Claiming asylum in the UK: procedure and rights

You must be outside your own country and unable to live safely in any part of it because you fear persecution for your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, such as because of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, and have failed to get protection from your own authorities. Claims may not be considered in the UK if you are from an EU country, travelled through a safe third country or have a connection to one. You should claim on arrival or as soon as you think it would be unsafe to return; delay can count against you.

At the border you tell a Border Force officer you want to claim asylum. If you are already in the UK, call the asylum registration appointment line on 0300 123 4193 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to book a screening; do not turn up without an appointment. At screening you are photographed and fingerprinted and asked about your identity and route. The Home Office then decides whether the claim can be considered in the UK, sends an asylum registration card (ARC) and may send a questionnaire. A caseworker holds the substantive asylum interview, usually by video, where you explain what happened and why you fear return. Some nationalities, including EU, US and Canadian citizens, may receive a Single Protection Interview combining both stages.

A successful claim results in refugee status under the Refugee Convention or humanitarian protection. For claims made on or after 2 March 2026 the permission lasts at least 30 months and must be renewed within 28 days of expiry if protection is still needed; included partners and children usually get 30 months. Claims made before 2 March 2026 and unaccompanied children receive at least 5 years. Giving false information can lead to up to 2 years in prison or removal.

You can bring a legal representative and ask for an interpreter and a male or female interviewer. If you have no money or home you may get asylum support: accommodation and usually £49.18 per person per week on an ASPEN payment card, or £9.95 if meals are provided. You must attend reporting events; missing them can lead to withdrawal of the claim or detention. You will not usually be allowed to work while the claim is considered. Children, families with children, expectant mothers and torture survivors with independent evidence are not usually detained.

If the claim is refused you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). In the UK the appeal must be made within 14 days of receiving the decision, or 28 days if the letter says you must leave first. The tribunal fee is £82 without a hearing and £144 with one, and people receiving asylum support or legal aid may not have to pay it.

Asylum helplines run by charities explain the process, help find a solicitor and support you with housing and asylum support problems. You can get legal aid for asylum advice if eligible. To withdraw a claim, email the Asylum Central Communications Hub. Refugees and people with humanitarian protection can apply for a refugee integration loan after a grant.