How to foster a refugee child uk
Fostering Refugee & Asylum-Seeking Children
Being a foster carer can be one of the most rewarding careers imaginable.
Foster carers perform the amazing feat of loving and guiding children and young people from a troubled world to a bright and happy future with positive outcomes. They demonstrate what an affectionate home is like and show them the lifestyle and ways of being that assure a successful adulthood. They provide shelter when life’s storms wash over children who have suffered abuse, neglect, and loss.
Fostering refugee children in the UK
Fostering unaccompanied and asylum-seeking children is another challenge for fostering agencies such as Capstone Foster Care. These children are not being removed from their homes by local authorities because of abuse and neglect. They are being removed from countries by friends and families desperately seeking shelter and protection for their defenceless children who are in imminent danger of death and destruction.
When there is a refugee crisis, as there currently is, people in war-torn countries, and people who live in areas where they have little or no protection from harassment or persecution because of their religion, race, political beliefs, social group, or nationality become asylum seekers.
The journey of asylum-seeking child
It is an arduous journey from fear of death to the safety of the UK. There is a legal process they must go through to be in the country. In many cases, families send their children ahead of them. Sometimes these children, unaccompanied and asylum seeking, have an extended family member already in the country or a guardian who can take them into their home.
The journey to a new and different country, the seemingly endless red tape of bureaucracy, and the adjustment to leaving their parents and possibly siblings behind is enough trauma to endure. If they have family or friends who can take them in, at least they will have the familiarity of their own language and their own culture to sustain them through this chaotic time.
The role of fostering
If there is no one available to care for the unaccompanied Asylum Seeking child, the nearest local authority takes the child into care and finds a foster home for the child. This is a different type of foster care. The child may have come from a home that was safe and secure within itself while being in a very hostile world where no members of the family were secure.
The requirements for the foster carer are not the usual ones. While patience, compassion, and understanding are necessary regardless of the type of placement, with unaccompanied children fleeing life-threatening homelands, special fostering training is needed, so is an understanding of the child’s culture with the ability to nourish that culture.
While there are diverse cultures in the UK, there is a cultural continuity within the country. The institutions, organisations, climate, and community expectations are part of the UK child’s basic knowledge of the world around them. Children and young people entering the UK are coming from different climates and have experienced forms of violence against which there is no protection.
They have been forced to leave their parents and other family members with whom they had a loving bond and about whom they have very real concerns for their safety. The terror of living in a place where they were under attack and living in fear of death as part of their daily lives can leave these unaccompanied children potentially mentally and emotionally scarred. They need a lot of therapeutic support as well as the nurturing and caring that all children in care must have.
An extra stress factor for these children is that their families are not safe and they have no way of knowing if they will ever see their parents and siblings again. And here they are in a strange land, hearing a language that is not familiar to them, being with people who are not like them, and feeling the ever-present fear that has been part of their entire world for an unspecified period of time.
How Capstone helps
Capstone Foster Care strives to find homes for unaccompanied and asylum-seeking children that can provide the atmosphere that is appropriate in terms of language, culture, and religion.
We have received feedback from some of the unaccompanied children that we have placed, and they have described their positive experiences of foster care. The elements that made the placements positive for the children began with their sense of belonging and inclusion in their foster family.
One of the subtle but crucial assets that these children need to find in their foster homes is an atmosphere where their experiences are recognized but they are not pressured to talk about them if they do not want to. Conversely, if they want to talk about their experiences, they are allowed to.
Fostering an asylum seeking child calls for a deep compassion for the trauma they suffered externally as well as emotionally. They are likely to be homesick for a home that does not exist, and maybe never existed except in the contained confines of their parents’ love.
The child does not know if the UK is to be a forever home or if they will at some time be able to return to their native home.
The child does not know if they will ever see their parents again or if they do, will their parents come to them or will they return to their parents.
The child’s entire world is constructed on shifting sands. The role of the foster parent is to provide a solid and comforting basis that provides as much of an echo of the culture to which the child belongs. The foster carer has to protect the child’s heritage while opening a window to any eventual outcome and showing that it can be and will be a positive outcome.
