Seek Asylum and Protection

With over 10 years of experience working in immigration law firms, Mr Rasheed provides detailed legal advice and services those who need asylum and protection in the UK. Our asylum solicitors in London have the experience you need with your asylum claim and appeal.

Our experienced immigration solicitors in London are here to help with all types of UK visas, asylum, nationality, appeals, or immigration issues. Call us today on 02039300554 to speak with our London immigration solicitors or book an appointment online for a confidential consultation.

UK Asylum Solicitors London

An asylum claim can only be considered once an individual has entered the United Kingdom. It is expected that an asylum seeker makes their claim at the earliest possible opportunity. While some individuals are able to claim asylum upon arrival at a UK port of entry, others may submit their claim at a later stage, depending on their personal circumstances or changes in the situation within their home country.

Family members may be included as dependants on a main asylum application, or they may choose to make separate individual claims, depending on their specific needs and circumstances.

If you are seeking asylum or wish to understand your rights and options, contact our experienced Immigration Solicitors today for expert legal advice. You can call the number at the top of this page or fill out the enquiry form below to reach us by email.

Eligibility for Asylum

To stay in the UK as a refugee you must be unable to live safely in any part of your own country because you fear persecution there.

If you’re stateless, your own country is the country you usually live in.

This persecution must be because of:

  • your race
  • your religion
  • your nationality
  • your political opinion
  • anything else that puts you at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in your country, for example, your gender, gender identity or sexual orientation

You must have failed to get protection from authorities in your own country.

Documents you must provide for Asylum

You’ll need documents for yourself and your dependants (partner and children under 18) for your asylum screening.

Documents you should bring (if you have them) include:

  • passports and travel documents
  • identification documents, for example identity cards, birth and marriage certificates or school records
  • anything you think will help your application

Documents to prove your UK address

If you’re already in the UK, you and your dependants must bring documents that prove your UK address.

You’ll need different documents depending on whether you’re living in your own accommodation or staying with someone else.

Living in your own accommodation

You’ll need to provide documents showing your full name and address. This could be a:

  • bank statement
  • housing benefit book
  • council tax notice
  • tenancy agreement
  • household bill

Staying with someone else

You’ll need to provide:

  • a recent letter (less than 3 months old) from the person you’re staying with to confirm you have their permission to stay
  • documents showing the full name and address of the person you’re staying with, like a council tax notice, tenancy agreement or household bill

Application Process

All claims for asylum, humanitarian protection, and human rights are decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), an agency of the Home Office.

We strongly advise that applicants seek legal advice as early as possible, ideally before making a claim, or immediately after doing so. Legal Aid is generally available for asylum claims and appeals.

2. Screening Interview

The process begins with a screening interview, during which the Home Office gathers personal information, travel history, and any previous asylum claims made in the UK or Europe. An application reference number is issued at this stage.

Asylum registration appointment line
Telephone: 0300 123 4193
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm
Friday, 9am to 4:30pm

At your screening you’ll:

  • be photographed
  • have your fingerprints taken
  • have an interview to check who you are and where you’re from

You’ll be asked why you want asylum. You can bring written evidence to support your claim if you want, as well as any other documents you need.

You’ll need to say if you or your dependants are taking any medication and give any relevant medical information. A dependant is your partner and any children under 18.

You will not be asked why you’re claiming asylum during this call.

Tell the asylum registration appointment line if:

  • you need to bring any dependants to your screening
  • you’re a child and need to be accompanied
  • you need an interpreter at your screening

3. Substantive Asylum Interview

Your asylum interview will usually take place soon after your screening.

You may be granted protection status without having to attend an interview. This will happen if there is enough evidence from your screening and your questionnaire, if you did one.

You can read about asylum claims where an interview may not be required.

Your application will usually be withdrawn if you do not go to your asylum interview. You’ll have to apply again if you still want to stay in the UK.

You’ll get a letter telling you when and where to attend your interview.

If your partner or children under 18 were included in your application as ‘dependants’ they may also need to attend an interview. The letter will tell you if they do.

This is a key stage where the applicant will describe to a caseworker the events that led them to flee and what they fear if returned to their country of origin. It is crucial that applicants are well-prepared and legally represented for this interview.

4. Decision

If successful, the applicant will either be:

  • Recognised as a refugee, or
  • Granted Humanitarian Protection, both of which normally lead to 5 years’ limited leave to remain with the possibility of applying for settlement afterwards.
  • Alternatively, they may be granted leave on human rights grounds, usually on the 10-year route to settlement.

Appeal Rights

If an asylum claim is refused, most applicants have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). Strict time limits apply, so prompt legal advice is essential.

Applicants are typically allowed to remain in the UK during the appeal process. However, in certain cases—such as those from countries deemed to produce clearly unfounded claims, or where asylum has already been claimed in a safe third country—an out-of-country appeal may be the only option.

These decisions can be challenged, including the Home Office’s use of a clearly unfounded certificate or a third-country removal direction.

Evidence you’ll need

You’ll need to send the following documents to the Home Office by post, if you have them:

  • birth certificate
  • passport
  • national ID card

These need to be the original versions and not copies. You should also send these identity documents for any dependants included in your application.

UK Visas and Immigration
PO Box 7782
Village Way
Bilston
WV1 9QB

You also need to email any evidence you have of your persecution, and any other evidence you think will help your application, to the Home Office.

asylumcentralcommunicationshub@homeoffice.gov.uk

If you cannot send your identity documents and evidence before your interview, you’ll need to send them after. You may be asked to send extra evidence to your caseworker after the interview if they think it might help your application.

Why Choose Our Immigration Solicitors In London?

Are you looking for trusted immigration solicitors in London to help you with your UK visa or immigration matter? Here are a few good reasons of why you should choose our immigration solicitors:

  • Our team of expert immigration solicitors in London has years of experience handling all types of UK visa and immigration matters.
  • We offer clear and competitive fees with flexible payment options, so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs.
  • Every case is different. We give personalised advice and solutions based on your unique situation.
  • We respond quickly, keep you updated, and work to meet all Home Office deadlines.
  • Whether it’s a Skilled Worker visa, Spouse visa, or British citizenship—we handle all UK immigration applications and appeals.
  • Our London immigration lawyers have a strong track record in winning difficult cases, including visa refusals and Judicial Reviews.
  • You can speak to our solicitors via phone, video call, or email—no need to travel to our office.
  • We are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring you get trusted and professional legal services.
  • Need urgent help? We offer same-day appointments to assist with last-minute applications or legal emergencies.
  • We help UK employers with Sponsor Licences, Skilled Worker visas, and compliance with immigration law.
  • Our office is based in London, Croydon, easily accessible by public transport for in-person appointments.