Immigration and Asylum
If you fear persecution and cannot safely return to your country, you may need advice about asylum or other protection grounds. SJS can discuss your circumstances and the stage your case has reached. Tell us promptly about any interview, reporting requirement, refusal or removal notice so that urgent issues can be identified.
Understanding your next steps
An asylum claim needs a truthful account of the reasons you fear return and the protection available to you. We can help identify the relevant history and evidence. You do not need to turn a difficult experience into a polished statement before seeking advice.
The process can involve screening and an interview about the claim, sometimes through a combined interview procedure. We can explain the purpose of the interview and help organise relevant documents. Tell us about language, health or other needs that may affect your participation.
A request for information or a refusal needs careful attention to what has been asked or decided. Where an appeal or other challenge may be available, we assess the decision and the deadline before advising on the next step.
A clear way forward
Tell us where you are, whether you have claimed asylum, and any appointment or deadline. Keep all Home Office papers and messages.
We discuss the events, family circumstances and documents relevant to the claim. Missing evidence and difficulties obtaining it should be explained honestly.
We set out what work can be undertaken, the costs and the next procedural steps, including any need for an interpreter or other professional evidence.
Planning ahead
We will explain the funding and fees for any work we agree to undertake. Some asylum matters may qualify for legal aid, but availability and the provider's arrangements must be checked; do not assume a private quotation is funded.
GOV.UK advises claiming on arrival or as soon as you believe return would be unsafe. Seek advice promptly, and do not miss an official appointment while waiting for a response to a general enquiry.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
No. Asylum concerns a need for protection from persecution. A wish to work, study or live with family may instead involve a different immigration route.
Do not delay seeking advice or ignore a deadline because documents are incomplete. Explain what is available, what is missing and why it may be difficult to obtain.
People seeking asylum are not usually allowed to work while the claim is considered. Any exception depends on specific rules and permission, which must be checked.
Send the complete decision and the date you received it promptly. The available appeal or other remedy and the applicable deadline need to be identified immediately.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