Special Fostering Training
Some foster carers will have had backgrounds where they are aware of the type of support that unaccompanied children need. Our fostering team is able to provide the type of support required so that they can offer stability and suitable care to these young people and children. The team is on standby 24/7 to help in any situation.
Other foster carers may not have the essential background, so fostering services will provide their carers the training needed in order to highlight the needs of unaccompanied children and the roles and responsibilities of the foster carer.
In a perfect world, we could match the foster carers to the culture and language of the unaccompanied child. In the real world, we ensure that our foster carers make themselves culturally aware of the children’s backgrounds in order to understand their needs and issues.
Foster carers will need to find the right education provision for unaccompanied children and be ready, willing, and able to help them to achieve and promote learning. While the placement may not be a permanent one, it is entirely possible that the child will grow to adulthood in foster care. Fostering demands that carers find that delicate balance between living in the now and preparing for an uncertain future.
What’s different with fostering asylum seekers?
As with all children in care, unaccompanied children need to have an environment where they are able to build on their self-esteem and develop friendships with those around them.
However, with unaccompanied children, a plan must also be made that take into account that the children may receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK, possibly without their families.
It is also entirely possible that the child may be able to return home. Therefore, it’s important to consider return planning to prepare to meet the needs of these young people while they are in the UK without a long term immigration status.
There are also special requirements for support in accessing good quality legal representation for their asylum applications.
Looking at a case study of an asylum-seeking child from Albania gives insight into the reality of fostering in such a situation.
Case Study – from Foster Carer, Bechir, Capstone South East
As foster carers, we aim at change a child’s life, providing them with all the necessary tools to pave their way for a better life. But some children in care have a lot to offer too, children who you can benefit from their experiences, their personalities, their way of thinking and their moral convictions.
In my personal experience, with the foster child placed with us currently Aseldeen, he affected my life, he made me see the world differently.
I am a Muslim, a non-practicing Muslim, and that means I do everything as a Muslim except praying 5 times which without them I am not a true Muslim.
This boy moves in, and he just made us feel so small, weak and incomplete. Whatever he is going through in his life, being a child in care, away from homeland, away from his loved ones and living in uncertainty every day, however he never gave up his prayers or drifted away from his religion. I see this boy waking up early morning to do his dawn prayers, he never misses a prayer and when he does he gets very anxious, I give him credit for his commitment, punctuality and most importantly his beliefs, we all do; me, my wife and my children.
One day, me and my wife called him to the living room, I gave him a big hug and I told him” thank you so much, you don’t know what you have done for us, we have been waiting for you for a very long time”. I explained to him what I meant and that his way of life made us reflect on ourselves and especially on our relationship with God.
He was happy for us and he said it is good to pray because that is a fundamental element of Islam. For me, that is a life changing act, I feel good about myself, I feel closer to God. And that is thanks to Aseldeen, I wish him all the best and I will never forget what he did for us.”
Additional considerations fostering a refugee child
As well as the usual traits needed for being a foster carer, fostering unaccompanied and asylum seeking children and young people brings with it extra duties and special requirements.
You need to be acquainted with or trained in understanding the child’s culture - as well as being ready to deal with the psychological effects of being sent away from everything the child has ever known to a new country coupled with the trauma of being in a world where their families were in constant danger.
You need to be acquainted with the legal procedures regarding the child’s immigration status.
There are so many impediments, such as the language barrier, the isolation factor, new foods, new surroundings, all the official forms to complete, and a new home.
There are also so many uncertainties. Will this be their new home in the long term? Will they ever see their home country again? Is their family safe? Will they ever see their family again? If they do, will they return to their family or will they be reunited in the UK?
There is such a great need for foster carers who can provide the security and safety that provides the only answers available for the frightened unaccompanied and asylum seeking child.
If you want to find out more about how you could help by becoming a foster carer, please contact the Capstone team today by filling out an enquiry form.
Refugee Foster Care | Bethany
Two ways to help children entering the U.S. unaccompanied by a parent or guardian
Refugee children in crisis
Every day, over 40,000 families around the world are forced to flee their homes due to community violence, war, famine, natural disasters, and persecution.
Along the way, refugee families are sometimes separated due to death, illness, or imprisonment.
When family reunification is not possible, the best option is to be cared for by a foster care family.
