A concise guide explaining that the UK Home Office decides asylum claims, UNHCR UK does not process applications, and where to find government guidance and legal support
The asylum process can feel confusing and stressful. This guide clarifies who decides asylum claims in the UK, explains what UNHCR UK can — and cannot — do, and lists clear next steps to help people seeking protection.
Who decides asylum claims in the UK?
– The Home Office is responsible for registering and deciding asylum claims in the United Kingdom.
That includes initial registration, interviews, collecting evidence and issuing final decisions.
– UNHCR UK does not accept asylum applications or make asylum decisions in the UK. Its role is supportive: it offers guidance, advocacy and referrals, but it has no legal authority to grant protection within the UK system.
What UNHCR UK can and cannot do
Can:
– Provide general information about refugee protection and practical guidance on preparing a claim.
– Publish country guidance and resources that explain protection needs and common types of evidence.
– Refer people to specialist legal clinics, accredited advisers, charities, local reception services and community groups.
– Verify prior UNHCR registration from another country if that record exists (see below for how this helps).
Cannot:
– Accept or lodge asylum applications on someone’s behalf.
– Make or change Home Office decisions, or speed up Home Office processing.
– Provide case-specific legal advice or represent someone in court.
Registration, prior UNHCR records and why they matter
– If you were registered with UNHCR in another country before arriving in the UK, UNHCR UK can try to verify that registration. To do this, contact the official email address listed on UNHCR UK’s help pages and include the details they need to search their files.
– Verification of prior registration can strengthen your supporting evidence, but it does not replace submitting an asylum claim to the Home Office. You still must apply directly to UK authorities.
How to apply for asylum and where to get legal help
– You must be physically present in the UK to apply for asylum here. Applications are submitted to the Home Office — check the UK government service pages for step‑by‑step instructions, required documents and how to book appointments.
– Getting accredited legal advice early makes a real difference. A lawyer or adviser experienced in asylum law can help gather evidence, prepare you for interviews and explain the right legal grounds to pursue.
– Look for solicitors registered with the Law Society or advisers accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (or organisations listed under Legal Aid). UNHCR’s resources include lists of organisations to contact.
– Practical tips: ask any adviser for their accreditation and fee estimate; keep written records of all communications; make copies of your documents and store them safely; and track deadlines for submissions and appeals closely.
If you’re relocating or applying to another country from the UK
– UNHCR UK cannot relocate people from the UK to another country or submit asylum applications on someone’s behalf to third states.
– If you want asylum or resettlement in a different country, you must apply directly to that country’s authorities or through official channels they provide. Check embassy or migration service websites for exact rules and application steps.
– If your route involves transit through other countries, each transit country may have its own rules. Seek legal advice if you’re uncertain about admissibility, transit restrictions or documentation.
Where to find official guidance
– Start with the UK government’s official service pages for applying for asylum in the UK.
– For legal help, consult UNHCR’s lists of legal advice providers and reputable immigration charities. These organisations can point you to accredited advisers and specialist services.
– For information about asylum systems in other regions, UNHCR’s regional pages offer comparative summaries. These are useful for context but are not a substitute for country‑specific legal advice.
Practical next steps — a checklist
1. Read the UK government guidance on how to register an asylum claim.
2. Find an accredited legal adviser as soon as possible and ask for written confirmation of their accreditation and fees.
3. Gather and keep copies of all relevant documents (IDs, medical records, police reports, witness statements, previous registrations).
4. If applicable, contact UNHCR UK to request verification of prior UNHCR registration.
5. Keep records of all appointments, deadlines and communications with officials or advisers.
6. If you plan to apply to another country, contact that country’s embassy or migration authority and get legal advice on transit/admissibility issues.
Who to contact first
– UK Home Office: for filing the asylum application and official procedural steps.
– Accredited legal advisers or legal aid organisations: for case-specific legal advice and representation.
– UNHCR UK: for general information, referrals, and verification of past UNHCR registration (not for lodging claims).
Who decides asylum claims in the UK?
– The Home Office is responsible for registering and deciding asylum claims in the United Kingdom. That includes initial registration, interviews, collecting evidence and issuing final decisions.
– UNHCR UK does not accept asylum applications or make asylum decisions in the UK. Its role is supportive: it offers guidance, advocacy and referrals, but it has no legal authority to grant protection within the UK system.0
