The information below has been prepared in light of the current Coronavirus outbreak.
For detailed up-to-date information about changes to Asylum/Immigration law in light of Coronavirus see: https://www.freemovement.org.uk/coronavirus/
If you already have a solicitor advising you about your immigration or asylum status you should contact them if you have questions about your status.
If you need legal advice about your immigration or asylum status we may be able to help you if:
You are an asylum seeker
The Home Office have paused face-to-face substantive asylum interviews. You can still prepare your asylum claim by trying to gather any documentary proof you may have about your Asylum claim. If you already have a solicitor helping with your claim contact them for further advice.
There has been no change to deadline to appeal, contact your solicitor as soon as you receive notification of the decision to reject your claim.
Most face-to-face appeal hearings have been suspended, the judge may decide that your appeal can be decided based on the papers and documents you have submitted. Contact your solicitor if you have questions about this including if you want to submit extra evidence.
The Government has announced that asylum seekers and refugees will not be asked to leave government accommodation until the end of June 2020.
You have been the victim of domestic violence and you are worried about the effect this may have on your immigration status
There are special rules for victims of domestic violence, we may be able to advise you about your immigration status or give you information about where you can get help.
You are or have been a victim of exploitation
You are a child under 18 and you have been separated from your parents or guardian
Special rules apply to children and young people under 18, we may be able to advise you or give you information about where to get help.
You are an EU citizen and you want to stay in the UK
You can still apply to the EU-settlement scheme: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families. If you encounter difficulties we may be able to help you, contact us by phone or e-mail.
If you are worried about your immigration status because your leave to remain will expire soon
We can only deal with some very specific non-EU immigration issues.
You can find the Government guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents#helpline