Foster families provide a home for children who have often been separated from their families for years.
FAQs about long-term refugee foster care
- Where does Bethany offer long-term refugee and immigrant foster care?
- Who are the refugee children Bethany serves?
- Do I have to speak the same language as my foster kids?
- Does Bethany need more long-term foster families??
- Can I adopt a refugee child?
- How do the children come to the United States without parents?
- What are some of the challenges kids face even after they are in foster care?
- Is the training to be a long-term refugee foster parent the same as traditional foster care training?
- What are the major steps to becoming a foster parent?
- Do I need to be married? Can I have kids?
- What are the core qualities a foster parent should have?
- What support does Bethany provide for foster parents?
Where does Bethany offer long-term refugee and immigrant foster care?
We currently offer this program in the following areas:
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Northern California
Who are the refugee children Bethany serves?
Most of the children come from Central America, Asia, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
They are between 13–17 years old, although most are 15 or older. Many have lived in refugee camps for many years.
Do I have to speak the same language as my foster kids?
No. While bilingual parents make fantastic foster parents, it’s not required that you speak the same language as the children in your care. One of the biggest joys and challenges of refugee foster care is learning to connect with children from a different culture and language than your own. We provide specialized training and ongoing support to help refugee foster parents build bridges of understanding between themselves and the children in their care. This support includes access to translators and interpreters, as needed.
Does Bethany need more long-term foster families??
Yes. Bethany receives referrals each day for refugee children who need foster homes. We don’t have enough foster parents to accept all of these referrals. We need foster parents who are willing to open their hearts and homes to give kids an opportunity for a better life.
Can I adopt a refugee child?
Unaccompanied refugee minors are not legally eligible for adoption. However, many refugee foster parents develop deep connections with refugee children they’ve cared for in their homes, considering them part of the family.
What are some of the challenges kids face even after they are in foster care?
Education. Many of these kids have spent months fleeing and have lived in chaotic environments where educational opportunities were inconsistent or unavailable. They need foster parents who, along with their case manager, are willing to identify the educational services these kids need and help them with their homework as they begin to make up for the years of education they missed.
Trauma. Refugee children have experienced incredible levels of trauma. Some have seen their parents, family members, and friends lose their lives. These children need foster parents who will help them feel safe, loved, and supported.
Is the training to be a long-term refugee foster parent the same as traditional foster care training?
Most of the training is very similar, but you'll experience additional, in-depth trauma training. We begin with two hours of orientation followed by 30 hours of training over five weeks.
During this training, youth and foster parents may share their story. Hearing these stories puts all the information in context and helps you realize the difference you can make in a young person’s life.
What are the major steps to becoming a foster parent?
- Attend a free information meeting.
- Get certified.
- Receive training to support your foster child, including trauma training.
- Placement occurs when you welcome a child into your home.
- On-going support is available to help you through it all.
- Successfully parent your foster child into adulthood.
Do I need to be married? Can I have kids?
Foster parents can be single or married.
Many are already raising children. Some have never parented children before.
What are the core qualities a foster parent should have?
You need to be resilient, compassionate, and a good listener. You’ll be dealing with teens, trauma, and cultural differences. You’ll need to be patient and understanding as you help teens adjust to potentially unrealistic expectations of “life in America.” You'll also need a sense of humor as you enjoy the experience of welcoming a child from another culture into your family!
What support does Bethany provide for foster parents?
You’ll receive a support team composed of a licensing specialist, case manager, therapists, and more. We want every placement to be successful for both the family and the child, so we’ll work together to give you the support you need.
Long-term goals for refugee youth
As refugee youth work to heal from past trauma, they pursue goals of learning English, getting an education, and preparing for a future of independence.
It's important to understand the trauma and losses many refugee children have lived through, and how you can help support them as they heal and rebuild their lives.
Partnering to care for refugee youth
What is the cost of long-term refugee and immigrant foster care?
Foster parents receive a monthly, tax-free stipend. While it varies by state, most foster parents report it covers necessary expenses like food, clothing and school supplies. Foster children will receive Medicaid or another form of health insurance.
You will still discover additional out-of-pocket costs, which is why we recommend foster parents seek community resources and family support.
