Claiming Asylum

⚠️ Important 2026 changes:

From 2 March 2026 — refugee status is granted for 30 months (not 5 years as before), with subsequent review. Applies to new applications.
Applications before 1 March 2026 — still 5 years.
Family reunification visa temporarily suspended until spring 2026.

At the Airport

At passport control, tell the border officer that you want to claim asylum: "I want to claim asylum"
They will check your passport and carry out a preliminary interview (screening) right at the airport
An interpreter is provided free of charge
Your passport will be taken and you'll be given a temporary document

⚠️ Apply as soon as possible — delay makes your case harder. Do not pay any intermediaries!

If You Are Already in the UK

Call the Home Office: 0300 123 4193 to arrange a registration appointment
Attend the appointment with your passport and documents
You will go through registration and a screening interview
If you are in Northern Ireland — go to Drumkeen House, Upper Galwally, Belfast

Screening Interview

Takes place immediately after your claim is registered
You will be asked basic details: name, date of birth, country, travel route
Biometric data will be taken (fingerprints, photo)
After screening you will be issued a Bail 201 document

ARC Card

ARC (Application Registration Card) — your main document while your case is being considered. It arrives by post within 3 working days after screening.

If you live in a hotel or hostel — your ARC may be delivered to reception. Check with the staff.
If you haven't received it within 3 days and have no tracking number — fill in the ARC enquiry form: homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk
You can also email asylumcentralcommunicationshub@homeoffice.gov.uk

More about ARC, what you can do with it and how to replace it — on the ARC Card page.

What is Bail 201?

Bail 201 — a document issued after screening. It records the conditions of your stay:

Your details and case number
Address of residence
Dates for regular reporting (signing in)
Rights to work and study (if granted)

Keep your Bail 201 safe — it is a key document. It may be requested at any time.

What's Next?

Wait for the substantive interview — 2–8 weeks
Apply for Section 95 through Migrant Help (0808 8010 503) if you need accommodation
Register with a GP
Enrol in ESOL courses
Start looking for a Legal Aid lawyer

Unaccompanied Children

If you are a minor without an accompanying adult — contact the Refugee Council: children@refugeecouncil.org.uk