If you’re LGBTQI+ and considering claiming asylum in the UK, we know it can be a difficult process. We’ve put together some resources and guidance to help you get started.
Understanding the asylum process
The asylum process in the UK involves several steps—from registering your claim to attending interviews and gathering evidence. To help you understand each part of the journey, we recommend the following:
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Our guide to claiming asylum (available in writing and subtitled videos in 11 languages). It includes information specific to LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum, like preparing your statement and collecting evidence:
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Right to Remain’s guide to the asylum process and this guide on finding a lawyer
- Please refer to Right to Remain toolkit for any further information you need on asylum process: What is Asylum? – Right to Remain
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Home Office instructions on how to register your asylum claim: Claim asylum in the UK: Register your asylum claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The details for the Asylum Intake Unit are as follows: Telephone: 0300 123 4193 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm, Friday, 9am to 4:30pm);
If you need housing or financial support, you can apply through Migrant Help.
Finding a Lawyer
We recommend seeking legal representation for any appeal or challenge to the Home Office’s decision.
Tips for finding a lawyer:
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Keep trying to contact law firms regularly, as their capacity can change. Always make a note of their responses in case you need to show you’ve been trying to get legal help.
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Check our list:
– Find a lawyer – (mainly London-based) -
Search for legal aid lawyers in your area:
– Find a legal aid lawyer in your area
– Find a solicitor – The Law Society website -
Some legal aid providers may still be accepting new cases, so it’s worth contacting them.
If you can afford to pay for a private immigration lawyer:
Please make sure your lawyer is registered with the Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
You can check their status here:
– IAAS register
– SRA register
If you have any concerns, please contact us.
What to include when contacting lawyers:
When you contact lawyers about taking your case, try to provide:
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The reasons why you have claimed or want to claim asylum – including if it is on the basis of your sexual orientation, gender identity and/or intersex characteristics
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Your country of origin and why it’s unsafe for you to return
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What stage in the process you are at (e.g. received a refusal letter)
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If you have collected some evidence already and what this evidence is
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Whether there are urgent deadlines in your asylum case
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Whether you are receiving housing or financial support from the Home Office and proof of this (e.g. a s.95 grant letter). This will help a lawyer assess whether you are eligible for legal aid (free representation).
Helpful resources on finding legal help:
Please note: Rainbow Migration cannot offer legal representation or carry out substantive work on your case, but we’re here to guide you and help you understand your options.