Remarkable stories of courage and resilience
Ready to take a next step?
Contact Us
We'll connect you with a specialist to talk about whether long-term refugee and immigrant foster care is right for you.
Contact Us
Attend a meeting
Information is power. When you attend a meeting in your area, you'll dive in deep, ask questions, and discover if refugee foster care is right for you.
Find a Meeting
| This page is for those who have a well-founded fear of being returned to their home country and are considering applying for asylum to the UK authorities. We warn those who wish to use the asylum option for economic reasons or simply because they do not want to return home. Such persons are unlikely to receive asylum. The country's authorities issue only a temporary residence permit valid for 5 years. This means that after these 5 years, your case will be reviewed and, if you are still in danger, you can receive permanent residence status in the country. A person who has been granted refugee status is allowed to bring to the UK their close relatives, such as a wife/husband and children under 18 years of age. Applying for asylumWhen you apply for asylum in the UK, you are asking the authorities to recognize you as a refugee in accordance with international law and the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Whether or not you qualify for protection under this Convention depends on whether you have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of your race, religion, national origin, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. You may also have other humanitarian or compelling reasons to stay in the UK, whereby rejecting your asylum application could violate your human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Your lawyer should explain to you whether it applies to your case or not. Principle of inadmissibility and “safe” third countryOn December 10, 2020, the Department of the Interior released a statement regarding changes to immigration rules regarding asylum applications. New changes to the Immigration Rules regarding the criterion of “ineligibility” for asylum applications read as follows: An asylum application may be considered inadmissible and not considered on the merits if the Home Office determines that [...] the applicant can enjoy adequate protection in a safe third country, including the principle of non-refoulement, because: a) they have already applied for protection in that country; or b) they could have filed an application for protection in that country, but did not do so and there were no exceptional circumstances preventing such an application, or C) they are connected with this country in such a way that it would be reasonable for them to go there to receive protection. Inadmissibility no longer depends on the other country reaccepting the asylum seeker. This guarantee was also removed from the "safe third country" basis for the claim to be declared inadmissible, along with the requirement that there be a "sufficient degree of connection". Who handles asylum applications?In the UK, the government agency responsible for deciding whether to grant asylum is the Home Office for Migration and Nationality (IND). How do I apply for asylum?You can apply for asylum
What happens after I apply for asylum?How your asylum application is processed depends on where you applied for asylum, i.e. immediately upon arrival in the country or after some stay in the country. Preliminary interviewAfter you apply for asylum, the authorities will conduct a preliminary interview with you, which can last from 40 minutes to a couple of hours. During this interview, they will verify your identity and find out how you got to the UK. Immigration officers will take your fingerprints and take a photo of you. At this stage, you should not be asked about the reasons why you want to apply for asylum. But if you have already been in the UK for some time and are now applying for asylum, they may ask you why you are applying for asylum. During the pre-interview, immigration officials will try to verify the following:
Immigration officials will also consider the following when conducting the initial interview:
Immigration officials will take notes during the pre-interview. You have the right to ask them for a copy of your interview with them. This will help you and your lawyer to further work on your asylum application. Remember that you are not required to sign them if you do not agree with what they say. Next, the following will happen to you
After a preliminary interview, the immigration authorities may offer you a special program for new asylum seekers, during which you will receive the necessary information about the asylum procedure, your rights and obligations while in the UK. Such a course takes place for one or two weeks in a special center or can be offered by one of the organizations working with refugees. In this case, the course lasts only one day. Basic asylum interview After the initial interview, the immigration officials will schedule a longer interview for you to ask you detailed questions about your asylum application. Before this interview, the authorities may give you a form to help you put the details of your case in writing. You must complete and return this form, usually within ten business days. This form is many pages long and quite difficult to complete on your own, so you should ask your lawyer to help you fill it out as quickly as possible. If you are completing the form in your native language, you will need to provide an English translation of the form. Along with the above form, immigration officials may give you another form called a "one stop notice". You should fill out this form if you think you have other humanitarian or sympathetic reasons for staying in the UK that are not related to your asylum application. During the interview, immigration officials will ask you about all the reasons that led you to apply for asylum. They will also compare what you say during the interview