Deciding to claim asylum is rarely a straightforward moment — it usually follows fear, uncertainty, and often a long and difficult journey. Understanding the process in advance, even in outline, can make it feel a little less daunting.
On this page
How and where to claim
An asylum claim is made in person — either on arrival in the UK at a port or airport, or, if you're already in the UK, by contacting the relevant Home Office team to arrange a screening appointment as soon as reasonably possible. There is currently no route to claim asylum from outside the UK or by post; you must be in the country to make the claim. Claiming as soon as possible after arrival is generally advisable, as delay can sometimes be used to question the credibility of a claim, even though there can be entirely legitimate reasons for a delay.
The screening interview
The screening interview is a relatively short, preliminary interview. Its purpose is to record your identity, nationality, basic background, and the general nature of your claim — not to explore the full details of why you fear returning to your country of origin. Fingerprints and biometric information are also taken at this stage. It's a good idea to be accurate and consistent even at this early stage, since inconsistencies between the screening interview and later stages can sometimes be used to question credibility, even where they arise from stress, trauma, or simple miscommunication rather than dishonesty.
You are entitled to an interpreter at every stage of the asylum process if English is not your first language, or if you would simply feel more comfortable communicating in another language. Never guess at questions you don't fully understand — always ask for clarification or an interpreter.
Support while your claim is decided
While your claim is being considered, you may be entitled to asylum support — accommodation and a small weekly allowance — if you would otherwise be destitute. You are also generally not permitted to work while your claim is pending, other than in limited circumstances after a claim has been outstanding for a significant period, subject to restrictions on the type of work permitted.
The substantive interview
The substantive interview is the detailed interview at the heart of the process, often lasting several hours. You will be asked to explain, in as much detail as possible, why you fear returning to your country of origin, and to respond to questions testing the consistency and plausibility of your account. Careful preparation — organising your account chronologically, gathering any supporting evidence, and understanding what the decision-maker will be looking for — makes a genuine difference to how well a substantive interview goes.
How a decision is reached
Following the substantive interview, a caseworker considers your account alongside any supporting evidence and country information about conditions in your country of origin, to decide whether you meet the legal definition of a refugee, or otherwise qualify for humanitarian protection. If your claim is refused, you will usually have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) — see our separate guide on how tribunal appeals work.