Claiming Asylum
Step-by-step guide to claiming asylum in the United Kingdom.
Important 2026 changes
From 2 March 2026 — refugee status is granted for 30 months (previously 5 years), with subsequent review. Applies to new applications.
Applications before 1 March 2026 — still 5 years.
Family reunification visa temporarily suspended until spring 2026.
What to do and in what order
Tap a step to see the details
Asylum in the UK — what it is and who qualifies
Asylum is the right to stay in the UK if you cannot return home because of persecution on grounds of political opinion, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or your political views. It is governed by the 1951 Refugee Convention and the UK Immigration Act 1971 (with 2023-2026 amendments). There is no separate "political asylum" procedure — everything is filed as an asylum claim. If granted, you receive refugee status — 30 months from March 2026, then extension and, over time, settlement (ILR).
What you need to know right now
- Claiming is free — at the border or inside the UK. No fee, no sponsor needed.
- A lawyer is free too — through Legal Aid. The state pays; you pay nothing.
- Housing + £49.18/week — Section 95 support while you wait, for you and your family.
- Processing time — on average 6-18 months in 2026. Current times →
- There is no "refugee visa" — asylum must be claimed inside the UK or at the border. You cannot apply from abroad.
Who can apply
Anyone in the UK who genuinely fears returning home because of persecution. You do not need to prove "everything" when you file — you explain why you are afraid and bring what supports it (documents, testimony, country news). The Home Office decides after the screening and substantive interview. More about the process →
Your rights and what the Home Office pays
1951 Convention — protection from deportation while your case is open.
Section 95 — housing + £49.18/week support.
Legal Aid — a free solicitor and barrister for asylum and appeals.
NHS — GP and hospital free with your ARC.
£49.18/week per person (adult or child).
+£5/week for a child under 3.
+£300 one-off Maternity Payment.
£0 housing — paid to the ASPEN card every Monday.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be deported if I entered illegally and then claimed asylum?
No. Article 31 of the 1951 Refugee Convention is clear: the way you arrived is not grounds for refusal or punishment. Say "I need asylum" at the border or at the Home Office in Croydon — your claim must be accepted. Delay can harm your case, so claim as soon as you can.
Can I work while waiting for my asylum decision?
As a general rule, no. If the Home Office has not decided within 12 months, you can apply for permission to work — but only in roles on the Immigration Salary List (such as doctors, nurses, engineers). For most people, volunteering is the realistic option.
How much does an asylum lawyer cost?
£0. For asylum and appeals, Legal Aid fully covers your solicitor and barrister. If a firm asks for a "deposit", that is a breach — report it to the SRA or IAA. Find a Legal Aid lawyer →
What is an ARC card and why do I need it?
An Application Registration Card (ARC) is the temporary ID for asylum seekers. You use it to register with a GP, receive ASPEN payments and enrol children in school. From 1 May 2026 the ARC is issued online via your UKVI account — there is no longer a physical plastic card.
What should I do if the Home Office refuses my claim?
Do not panic. You have 14 days from the date of the refusal letter to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, and about 50% of appeals succeed. After that come the Upper Tribunal and a fresh claim (Further Submissions, Para 353). Removal is only possible once all appeals are exhausted (ARE). Legal Aid covers the whole route for free.
Can the children of asylum seekers go to school?
Yes — it is compulsory. Every child aged 5-16 has the right to free schooling regardless of immigration status. The council allocates a place by your address. The GP and school register children using the ARC; a passport is not needed.
How much does the Home Office pay under Section 95 in 2026?
£49.18 per week for each person (adult or child), plus £5/week for a child under 3, plus a one-off £300 Maternity Payment for pregnant women. Housing is free: initial accommodation (until dispersal) and dispersed accommodation. Payments go to the ASPEN card every Monday.
I have 14 days to appeal — what do I do first?
1) The same day, call a Legal Aid appeals lawyer — free. 2) Gather the refusal letter and all your case documents. 3) Your lawyer files form IAFT-1 with the First-tier Tribunal. About 50% of appeals succeed. This is not deportation — it is a procedural deadline.