What is the claiming asylum process?

A person goes through the claiming asylum process when they are at risk of being persecuted within their own country. This can be because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. To claim asylum in the UK, you must be unable to seek help from your own national country’s authorities. You must claim asylum from within the UK or from the UK border. The asylum process includes an application, an interview, and an extensive screening process.

You are advised to gain legal advice before or while going through the claiming asylum process. Our team of dedicated lawyers can help you to be fully prepared for this. We can provide urgent assistance and, with offices around the country, we will be able to meet with you whatever your location. Our services include a full document check and preparation of a Letter of Representation for those seeking asylum. This acts as a cover letter for your application and details the merits of your case while referencing any supporting immigration laws. Get in touch with us on 0333 363 8577 today or make an enquiry online to speak with one of our immigration lawyers about your asylum application.

 

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The process for claiming asylum FAQs

Am I eligible to make an asylum application?

If you are a foreign national and you can not live safely in your own country because of fear of persecution or harm, you may be able to claim asylum in the UK. You must live in a country in which your government or residing authority is unable or unwilling to keep you safe from this persecution.
To claim asylum, you must prove that you have sought support from your Home Country’s authorities and that this was refused.

How do I start the asylum process in the UK?

You must apply for asylum from within the UK or at the UK border, applications are usually made with an online tool.

It is important to submit your application for asylum as soon as you realise you cannot return to your home country.

How long does the asylum process take?

It usually takes about six months before a decision on whether to grant asylum to you is made by the Home Office.

However, it can take longer if documents need to be verified or more information is needed.

How can IAS help those seeking asylum?

The process of seeking asylum needs to be done quickly and properly and IAS can help you with this. Our highly-trained immigration lawyers offer immediate and urgent help and have years of experience working on asylum cases.

We have offices situated around the UK, so, wherever you are, we can help. One of our immigration lawyers can:

  • work with you to verify your status in your Home Country;
  • help you prepare for your screening process;
  • provide translation services;
  • check whether your dependents are eligible to come to the UK with you as their sponsor;
  • perform a full document check to ensure you have sufficient evidence of your identity for the Home Office;
  • prepare a Letter of Representation;
  • complete your application form for asylum to the highest possible standard;
  • guide you step-by-step through the claiming asylum process.

Contact us today for free on 0333 363 8577 or use our online form to speak with one of our dedicated immigration lawyers.

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Our Asylum Packages

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Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals

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Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as successful, smooth and stress-free as possible

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Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline

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Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any hearings/tribunals

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Our asylum lawyers

Our lawyers will guide you through the claiming asylum process, from start to finish. We offer free advice, application support and appeal representation for all those who qualify for asylum support, as we are a proud Legal Aid provider. Get in touch with us to find out how to begin the process of claiming asylum in the UK.

Adenrele Adejumobi

Immigration lawyer

Adenrele is a level 3 OISC accredited immigration lawyer who has vast experience in every corner of immigration law from Entry Clearance, to Asylum, to Appeals. Read More

Kurshida Begum

Immigration Lawyer

Kurshida initially qualified as a Barrister in 2010 and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor in May 2013 having undertaken training in the areas of immigration. Kurshida spent the first six years of her career working in busy Manchester practices before… Read More

Abigail Solomon

Casework Quality and Performance Manager

Abigail believes that every client that IAS take on should receive the best immigration service possible. She has recently been involved in a very high profile country guidance case on Eritrea as lead representative. This is very important for all… Read More

Guppy Singh

Immigration Lawyer

Guppy believes that migration can help economic growth within the UK in terms of workers. He is very interested in filling in gaps of job vacancies, from highly-skilled workers to manual labour workers.  He believes in providing a service that… Read More

Case studies

We are proud to have changed lives for the better. Here are some of their stories:

Parents Visiting in the UK

Harriet is dual Canadian-British Citizen who was currently living in the UK. She needed guidance on whether her Canadian Citizen parents would need a visa to enter the UK… Read More

Yuma: Tier 4 Student Visa

Yuma, a Japanese National, was accepted as a student in her chosen UK university. She was unclear about the process of coming over to the UK so she contacted… Read More

Anna: Tier 2 Work Visa

Anna, a Russian National, was promoted by her global company and was required to move her and her family to relocate to London.
However, under UK immigration rules, Anna… Read More

Matthew: Working on a Student Visa

Matthew, a US national, had been studying in the UK for three years with a Tier 4 General Student Visa.
He found a potential employer in the UK but… Read More

Melissa’s Daughter’s British Citizenship

Melissa and her child are Filipino nationals who came to the UK to join Melissa’s husband.
Complications with their initial application and insufficient information being provided resulted in her child’s… Read More

Horatio: Study Visa with University Sponsorship

Horatio was given a scholarship to study in the UK but has never left his home country, Paraguay.
The university contacted IAS and took over the application for Horatio.  IAS… Read More

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Fatou
Nasreen Ali is excellent. She helped me beyond any words can describe to get my indefinite leave to remain. My… Read More
Anonymous
Applying for a visa, any kind of visa is an arduous process. IAS was recommended to me by a friend… Read More
Anonymous

IAS evaluated my situation properly and successfully tailored my application to secure a happy result

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