We know that the asylum process can be complex and difficult to navigate. We have put together a guide that takes you through all the stages. It will help you understand your rights and responsibilities, understand your situation and make informed decisions.

The Asylum Advice guide consists of the following sections.

Section 1: Migrant Help services

This section outlines the services Migrant Help provides to asylum seekers in the United Kingdom and how to access them. 

Read the full section.

Section 2: Claiming asylum

In this section, you can read about how to claim asylum in the UK. It also talks about what you can expect during your screening interview with the Home Office and how to complain if you feel you have been treated unfairly. There is also information about financial and accommodation support available, what health care you are entitled to, and the documents you will be given at, or shortly after the interview. It explains reporting requirements, accessing legal advice and your duty to inform the Home Office of any change of circumstances.

You can view the asylum process here.

Read the full section.

Section 3: Main asylum interview

Here you will find out about the main asylum interview and how to prepare for it, as well as a short overview of possible outcomes.

Read the full section.

Section 4: Post decision – positive

This section explains what happens after you have been granted leave to remain in the UK, what paperwork you will be given. It outlines the support Migrant Help can offer during the post-decision period.

Read the full section.

Section 5: Post decision – negative

This tells you about your options in case your claim has been refused, how to access legal advice and appeal against the decision. It explains what you can do if you become ‘appeal rights exhausted’, including the support Migrant Help can offer you. It also explains the Voluntary Returns Service.

Read the full section.

Section 6: Specialist support

Here you can find out about tracing your family, as well as support for victims of slavery, torture, sexual violence or female genital mutilation. It also tells you how to report a crime to the police.

Read the full section.

Section 7: Useful contact

This section contains contact details of other organisation that provide support and assistance to asylum seekers and refugees.

Read the full section.

We are working on translating the updated information into the top 10 languages used by asylum seekers in the UK and will make it available as soon as possible. 

You can still access the translation of the 2018 edition of the advice booklet on the link below. Please note that our free asylum helpline has a new number: 0808 8010 503.

Translated advice 

If you don’t find the information you need, you can call us on 0808 8010 503 for advice and guidance. We will provide an interpreter if you need one. You can also use our webchat on our Service User Portal (click on Contact us). You can also use the Service User Portal to complete application forms and can find information resources.

Please note that we are able to give advice on rights and entitlements but we are not able to provide legal advice or legal representation. If we cannot help, we will provide you with a list of qualified legal representatives.