Asylum refused: what to do next.
A refusal is serious, but it is often not the end. Act quickly.
What this guide covers
If your asylum claim is refused, the letter tells you why, and whether you have a right of appeal. Time limits are short. The most important thing is to get advice straight away.
Do these things today
- Check the date on the letter and the date you received it.
- Check whether you have a right of appeal. The letter says so.
- Send the letter to a legal adviser (you can send it to us through our form).
- Keep reporting and keep your address up to date.
If you have a right of appeal
If you are in the UK, you usually have 14 days from the date you received the letter to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Outside the UK, 28 days. Late appeals need a good reason, which is rarely accepted. Read appeals and your appeal hearing.
If you have no right of appeal
- Your claim may have been certified as clearly unfounded, or treated as inadmissible. A legal challenge such as judicial review may be possible. Get advice quickly.
- If your appeal rights have ended and something new has happened, a fresh claim may be possible.
Housing and money after a refusal
If you were getting asylum support, it continues for a short period after a final refusal. After that, you may be able to get short-term (section 4) support if you cannot leave the UK yet for a reason accepted by the Home Office. Read asylum support.
Removal and detention
If you do not appeal in time, or lose your appeal, the Home Office may ask you to leave. You can leave by yourself with help, or you may be removed: you get a letter first, and then you may be detained without warning. If you are detained, get advice at once. Read detention and bail.
Common questions
Can I claim again with the same reasons?
No. Further submissions must be based on new evidence the Home Office has not already seen.
Will legal aid pay for my appeal?
If the appeal has a reasonable chance of success and you pass the money test, yes. We check quickly.
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
Need advice on your own case?
We check legal aid first and tell you plainly where you stand.