Refugee Settlement

What Is Asylum & Refugee Status?

Refugee status is granted to individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country because of their:

• Race

• Religion

• Nationality

• Membership of a particular social group

• Political opinion

If successful, refugee status allows you to stay in the UK and access certain rights, including the right to work and study.

What Is Humanitarian Protection?

Humanitarian protection may be granted if you do not meet the strict definition of refugee status, but you would still face a real risk of serious harm if you returned to your home country. This includes risks such as:

• Torture

• Inhuman or degrading treatment

• Threat of death or indiscriminate violence due to armed conflict

Humanitarian protection allows you to remain in the UK with rights similar to refugees.

Who Can Apply for Refugee or Humanitarian Protection?

You may be able to claim protection in the UK if:

• You are physically present in the UK or arrive at the border

• You fear persecution or serious harm in your home country

• You cannot safely return

• You are unable to secure protection in another safe country

Each case is assessed individually and requires credible evidence of fear, risk and personal circumstances.

Key Requirements and Evidence

To support a claim for asylum or humanitarian protection, you will usually need to demonstrate:

Personal Risk

Documents or testimony showing you face persecution or serious harm.

Country of Origin Information

Reports or credible sources that corroborate the risk in your home country.

Credibility

Consistent, believable accounts of your personal circumstances.

Supporting Evidence

Medical reports, witness statements, official documents where available.

It’s important to know that many applicants do not have all documents at the start — evidence is gathered during the process.

Application Process — Overview

The process generally involves:

1. Making the claim

   • As soon as possible after arrival or while in the UK

2. Screening interview

   • Collecting identity and initial information

3. Substantive interview

   • Detailed account of your fear and reasons for claim

4. Decision

   • Issued by the Home Office after reviewing evidence

Processing times vary and depend on individual circumstances.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Granted?

If your claim is successful:

• You receive refugee status or humanitarian protection

• You are usually granted 5 years’ leave to remain

• You can work, study and access services

• You may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) after the qualifying period

Refugee and humanitarian protection status can provide a stable basis for building a life in the UK.

👉 See our settlement and ILR pages for how protection status feeds into long-term residence.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Refused?

Refugee claims can be refused for various reasons, including insufficient evidence of risk or failure to attend interviews.

If refused, you may have the right to appeal or request a reconsideration. Time limits often apply, so early advice is important.

How We Can Help

We support you through every stage of the protection process:

• Preparing your claim

• Reviewing your personal evidence

• Drafting supporting statements

• Preparing you for interviews

• Advising on appeals and next steps

We work with sensitivity and respect for your experiences, while maintaining clarity and professionalism.