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:

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:

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:

  • 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

  • Your country of origin and why it’s unsafe for you to return

  • What stage in the process you are at (e.g. received a refusal letter)

  • If you have collected some evidence already and what this evidence is

  • Whether there are urgent deadlines in your asylum case

  • 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.