Legal Aid Navigator
Immigration & asylum
Help with visas, asylum claims, and immigration status. This page explains, in general terms, what kind of support exists — it does not tell you what will happen with your own application or case.
What kind of help is out there?
- Asylum claims — if you're seeking safety in the UK, specialist charities can explain the process and connect you with immigration advisers or solicitors.
- Visa and immigration status problems — free and low-cost advice is available for many situations, including settling in the UK, and challenging a decision.
- Legal aid — is available for asylum cases and some other immigration matters, though not all. Use the official checker to find out.
- Regulated immigration advisers — always check that anyone giving immigration advice is properly regulated, to protect yourself from bad or fraudulent advice.
Trusted services
Refugee Council
Support and advice for people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK.
JCWI
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants offers advice and campaigns for migrants' rights.
GOV.UK: claim asylum
Official guidance on how the asylum process works in the UK.
Civil Legal Advice
Check if you qualify for legal aid for an immigration or asylum matter.
Visit Civil Legal Advice (opens in a new tab)
Telephone: 0345 345 4 345
Citizens Advice
General guidance and signposting on immigration-related questions.
Law centres
Free legal help from local, not-for-profit specialists, some with immigration expertise.
A few terms explained
- Asylum
- Protection given by a country to someone fleeing persecution or serious harm in their own country.
- Leave to remain
- Official permission to stay in the UK for a period of time, or permanently.
- OISC
- The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner — the body that regulates most UK immigration advisers.