with what you already wrote on the form (if you were given one) and the NASS you may have filled out when you applied for public assistance and free housing. It is important that you provide as much detail as possible about your asylum application. The main immigration interview is not usually taped. If you or your lawyer would like the interview to be taped, you must notify the authorities 24 hours before the start of the interview. The authorities must provide you with tapes of the recording so that you can then turn it over to your lawyer. Detention The authorities have the right to detain some asylum seekers, but they must demonstrate that such detention is necessary. Very often authorities place people in detention when they believe they can make a quick decision about their asylum application, or when they believe that such a person will not keep in touch with them, i.e. "goes on the run". If the authorities decide to detain you, they must tell you in writing the reasons why they are detaining you. If you are allowed to stay temporarily in the country, the authorities expect you to check in regularly at the nearest police station. This is also necessary so they can contact you when they have made a decision on your asylum application or when they want to see you. What happens while I'm waiting for a decision? The authorities state that they currently aim to make decisions on asylum applications within two months. It is important that you notify the authorities at this time if you change your address, for example if you want to move to another apartment or stay with relatives or friends. You can do it yourself or have your attorney do it on your behalf. You must attend all interviews that the authorities ask you to attend. You must complete and return all forms issued to you by the authorities and within the strict deadlines. Failure to do so may mean that the authorities will not grant your asylum application because you did not comply with their requirements. If your asylum application is denied by the authorities, you will be able to appeal the refusal, although some asylum seekers will only be able to do so after they have left the UK. It is important that you contact your lawyer immediately to get help filing your appeal because you must file your appeal within a short period of time, usually 5 or 10 days depending on your specific situation.
Disclaimer: Law Firm Limited does not currently provide services in the category of Asylum & Protection, for further assistance contact our sister company LF Legal. |
In the event that the authorities decide that you are no longer in danger, you will be asked to leave the country. 
Asylum and human rights legislation is complex. Therefore, the help of a good lawyer is very important for you. Once you have applied for asylum, you will be treated by the authorities as an "asylum seeker". 
While this option is acceptable, the immigration authorities may wonder why you did not file an asylum claim at the earliest opportunity, i.e. while crossing the UK border. 
It can be a passport or other identity document. If you have such a document, you must take it with you to the control interview. Also bring documents for each family member, including children. If you do not have a valid identity document, immigration officials will ask why you do not have one. If you fail to provide a convincing explanation, you may be detained and charged with a criminal offense on the grounds that you entered the country illegally. If you find yourself in this situation, you should contact your lawyer immediately. Please note that this charge is not made against all asylum seekers, but only for those who do not have a valid identity document. If for some reason you do not have such a document, then you must provide a clear explanation why you do not have such a document with you. 
You may also be placed in a Displaced Persons Center (for women - Yarlswood; for men - Harmondsworth) until your asylum case is processed; 
This card confirms that you are an asylum seeker in the UK. This card is also proof that you are allowed to stay in the UK while the authorities are processing your asylum application. As of today, asylum seekers are not allowed to work for the first 12 months after they submit their application. Subsequently, your lawyer has the right to apply for a work permit for you. This is not a guaranteed right and you should not start work without permission from the authorities. 
If you are unable to complete this form or are unable to attend the main immigration interview, you must let them know as soon as possible. If they do not give you this form to testify, this means that they will decide on your asylum application based on the information you provide to them during the interview. 
You need to provide any additional evidence, such as doctor's certificates or newspaper reports, related to what happened to you in your country. It is very important that any information and evidence you provide to immigration officials is consistent with and supports your application. 
Your lawyer can challenge the decision and you could be set free. 
Asylum and refugee status in the UK
- Asylum and refugee status in the UK
- Apply for refugee status in the UK
- How to apply for refugee status in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2021-2022
- Documents for a refugee in the UK - how to get asylum for a family
- Settlement: refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK
Skip to content guide in obtaining asylum or refugee status in the UK
SUPPLY - REFUGEE - POLITICAL ASYLUM IN ENGLAND
- Overview of obtaining refugee status - asylum
- Eligibility for asylum or refugee status
- Apply refugee status
- Family reunification on asylum and refugee status
- Family applying for asylum as dependents
UK Asylum Status Review
You can apply for UK Settlement (known as 'indefinite leave') if you have a residence permit as:
- Refugee
- people with humanitarian protection
Check if you fit the category.
