These FAQs provide an overview of the steps that follow a Home Office decision on an asylum application. It is intended to support communities by offering accurate information about the outcomes of asylum claims and the legal processes that may follow.
Key facts at a glance:
If an Asylum Claim Is Granted:
- The person can legally stay in the UK.
- They can work, study, and access public services
- Asylum support ends after a transition period of 28 to 56 days.
- They may receive help to find housing, employment, and integrate into their community.
If an Asylum Claim Is Refused:
- The person may have a right to appeal.
- New evidence can sometimes be submitted.
- Some support may continue in limited circumstances.
- Removal from the UK is generally considered only after legal processes have concluded
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The Home Office will decide whether a person qualifies for refugee status, humanitarian protection, another form of permission to stay, or whether their claim should be refused. The applicant will receive the decision in writing.
If the claim is successful:
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A positive decision means the Home Office has accepted that the person needs protection in the UK. They may be granted:
- Refugee status
- Humanitarian protection
- Another form of permission to stay
This allows them to remain legally in the UK.
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For claims made on or after 2 March 2026, individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection are normally given permission to stay in the UK for a minimum of 30 months, with the possibility of renewal if protection is still needed.
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Yes. Once protection status has been granted, individuals have the right to work in the UK without the restrictions that apply to asylum seekers. Like any other worker, they are expected to pay taxes and National Insurance where applicable.
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Yes. If eligible, refugees can access mainstream welfare benefits and public services in the same way as other residents with permission to stay in the UK.
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Asylum support does not continue indefinitely after a positive decision.
- Single adults without children normally have 28 days before asylum support ends.
- Families, pregnant women, older people, and some vulnerable individuals may receive up to 56 days before support ends.
During this period, people are expected to move into mainstream housing and support arrangements.
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Yes. After receiving a positive decision, individuals can rent accommodation, open bank accounts, obtain a National Insurance number if required, seek employment, attend education, and access public services.
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Various organisations, including local authorities, Migrant Help, community groups, charities, and Jobcentre Plus, may provide support with housing, employment, language learning, benefits, and integration into local communities.
If the claim Is refused:
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Not necessarily. Some individuals have the right to appeal against the decision or pursue other legal options before any removal action is taken.
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Often, yes. Many refused applicants have a right of appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), where a judge considers the case.
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An independent tribunal reviews the Home Office decision. The applicant and the Home Office can both present evidence and arguments. The tribunal will then decide whether the original decision should stand or be overturned.
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If the tribunal overturns the Home Office decision, the person may be granted refugee status, humanitarian protection, or another form of permission to remain in the UK.
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When there are no further appeal rights available, a person may become "appeal rights exhausted." At this stage, the Home Office may take steps to arrange departure from the UK.
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Sometimes. If significant new evidence becomes available that was not previously considered, further submissions may be made to the Home Office. The Home Office will decide whether the new information justifies a fresh claim.
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Support arrangements depend on individual circumstances. Some refused asylum seekers may still qualify for limited accommodation and financial support if they meet specific legal criteria, such as being unable to return to their country immediately.
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If all legal avenues have been exhausted and there is no lawful basis to remain in the UK, the Home Office may seek to arrange the individual's departure or removal.