Asylum Applications

Asylum is protection given by the UK to people who cannot safely return to their own country. Making a claim is a serious step, and the process can feel daunting, particularly after a difficult journey or traumatic experiences. We aim to explain each stage clearly, treat what you tell us in confidence, and help you present your account and evidence as fully and accurately as possible.

The Home Office expects a claim to be made on arrival in the UK, or as soon as a person believes it would be unsafe for them to return. Delay can count against a claim, so it is sensible to take advice early.

Who may qualify for protection

In outline, a person may be recognised as a refugee if they are outside their own country and cannot live safely in any part of it because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group (which can include, for example, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation), and they cannot obtain protection from their own authorities. Refugee status means the person is protected under the Refugee Convention.

Someone who does not meet the refugee definition may still be granted humanitarian protection if there are substantial grounds for believing that, if returned, they would face a real risk of serious harm, such as the death penalty, unlawful killing, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, or a serious threat to life from indiscriminate violence in armed conflict. Both forms of protection are subject to exclusions set out in the Immigration Rules.

How a claim is made

• At the border: a claim can be made on arrival by telling Border Force.
• Already in the UK: a screening appointment is booked by phoning the Home Office asylum registration line (details are on GOV.UK). The claim is not registered until the screening appointment has been attended.

Screening and the asylum interview

1. Screening: photographs and fingerprints are taken, and you are asked about your identity, your journey to the UK and, briefly, why you are claiming asylum.
2. Admissibility: the Home Office considers whether the claim can be dealt with in the UK. In some cases it may look at whether another safe country should consider it.
3. Substantive interview: a caseworker asks detailed questions about why you fear return. Most interviews now take place by video call. Missing the interview without a good reason usually leads to the claim being treated as withdrawn.
4. Decision: the Home Office considers your account, the evidence and information about conditions in your country.

For nationals of certain countries (EU and EEA states, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand), the Home Office may use a Single Protection Interview, which combines screening and the main interview, and a decision may follow straight after. Since 3 August 2026 the Immigration Rules also allow the personal interview to be omitted in some cases, including where the Home Office considers it can conclude from the application that the claim is clearly unfounded. Early advice is particularly important in these situations.

Evidence commonly relied on

• A detailed, consistent personal statement explaining what happened to you and why you fear return.
• Identity documents, where available, and an honest explanation where they are not.
• Country evidence about the situation in your home country, relevant to your particular circumstances.
• Medical evidence where relevant, for example of injuries or the effects of trauma.
• Supporting documents or statements from others, where these can be obtained safely.

It is important that everything provided is truthful. Giving false information can have serious consequences, including criminal penalties.

While your claim is pending

In outline, you are usually issued with an asylum registration card and may be asked to report to the Home Office regularly. You are usually not allowed to work while the claim is being decided. Keeping in contact with the Home Office and attending every appointment matters: missed contact can lead to a claim being treated as withdrawn.

Possible outcomes

• Grant of refugee status or humanitarian protection, with permission to stay in the UK (see below on leave length).
• Refusal with a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, which must usually be lodged within 14 days if you are in the UK. See our immigration appeals page.
• Refusal and certification as "clearly unfounded". A certified claim carries no right of appeal, and judicial review may be the only way to challenge the decision. Time limits are short, so urgent advice is essential.

Recent changes to the length of protection leave

The length of permission granted now depends on the date the claim was made, not the date of the decision:

• Claims (or further submissions) made on or after 2 March 2026: those granted protection generally receive permission for at least 30 months, which may be renewed if protection is still needed.
• Claims made before that date: those granted protection generally receive 5 years.
• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children continue to receive 5 years.

The Government has announced wider reforms to protection, which are proposals only and not yet in force. Our refugee and humanitarian protection page explains more.

How Stonebridge can help

• A confidential consultation to understand your situation and explain the process.
• Helping you prepare a clear, detailed personal statement.
• Identifying and gathering supporting evidence, including country and, where appropriate, medical evidence.
• Preparing you for the screening and substantive interviews.
• Written representations to the Home Office and correspondence on your behalf.
• Advising promptly on your options after a decision, including appeal or judicial review.

Every claim is different and no outcome can be guaranteed, but careful preparation can make a real difference to how your account is understood. If you, or someone you know, needs advice about claiming asylum, please book a confidential consultation.