For Migrants
Understand immigration status, visa applications, asylum claims, nationality and the rights of people living in the UK.
Common Problems
Your Rights
Your Immigration Rights
Your fundamental rights in the UK regardless of immigration status: access to regulated legal representation and OISC-supervised advice, the right to claim asylum, the right to challenge unlawful detention, and statutory appeal rights against Home Office decisions.
Your Rights When Stopped by Immigration Officers
What immigration officers can and cannot do when they stop you, your right to legal advice, and what documents you must provide.
Your Rights When Facing Deportation
Your rights if the Home Office is seeking to deport or remove you from the UK, including appeal rights and human rights protections.
Your Rights as a Victim of Modern Slavery
Your legal rights if you are or have been a victim of slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking in the UK.
Key Legal Topics
Immigration & Asylum Law
Visas, asylum claims, deportation, right to remain, and the immigration tribunal system.
Refugee & Asylum Law
The framework for asylum claims in the UK: the 1951 Refugee Convention's persecution test as codified by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, Home Office decision-making and interviews, appeal rights to the First-tier Tribunal, and the non-refoulement principle that no one is returned to face persecution.
Nationality & Citizenship Law
British citizenship, naturalisation, deprivation of citizenship, and the Windrush legacy.
Human Rights & EU Retained Law
The Human Rights Act 1998, ECHR rights, and retained EU law post-Brexit.
Useful Guides
Applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation
Naturalisation as a British citizen is governed by section 6 of, and Schedule 1 to, the British Nationality Act 1981. Applicants must normally have lived in the UK for five years (three if married to a British citizen), have held settled status for a qualifying period, passed the Life in the UK Test, and met the good character requirement. The current total cost is £1,839: a £1,709 application fee plus a £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
Applying for Asylum in the UK
Anyone in the UK who fears persecution in their home country can claim asylum under the UK's obligations arising from the 1951 Refugee Convention. Claims are processed by the Home Office through screening, an asylum interview and a decision; a successful claim leads to refugee status or humanitarian protection, with the length of permission to stay depending on when the claim was made. Refused claims can usually be appealed to the First-tier Tribunal.
Applying for British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
How to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, including eligibility, the Life in the UK test, and the ceremony.
Getting a Visa to Work in the UK
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, including sponsorship requirements, eligibility, and the application process.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for Modern Slavery
How victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in England & Wales are identified and supported through the NRM.
Applying for Legal Aid
How to check eligibility and apply for legal aid funding in civil and criminal cases in England & Wales.
Legal Tools & Calculators
Frequently asked questions
- How can I check if an immigration adviser is legitimate?
- To protect yourself from unregulated immigration advisers, you must check that any adviser is registered with the OISC or is a solicitor regulated by the SRA. Relying on unregistered individuals can result in serious errors in your application, potentially leading to removal from the UK.
- Is legal aid available for immigration cases?
- Legal aid may be available for asylum cases. However, availability depends on specific criteria, so you should verify your eligibility before applying. For other immigration matters, such as visa or citizenship applications, legal aid is generally not mentioned as an option in this context.
- What immigration topics are covered for people living in the UK?
- This hub covers a range of topics, including applying for asylum, British citizenship, naturalisation, work visas, rights when stopped by police or border, deportation rights, and modern slavery referrals. It also addresses the rights of people living in the UK and the importance of understanding your immigration status.
- What are my rights if I am stopped by police or border officials?
- Yes, the content specifically addresses the rights of people who are stopped by police or at the border. It also covers deportation rights and the process for modern slavery referrals, ensuring that individuals understand their legal position during these interactions.
When to Get Legal Advice
Immigration law is complex and errors in applications can have serious consequences, including removal from the UK. Always seek advice from a qualified immigration solicitor or OISC-regulated adviser before making visa, asylum or citizenship applications. Legal aid may be available for asylum cases. Be cautious of unregulated immigration advisers — check that any adviser is registered with the OISC or is a solicitor regulated by the SRA.