Free help · United Kingdom

Helping you start a new life in the United Kingdom

Practical information for refugees and asylum seekers — in plain language, without legal jargon.

Where to start → Telegram chat

Knowledge Base

What are you looking for?

Claiming Asylum

How to apply, screening, PIQ, what to bring, first steps.

What is ARC, when it arrives, Bail 201, what to do if lost.

Registering with a doctor, HC2, dentist, mental health.

Banks and Money

Account with ARC, ASPEN card, Section 95, budgeting.

Permission to Work, PTW1, NI Number, job searching.

Section 95/98, Migrant Help, renting after status.

Witness statement, preparation, submitting documents, AI.

Legal Aid, finding a solicitor, appeal, barrister.

ESOL, universities, scholarships, Coursera.

NHS 111, crisis support, therapists.

First Steps

What to do right
after arriving

A step-by-step plan for those who have just arrived in the United Kingdom.

01

Claim asylum

At the airport straightaway or call 0300 123 4193. Don't delay — it affects your case.

02

Get your ARC card

Arrives by post within 3 working days. This is your main document while you wait.

03

Register with a GP

Find the nearest clinic at nhs.uk. Healthcare is free for you.

04

Enrol in ESOL

English is the key to everything. Look for free courses at your nearest college.

05

Find a lawyer

Find a Legal Aid lawyer as soon as possible — places are limited and waiting lists are long.

Videos

Useful Videos

Our YouTube channel with detailed explainers on asylum topics.

How to pass the asylum interview

How to claim asylum: full guide

Appealing an asylum refusal

Asylum situation in 2024

LGBTQ+ asylum in the UK

First steps after getting your eVisa

Can you be self-employed while seeking asylum?

E-Visa, interview and Rwanda cancellation

University admissions for refugees

All videos on YouTube →

Stay in Touch

Help and Contacts

Our channels, emergency numbers and useful contacts — all in one place.

📢 Telegram Channel

News, legislation updates, decision statistics.

Subscribe →

💬 Telegram Chat

Mutual help chat for refugees. 800+ members, we answer questions.

Join chat →

▶ YouTube

Videos in Russian — interview, appeal, first steps, work.

Watch →

🏥 NHS 111

If you feel unwell and have no GP. Say you need an interpreter.

Call 111

🏠 Migrant Help

Free help with housing under Section 95/98.

0808 801 0503

⚖️ Home Office

Case documents, change of address, interview transcript.

Send email →

🆘 Samaritans

24/7 crisis support in many languages.

116 123 (free)

⚠️ All information on this website is of a general informational nature and does not constitute legal advice. We are not licensed lawyers. This information should not be used as the basis for legal decisions. Always consult a qualified professional about your specific case.