There is no fee to apply for settlement as a refugee or beneficiary of humanitarian protection.
Family members refugees or asylum
You can include your partner and any children on your settlement application if they are already in the UK as your dependents. This includes children born in the UK.
Check if your family member is eligible.
If your application is approved, your family members will have the same permission to stay in the UK as you.
If you cannot include your family members on your application to settle in the UK
If your family was established before you left your country, your partner and children can apply to be reunited with you in the UK.
Members of your family must apply for a visa to join you in the UK if one of the following conditions is met:
- they are not eligible to apply as a partner or child
- your family was formed after you left your country
If your application is approved, your family members will be allowed to stay in the UK for the same length of time as you.
Eligibility for Asylum and Refugee in England 2021-22
You can apply after 5 years in the UK as:
- Refugee
- someone with humanitarian protection
If your asylum application is rejected
Your settlement application may be denied if you have a criminal record or have been in prison - read why such applications are denied
If you still need humanitarian protection or are a refugee you can stay in the UK for more for 3 years. The rejection letter will explain what you were offered in lieu of a settlement.
Apply asylum status in England and Scotland 2021-2022
You must apply online. You will be told what documents you need to provide when you apply.
Get help using a computer to apply online for asylum and refugee status in 2021-2022
You can get help:
- access to a computer or the Internet
- search for information on GOV.
UK
You cannot get advice on:
- are you eligible to apply
- what information to include in your application
- application you have already made
Phone: 03333 445 675 from
Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Find out about call charges.
Text: VISA to 07537 416 944 \
[email protected]
Provision of biometric information and supporting documents for asylum and refugee in the UK
reception at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and photograph).
All children aged 6 and over who apply on your form must also provide biometric information.
You also need to provide supporting documents. You can:
- upload them to the online service
- they have scanned in your UKVCAS destination
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you have received a decision.
If you do so, your application will be withdrawn.
When to apply as a refugee in 2021-2022
You must apply within the last month of your current permission to remain in the UK.
Asylum fees in England
There is no fee to apply for settlement as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection.
Refugee family reunification in England and Scotland
Your partner or child can join or stay with you in the UK if:
- you were part of the family before you were forced to leave your country
- you have refugee status, 5 years of humanitarian protection or protection settlement but do not yet have British citizenship
Your partner or child cannot join you if:
- you have not received a decision on your asylum application
- you are under 18
If their application is approved, your family members will be allowed to come or stay in the UK with the same permission as you.
Eligibility for Refugee and Asylum in the UK 2021
Your partner and all children must meet the following requirements.
Refugee partner
Your partner is someone with whom you have a real relationship. You must prove one of the following:
- you are married
- you are in a civil partnership
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner can join you if:
- You were granted refugee status or humanitarian protection on or after October 9, 2006.
- you lived together in a relationship, such as marriage or civil partnership, for 2 years and were granted asylum or humanitarian protection after October 9, 2006
You and your partner must intend to live together and continue the relationship after they apply.
Refugee children
Your child:
- under 18
- I will live with you and your partner
- single or in a civil partnership
Your partner or child must apply online for family reunification.
You can apply on behalf of your child, but in most cases your partner must submit their own application.
They will also need to complete the VAF4A application form with Attachment 4.
They will need to have their fingerprints and photo taken (known as "biometric information") at the Visa Application Center as part of their application.
North Korea - how to apply for refugee status and asylum in the UK
Your partner or child cannot apply online if they are applying from North Korea.
They need to download the VAF4A application form with Annex 4.
They should read the form-filling guide and instructions for North Korea.
Apply as a refugee in the UK
Your partner or child can apply to live with you in the UK if all of the following conditions are met:
- you have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
- they submit their first application to stay with you and they are already in the UK
- they can prove their relationship before you leave your country due to persecution
They must submit a letter to:
UKVI Family Reunion Team
Administrative Unit
7th Floor
Capital Building
Liverpool
L3 9PP
Provide biometric information and supporting documents for refugee status and obtain asylum
When your family member applies, they will be asked to make an appointment with the Service and Support Center to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and verify supporting documents.
