Claim Asylum in the UK

If you are unable to return safely to your home country because you fear persecution or serious harm, you may be eligible to claim asylum in the UK.

Our IAA Level 3 immigration advisers provide confidential legal advice and professional representation throughout the asylum process.

👉 Contact Our Asylum Team 👈

Who Can Claim Asylum?

You may be eligible for asylum if you have a well-founded fear of persecution because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a particular social group, sexual orientation, gender identity or other relevant circumstances.

You will normally need to explain why you cannot obtain protection in your home country and why you cannot safely live in another part of that country.

Every asylum claim is assessed according to the applicant’s individual circumstances and supporting evidence.

The Asylum Claim Process

1. Initial Case Assessment

We assess your personal circumstances, immigration history, reasons for seeking protection and any potential risks or weaknesses in your case.

2. Asylum Screening

The Home Office will record your identity, immigration history, family circumstances and a brief explanation of why you are claiming asylum.

3. Preparation of Your Claim

We help you prepare your personal statement, organise supporting evidence and clearly present the facts and legal basis of your claim.

4. Substantive Asylum Interview

The Home Office will normally ask detailed questions about your experiences, your fear of returning to your home country and the evidence supporting your claim.

5. Home Office Decision

The Home Office will consider whether you qualify for refugee status, humanitarian protection or another form of permission to stay.

6. Appeal or Further Action

If your asylum claim is refused, you may have a right of appeal or other legal options. The appropriate next step will depend on your decision letter and individual circumstances.

How We Can Help

Our services may include:

• Assessing the strengths and risks of your claim
• Preparing your witness statement
• Reviewing and organising supporting evidence
• Preparing you for your asylum interview
• Making legal representations to the Home Office
• Advising on partners and children
• Advising following a delay, refusal or grant of status
• Representing you in an asylum appeal where instructed

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I claim asylum if I entered the UK with a visa?

💬 A person may claim asylum after entering the UK with a visa if they genuinely fear persecution or serious harm upon return. However, the timing of the claim and the reasons for any delay may be considered by the Home Office.

Q2: Can I claim asylum if my visa has expired?

💬 It may still be possible to claim asylum after your visa has expired. You should obtain legal advice as soon as possible because your immigration history will form part of the Home Office’s assessment.

Q3: What happens at the asylum interview?

💬 You will normally be asked detailed questions about your background, experiences, journey to the UK, reasons for seeking protection and fear of returning to your home country.

Q4: What evidence do I need?

💬 The evidence required depends on your particular circumstances. It may include identity documents, medical records, witness statements, messages, photographs and evidence of relevant conditions in your home country.

Q5: Can I work while waiting for a decision?

💬 This will depend on your immigration status when you claim asylum.

If you claim asylum before your existing visa expires and that visa permits you to work, you can normally continue working under the same conditions while your asylum claim is being considered.

If you claim asylum after your visa has expired, or your previous immigration permission did not allow you to work, you will not normally be permitted to work. In limited circumstances, you may be able to apply for permission to work if your asylum claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months and the delay was not caused by you.

Q6: Can I receive accommodation or financial support?

💬 If you do not have suitable accommodation or enough money to meet your essential living needs, you may be eligible to apply for asylum support.

Q7: What happens if my asylum claim is refused?

💬 You may have a right of appeal or another legal remedy. You should obtain legal advice immediately because strict time limits may apply.

Q8: How long will my asylum claim take?

💬 There is no guaranteed processing time. The length of the process will depend on the complexity of the case, the evidence required and Home Office processing times.

Important Notice

Asylum law is complex and every case is different. Making an asylum claim may affect your existing immigration position and you should obtain regulated legal advice before taking action.

The information on this page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any asylum claim, application or appeal.

Do You Need Protection in the UK?

Speak to one of our IAA Level 3 immigration advisers for a confidential assessment of your circumstances.

👉 Contact Our Asylum Team 👈