusal. Your claim is refused. You have the right to appeal. See the section below on what to do if refused.
How Long Does It Take?
The Home Office aims to make decisions within 6 months. In practice, many claims take much longer. Some people wait a year or more for their substantive interview, and further months for a decision.
The waiting time depends on many factors, including the complexity of your case, the country you are from, and the current backlog in the system.
Asylum Support
If you cannot support yourself while your claim is being assessed, you can apply for asylum support from the Home Office. There are two types:
Section 95 Support
This is the main form of asylum support. It is available if you are destitute (you do not have enough money to house and feed yourself). It includes:
- Accommodation. The Home Office provides somewhere to live. You cannot choose the location. You may be placed anywhere in the UK.
- Financial support. A weekly allowance loaded onto a prepaid card. The current rate is approximately £49.18 per person per week.
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Section 4 Support
If your claim has been refused but you cannot leave the UK (for example, because it is not safe to return), you may qualify for Section 4 support. This provides basic accommodation and a reduced allowance.
Right to Work
Asylum seekers are not normally allowed to work in the UK. However, you may be able to apply for the right to work if:
- You have been waiting more than 12 months for an initial decision on your claim
- The delay is not your fault
If granted permission, you can only work in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. You cannot be self-employed.
Healthcare
Asylum seekers can access NHS healthcare in the UK. This includes:
- GP (doctor) services — free
- Hospital treatment — free
- Prescriptions — free (if receiving asylum support)
- Dental care — free (if receiving asylum support)
- Mental health services — available through the NHS
You should register with a local GP as soon as possible after arriving. You do not need proof of address or an ARC card to register, though it is helpful to bring any identity documents you have.
Children and Education
Children of asylum seekers have the right to free state education in the UK. This applies to children aged 5 to 16. Many local authorities also provide nursery places for younger children and support for older students.
Schools cannot refuse to enrol a child because of their immigration status. If you have difficulty enrolling your child in a school, contact the local authority for help.
Legal Representation
Getting a good lawyer is one of the most important things you can do. Asylum law is complex, and having legal representation significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
Legal aid is available for asylum cases. This means you can get free legal help if you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. To find a legal aid lawyer, you can:
- Ask the Home Office for a list of local legal representatives
- Contact the OISC register to find a regulated adviser
- Contact a charity such as the Refugee Council, Asylum Aid, or the Red Cross
If Your Claim Is Refused
If the Home Office refuses your asylum claim, you have options. See our detailed guide on what to do if your asylum claim is refused.
Appeal
You have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). You must normally submit your appeal within 14 days of receiving the refusal decision (or 28 days if you are outside the UK). Legal aid is available for appeals.
Fresh Claim
If you have new evidence or there has been a significant change in circumstances (in your country or your personal situation), you may be able to submit a fresh claim. This is a new asylum application based on new information.
Judicial Review
If you believe the decision was unlawful (for example, the Home Office did not follow its own procedures), you can apply for judicial review in the courts.
Refugee Status: What Happens Next
If your claim succeeds, you will be granted refugee status and receive 5 years' leave to remain. This gives you the right to:
- Work in any job without restriction
- Access public funds (benefits)
- Access NHS healthcare
- Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (if you cannot use your national passport)
- Apply for family reunion (to bring close family members to the UK)
Path to ILR and Citizenship
After 5 years with refugee status, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.
After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation.
Important Things to Know
- Claim as early as possible. Delays in claiming can affect your credibility.
- Be truthful. Dishonesty will seriously damage your claim. If you made false statements to enter the UK, explain why in your asylum interview.
- Keep all documents. Any evidence of persecution, identity, or your journey is important. Keep everything, even if it seems minor.
- Report changes. If you move address or your circumstances change, tell the Home Office and your lawyer immediately.
- Get legal help. Do not try to navigate the asylum process alone. Free legal help is available.
Useful Contacts
- Refugee Council: refugeecouncil.org.uk
- Asylum Aid: asylumaid.org.uk
- British Red Cross: redcross.org.uk
- GOV.UK asylum page: gov.uk/claim-asylum
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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