UK Asylum and Refugee Protection Application

Claiming asylum is the start of the protection process in the UK. This guide covers who is eligible, what happens at screening, the interview, and your duties while you wait. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance (gov.uk/claim-asylum), September 2026.

Who is eligible

You cannot live safely in any part of your home country because you fear persecution.
The persecution is based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion, or on your social, cultural, religious or political situation — for example gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
You cannot get protection from your home country's authorities.

When a claim is not considered

You are from an EU country.
You came to the UK through a safe third country, or have a connection to one.

Apply as soon as possible

Claim when you arrive in the UK, or as soon as you believe returning home is unsafe. The general rule is that the later you claim, the more likely it is to be refused.

Screening

An immigration officer takes your photograph and fingerprints and interviews you about your identity and origin.
You are asked why you are claiming asylum, and you can bring written evidence and any documents you have.
You must declare any medication and medical information.
You can request a male or female interviewer, but it is not guaranteed.
At the border: tell a Border Force officer.
Already in the UK: call 0300 123 4193 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for an appointment. The call only asks basic questions. Your claim is not registered until you have been screened and it is accepted. Do not attend without an appointment.

Interview

After screening, the Home Office decides whether your claim can be considered in the UK. If it can, there is an asylum interview with a caseworker. This may be replaced by a single Single Protection Interview.

While you wait

Report as required.
Tell the Home Office of any change in your circumstances.
You usually cannot work while your claim is decided.
Help is available, including legal representation and support to live in the UK while you wait.

Family members

A partner and children under 18 can be added as dependants and can stay for the same period if the claim succeeds. They do not automatically get refugee status — they must apply in their own right.

False information

Giving false information can lead to up to 2 years in prison or being required to leave the UK.

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim asylum in the UK?
Claim as soon as you arrive in the UK, or as soon as you believe it is unsafe to return home. The later you claim, the more likely it is to be refused. You start with screening.

What happens at screening?
An immigration officer takes your photograph and fingerprints and interviews you about your identity and origin. You are asked why you are claiming asylum, and must declare any medication and medical information.

Where do I go?
At the border, tell a Border Force officer. If you are already in the country, call 0300 123 4193 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for an appointment. Do not attend a reporting centre without an appointment.

Can I work while I wait?
Usually you cannot work while your asylum claim is being decided. You must report as required and tell the Home Office of any change in your circumstances.

Do my family get refugee status with me?
A partner and children under 18 can be added as dependants and can stay for the same period if the claim succeeds, but they do not automatically get refugee status — they must apply in their own right.

What happens if I give false information?
Giving false information can lead to up to 2 years in prison or being required to leave the UK.

Source: GOV.UK, "Claim asylum in the UK" pages (gov.uk/claim-asylum, /eligibility, /screening) — retrieved 2026-09-29. Policy can change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you act.