Fees for refugee status and asylum in England
There is no fee to apply for family reunification for eligible family members.
Family applying as refugee dependents
If you are a refugee or benefit from humanitarian protection, members of your family can apply for settlement on the same form as you if they are already in the UK.
Family members:
- your partner (husband, wife, civil partner or person with whom you were in a current relationship within 2 years prior to applying for settlement)
- your child or children are born in the UK or abroad
VisaSales.Ru
Eligibility for refugee processing UK
Your family members must have permission to stay with you in the UK:
- as your dependent at the same time you were granted asylum or humanitarian protection
- using family reunion route
Your non-UK born child is also eligible.
You need to provide evidence of your relationship - check the application form.
Children over 18 years of age - to obtain refugee/asylum status in England
You can only include your children over 18 years of age on your settlement application if:
- they were provided as your dependent when you received your original asylum permit and entry or stay permit
- they were granted permission to enter or stay by applying for family reunification
Other exceptions to asylum applications
You cannot include a partner or other dependent who:
- already has permission to remain in the UK in another category
- is currently in the UK without permission from
Apply for asylum in the UK
You must apply online. You will be told what documents you need to provide when you apply.
Get computer help to apply for asylum online
You can get help:
- access to a computer or the Internet
- search for information on GOV.
UK
You cannot get advice on:
- are you eligible to apply
- what information to include in your application
- application you have already made
Phone: 03333 445 675 from
Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Find out about call charges.
Text: 'VISA' to 07537 416 944 \
[email protected]
Provision of biometric information and supporting documents for asylum or a refugee document in the UK
When applying you will be asked to make an appointment at the service point of the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service ( UKVCAS) to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and photograph).
All children age 6 and older who apply on your form must also provide biometric information.
You also need to provide supporting documents. You can:
- upload them to the online service
- they have scanned in your UKVCAS destination
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you have received a decision.
If you do so, your application will be withdrawn.
You must apply within the last month of your current permission to remain in the UK.
UK Asylum Fees 2021 - 2022
There is no fee to apply to settle for a family member.
If your application for asylum in England and Scotland is rejected
If you have a criminal record or have been in prison, you may be denied settlement.
If you still need humanitarian protection or are a refugee, you can stay in the UK for an additional 3 years. The rejection letter will explain what you were offered in lieu of a settlement.
VisaSales.Ru
Go to the content of the manual
CONTENTS - BRITISH ASYLUM
- British Asylum Overview 2021-2022
- What will you get
- Eligibility
- How to claim
- Further information
You can get housing and money to support you and your family while you wait to find out if you will be granted asylum.
This also means your children will go to a free public school and you can get free health care from the National Health Service (NHS).
You can still apply for short-term support if you have been denied asylum and are about to leave the UK.
Call the Asylum Helpline for free asylum assistance or short-term support.
What you get as an asylum in England and Scotland
You can apply for housing, cash assistance or both as an asylum seeker.
UK Refugee and Asylum Corps
You will be given somewhere to live if you need it. It can be an apartment, a house, a hostel, or a bed and breakfast.
You cannot choose where you live. It is unlikely that you will be able to live in London or the South East of England.
You will receive £39.63 for each member of your family. This will help you pay for the things you need, such as food, clothing, and toiletries.
Your benefits will be transferred to your debit card (ASPEN card) every week.
You can use the card to withdraw cash from an ATM.
If you were denied asylum in England
You will be given:
- where to live
- GBP 39.63 per person on a payment card for food, clothing and toiletries.
You will not receive:
- a payment card if you do not accept an offer of accommodation
- some money
VikiVisa.Com 2021
You will get extra money to buy healthy food if you are pregnant or have a child under 3 years of age. The amount you receive will depend on your situation.
| Your situation | Weekly supplement |
| Pregnant mother | £3 |
| Infant up to 1 year old | £5 |
| Child 1 to 3 years old | £3 |
You can apply for a £300 maternity lump sum if your baby is due in 8 weeks or less, or if your baby is less than 6 weeks old.
If you were denied asylum in England and Scotland
You can apply for a lump sum maternity benefit of £250 if your baby is due in 8 weeks or less, or if your baby is under 6 weeks.
