The asylum interview: how to prepare.
The big interview is the most important part of your claim. Here is what happens and how to get ready.
What this guide covers
The substantive interview, often called the big interview, is where a Home Office caseworker asks you in detail why you left your country and why you cannot go back. It can last many hours. What you say is written down and compared with everything else you say later. Preparation makes a real difference.
Before the interview
- Read your interview letter carefully: date, time, and whether it is by video or in person. Most interviews are now by video. If you need it in person, tell the Home Office early.
- Post original ID documents (birth certificate, passport, national ID card) to UKVI, PO Box 7782, Village Way, Bilston WV1 9QB, if you have them. Keep copies.
- Email evidence of what happened to you to the Home Office address on your letter. Documents not in English must be translated, and show who translated them.
- If you want a male or female interviewer or interpreter, ask the Home Office before the day.
- Meet your legal representative. Go through your statement, your dates and the documents.
- Tell your representative about any health problem, trauma or memory difficulty. It can affect how the interview should be run.
What you may be asked
Questions usually cover:
- Your identity, family, home area, education and work
- What happened to you, or what you fear will happen, and who would harm you
- Why the authorities in your country cannot protect you
- Why you could not move to another part of your country
- Your journey to the UK and why you did not claim asylum earlier, if you did not
- Questions to check what you know about your area, religion, group or political party
You may be asked about the same thing more than once, in different ways. That is normal. Take your time.
During the interview
Do
- Tell the whole truth, including painful things. Anything you leave out can count against you later.
- Give detail: who, what, where, when, how you felt
- Say if you do not understand a question or the interpreter
- Say if you do not know or do not remember, rather than guess
- Ask for a break if you need one
Do not
- Exaggerate or invent details
- Agree with something just to move on
- Hide problems with the interpreter: dialect matters
- Leave without checking you got the interview record (you should be given a copy at the end)
Who can be in the room
Usually you are interviewed without your family. An interpreter is provided if you need one. You can bring a legal representative. In some cases you can bring a friend, support worker or social worker instead of or as well as your representative, but not a family member or another asylum seeker, and you must tell the Home Office beforehand.
Legal aid does not usually pay for a lawyer to attend an adult's interview. Most of our work happens before and after it: preparing you, and correcting and adding to the record afterwards. Children are always accompanied by a responsible adult.
If you cannot attend
You can only rearrange for reasons outside your control, such as a medical or maternity appointment you cannot move, severe travel disruption, unexpected childcare problems, or being ill on the day (with medical evidence). Tell the Home Office before the interview, or no more than 7 days after it. If you miss it without a reason, your claim will usually be withdrawn.
After the interview
- Read the interview record (and listen to the recording if it was by video) with your representative and an interpreter.
- Send corrections and anything you did not get to say, quickly and in writing. We do this for you.
- Send any further evidence the caseworker asked for.
- Keep reporting and keep your address up to date while you wait for the decision.
Common questions
How long does the interview last?
It depends on the case. Many last several hours, and some people have more than one shorter interview.
Is the interview confidential?
Yes. What you say is confidential and is not shared with the authorities in your country.
What if I get upset?
That is understandable. Ask for a break. If you have medical evidence about trauma or mental health, tell your representative before the interview so it can be raised.
General information, not advice on your case
This guide is general information, not legal advice about your case. If you have a decision, a deadline or an interview coming, get advice.
Related guides
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