Claiming asylum
This page explains who can claim asylum in the UK, the requirements you must meet, and how you should make your application.
The UK has a proud tradition of providing a place of safety for genuine refugees. However, we are determined to refuse protection to those who do not need it, and we will take steps to remove those who have no valid grounds to stay here.
Who can claim asylum?
The requirements that you must meet if you want to be recognised as a refugee.
How to claim asylum
Information explaining how and where you should claim asylum.
Human rights applications
If you do not qualify for refugee status, we may give you temporary permission to stay for humanitarian or other reasons.
Latest News
Removing full right of appeal for family visitors
A clause in the Crime and Courts Bill, published today, will remove the full right of appeal for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor.
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A clause in the Crime and Courts Bill, published today, will remove the full right of appeal for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor.
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Priority visa service currently unavailable in Pakistan
Our priority visa service in Pakistan is currently unavailable because of technical problems. We are working to solve the technical problems as quickly as possible.
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Our priority visa service in Pakistan is currently unavailable because of technical problems. We are working to solve the technical problems as quickly as possible.
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Coming to the UK to watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games - new guides published
Information and advice on applying for a visa, knowing what to bring into the UK, reclaiming VAT, and knowing your rights and responsibilities whilst in the UK.
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Information and advice on applying for a visa, knowing what to bring into the UK, reclaiming VAT, and knowing your rights and responsibilities whilst in the UK.
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Visa application fees change on 6 April 2012
The previously announced fee increase for some overseas visa fees, and UK-based visa application fees, will take effect from 00:01 (UK time) on Friday 6 April 2012.
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The previously announced fee increase for some overseas visa fees, and UK-based visa application fees, will take effect from 00:01 (UK time) on Friday 6 April 2012.
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Changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 6 April 2012
As previously announced, a number of changes to the Immigration Rules are coming into effect on 6 April 2012. These include changes for migrants coming to the UK.
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As previously announced, a number of changes to the Immigration Rules are coming into effect on 6 April 2012. These include changes for migrants coming to the UK.
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Annual Tier 2 limit announcement
Following the Migration Advisory Committee report in October 2011 to advise on the 2012/13 annual limit for Tier 2 and associated policies the Government has announced that limits will remain the same.
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Following the Migration Advisory Committee report in October 2011 to advise on the 2012/13 annual limit for Tier 2 and associated policies the Government has announced that limits will remain the same.
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Premium service for sponsors - Tiers 2 and 5 launched
The premium customer service for sponsors has been developed to offer companies that sponsor international workers an enhanced level of customer service. The benefits include a dedicated contact point within the agency and access to public enquiry office appointments.
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The premium customer service for sponsors has been developed to offer companies that sponsor international workers an enhanced level of customer service. The benefits include a dedicated contact point within the agency and access to public enquiry office appointments.
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New versions of application forms if you apply on or after 6 April 2012
On 5 April 2012 we will publish new versions of some application forms. You should use the new forms if you apply on or after 6 April.
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On 5 April 2012 we will publish new versions of some application forms. You should use the new forms if you apply on or after 6 April.
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Online applications in Pakistan from 6 April 2012
The UK Border Agency in Pakistan will be accepting online visa applications from 6 April
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The UK Border Agency in Pakistan will be accepting online visa applications from 6 April
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