Applying for Maternity Benefit in the UK for Refugees and Asylum
You apply for Maternity Benefit in the same way whether you are applying for asylum or have been denied asylum.
You will need to request a MAT B1 form from your doctor to apply for payment. You can apply for maternity benefit at the same time you apply for asylum.
If you become pregnant after you applied for asylum, you can contact the support group that handled your asylum application.
Health care in the UK for refugees 2021-2022
You can get free National Health Service (NHS) health care, such as seeing a doctor or being treated in a hospital.
You will also receive:
- free prescriptions for medicines
- free dental care for your teeth
- free eye exams
- help pay for glasses
UK refugee education
Your children must attend school if they are between 5 and 17 years old.
All public schools are free and your children can get free school meals.
Eligibility - documents for refugee status in England
You can apply for asylum if you are homeless or have no money for food.
If you have been denied asylum in the UK 2021
You can ask for the following if you are homeless, have no money for food and can show that there is a reason why you cannot leave the UK yet:
- short-term housing
- help with prescriptions for medicines, dental care, eye exams and eyeglasses
- payment card for food and toiletries
Without accommodation, you will not receive a payment card and will not receive cash.
Submit the form to the asylum support group.
Asylum Support Group
PO Box 471
Dover
CT16 9FN
You can apply for additional support if the general allowance does not cover your needs.
You will have to show that you cannot satisfy your needs in any other way.
Read the Additional Support Guide.
Fill out the ASF2 form and contact Asylum Support. Details in the form.
Call the asylum hotline for help with applications.
VikiVisa.Com
If you are denied asylum in Wales and Northern Ireland
If you are denied asylum, you must return to your home country as soon as possible.
You can apply for short-term support by completing the ASF1 form.
You will need to complete a Section 4(2) health declaration if you have a specific health problem.
You can also ask for additional help (Section 4 (2) support, for example:
- medical appointment
- obtaining a birth certificate for your new child
- maternity benefits
Read Section 4(2) Support Guide.
Submit all forms to the Asylum Support Group by email or post.
Asylum support group
PO Box 471
Dover
CT16 9FN
ASCorrespondence@migranthelpuk.
org
Education for refugee children in the UK
Contact your local council if you have children and would like to apply for a place: 905 9005
elementary schoolUK Refugee Health
Contact the free National Health Service (NHS) 111 for help and advice about health problems when it is not an emergency.
NHS 111
Phone: 111
Text: 18001 111
Call NHS Help With Health Costs for help with prescriptions for medicines, dental care, eye exams and eyeglasses.
NHS Help with Medical Expenses for Refugees
Phone: 0300 330 1343
Find out about call costs
For more information about asylum support, contact the Customer Contact Centre. Email to make an appointment with ARC.
UK Refugee Contact Center
Asylum Support Services \ ASCorrespondence@migranthelpuk.
org
Phone: 0808 801 0503
Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
(24 hour emergency service)
Ask about the cost of calls
Further information for refugees in Scotland
Apply for asylum and asylum in the UK
but you were denied
Contact the Help Desk for Asylum in England
You can contact Migrant Help if your application for support was denied or if you have questions about your appeal against the decision.
VikiVisa.Com
Apply for a UK Home Office Travel Document
Skip to guide content
London Refugee Review
You can apply for a document to travel outside the UK if:
- you are not British
- you cannot use or obtain a passport from the national authorities of your country
- the national authorities of your country cannot issue you a new passport
If you have already applied for asylum or asylum in London 2021
Returning supporting documents due to coronavirus (COVID-19) is taking longer than usual.
If you change your address after applying, contact the Home Office immediately to let them know. If you do not, your documents may be sent to the wrong address.
Send an email to the Department of the Interior's Travel Documents Investigation Unit with "Change of Address" and your name in the subject line.
Home Office travel document inquiries
[email protected]
London Refugee Eligibility Documents and Deadlines
To apply you must be resident in the UK on one of the following reasons:
- you have permission to stay as a refugee or stateless person
- you have humanitarian protection and it is officially recognized that you are afraid of the national authorities of your country
- you have permission to live (known as 'permit to remain') or live in the UK (known as 'perpetual residence') but are unable to obtain a passport or travel document from the national authorities in your country.
