How to apply for asylum
The first steps are the scariest — but also the most important: you need to ask for protection as early as possible. Here is a calm guide on where and how to claim asylum in the UK and what happens next.
This is general information, not legal advice. Skybow is not a registered immigration adviser (OISC/IAA).
Where and how to claim
You can apply in two ways. The first is right at the border when you arrive: tell the officer you are asking for asylum. The second is once you are already in the country, through the Home Office: you book by phone and come in for registration (Croydon, Lunar House). Either way, it is best not to wait — the sooner you ask, the better for your case. On the day you apply, they will take your fingerprints and photo, ask a few general questions (this is a short screening) and give you an ARC card (Application Registration Card) — your main document while your case is ongoing.
- On the call they will NOT ask why you're claiming asylum. Just simple questions: who you are, your family, where you live.
- Say straight away if you need an interpreter or are bringing children.
- Nowhere to live? Call anyway — they'll book you in and tell you what happens next.
Screening interview
The screening is a short first interview: name, nationality, how you travelled, and in general terms why you are asking for protection. You do not need to tell your full story here — that will come later, at the substantive interview. You are entitled to an interpreter. Answer honestly: the answers from the screening are later compared with your full account, and inconsistencies can harm your case. If you are not ready to talk about your orientation at this stage, you can say that you will explain the reasons in detail later.
What to bring with you
Take everything you have to hand: passport or travel document, any visa papers, your address, phone — and anything connected to your story. There is no strict list of “you won't be accepted without this”. Having no documents does not take away your right to ask for protection — just be honest about that. And if you can, find a solicitor under the free Legal Aid scheme in advance.
General process — on startnewlife.uk
A step-by-step breakdown of the application and the full list of screening questions are collected on startnewlife.uk — a Mendee CIC project on asylum. Here on Skybow, we focus on what matters specifically for an LGBTQ+ case.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can ask for protection from a border officer immediately on arrival — say you are claiming asylum. You can also do it later, while already in the country, but the earlier the better for your case.
A lawyer is not required to apply, but it is highly advisable to get one as early as possible — they can help you avoid mistakes at the screening and prepare for the interview. Free help under the Legal Aid scheme is available for asylum cases (links are in the 'Decision' section and from the organisations on the 'Apply for asylum' page).
Read next
Skybow is an information project by Mendee CIC. We are not a registered immigration adviser (OISC/IAA) and do not provide personal legal services. Everything here is general information, not advice on your case. Prepare your case and make decisions together with an adviser registered with the regulator (OISC/IAA) or a solicitor under the Legal Aid scheme. Laws and practice change — check gov.uk.