If you have been forced to leave your country and are unable to return because you fear you will be persecuted for your race, religion, nationality or political opinion. You will be allowed to stay in the UK and integrate into life in Britain if the authorities find your claims to be credible. We specialise in applying for asylum and we will be able to talk you through the process, advise you on what proof you will need to provide – if you are able to  and make the application for asylum on your behalf.

You may be in a position where you do not qualify for asylum but you need to stay in the UK so that your human rights are protected. In this instance, we will examine your case and help you obtain the right to stay in the UK until you are able to return home.

Applying for asylum

You will increase the chances of your application being accepted if you apply for asylum at the earliest possible opportunity. Contact us now if you need to make an application immediately.  

Screening

The first part of the asylum application process is an interview with the immigration authorities at the Croydon detention centre. At this interview you will be given the opportunity to explain why you need asylum. Your identity documents, if you have them, will be kept by the authorities until the end of the application process, at which stage they will be returned to you.

• If, at this stage, your case is considered straight-forward it may be categorised as Detained Fast Track (DFT) case. If your case is put in the DFT you will be detained while the decision to grant you asylum is considered.
• If your case is not suitable for the DFT process it will be sent to an immigration decision making team in the area of the UK you are currently staying in. Before you leave the centre you will be given an Application Registration Card (ARC) with your photo and details on it. This is a piece of ID to prove that you are an asylum seeker.
• If you are an asylum seeker under the age of 18 (minor) our Immigration and Asylum solicitors will be able to attend your screening interview with you.

First Meeting

After your screening the immigration authorities will schedule a first meeting for you and your case owner. This will usually take place less than 1 week after your screening. Your case owner will be a representative from the UK Border Agency who will be responsible for your asylum application. At this meeting they will explain the application process to you and collect your identity documents from you if you were unable to provide them at the screening.

Asylum Interview
At the asylum interview your reasons for coming to the UK to seek asylum will be heard and examined in details. If you do not attend this interview your application for asylum will be refused. It will take place about 1 week after the first meeting.  In limited circumstances our Immigration lawyers may be able to attend the interview with you.

Putting your case forward

Our immigration solicitors will be able to advise and assist you on gathering evidence in support of your application. This can be in the form of medical reports, psychiatric reports and evidence of human rights atrocities in the country of your origin.

Application outcome
The immigration authorities will try to make a decision regarding your status  within 1 month after you made the application for asylum. This can sometimes be delayed. We will follow up the progress of your application and inform you when a decision has been made.

If you wish to make an asylum application please contact us now to discuss your case.

Human Rights Applications

If you do not meet the requirements to be granted asylum you may still be allowed to stay in the UK if you need to stay here to protect your human rights. We can present your case expertly on your behalf and ensure your application is dealt correctly with the authorities. Our immigration solicitors can also advise you on submitting an appeal against a refusal of your Human Rights Application. 

Forced marriages
If you are being brought to the UK for the purposes or result of a forced marriage, the authorities will be able to provide you with the protection and support you need to either be safely returned home or settled into the UK if your human rights are at risk of being violated. We have considerable experience in dealing with the sensitive nature of forced marriage applications.

Abuse victims
If you are suffering abuse, we can help you in emergency situations. If your safety is at risk, we can act urgently to ensure you are protected from further harm.

If these issues affect you, you can find more information about how we can help you in our Family Law section.