How long does the asylum claim process usually take?

The entire process typically takes between six and 24 months, though this timeframe is highly variable. The journey begins with a screening interview at an asylum intake unit, either at the port of entry or once you are in the UK. This is followed by a long, detailed substantive interview. After these stages, the Home Office makes a decision on your application, which may result in granting status or a refusal.

What happens during the substantive interview?

The substantive interview is a long and detailed session where you discuss the specific reasons for your claim. It is a critical part of the process where your evidence is examined. Usually, a solicitor and an interpreter will be present during this interview to assist you. This stage follows the initial screening interview and precedes the final decision by the Home Office.

What are the possible outcomes of an asylum decision?

The Home Office can grant refugee status, which provides five years of leave and a route to indefinite leave to remain. They may also grant humanitarian protection or leave outside the rules. If your claim is refused, you have the right to appeal. The decision depends on whether you qualify for protection under the Refugee Convention 1951 or other humanitarian grounds.

What can I do if my asylum claim is refused?

If your asylum claim is refused, you have 14 days to lodge an appeal with the Immigration and Asylum Chamber (IAC) of the First-tier Tribunal. This is the primary route for challenging a negative decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, there are further options, including appeals to the Upper Tribunal or the Court of Appeal, or making a fresh claim under specific immigration rules.

Where and when can I start an asylum claim?

You can claim asylum either at the port of entry when arriving in the UK or once you are already in the country. The process starts with a screening interview at an asylum intake unit, where your application is officially registered. This initial step is required before you can proceed to the substantive interview and the rest of the claim journey.

All Legal Journeys

Immigration Law

UK-wide

5 stages

6–24 months (highly variable)

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Asylum claim journey

From screening interview through substantive interview, decision, and appeal route.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Who Uses This Journey

Persons seeking refugee status under the Refugee Convention 1951 / humanitarian protection / leave outside the rules.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Claim asylum

At port of entry, or once in the UK — screening interview at the asylum intake unit. Application registered.

Substantive interview

Long detailed interview about the claim. Solicitor and interpreter usually present.

Decision

Home Office grants refugee status, humanitarian protection, leave outside rules, or refuses.

Possible Outcomes

Refugee status (5 years + ILR route)
Humanitarian protection
Refused — appeal route

Appeal to First-tier Tribunal

If refused, 14 days to appeal to the IAC.

Deadline: 14 days

Onward appeals / fresh claim

Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal, fresh claim under para 353 of the Immigration Rules.

Official Sources

Claim asylum in the UK

Frequently asked questions

How long does the asylum claim process usually take?: The entire process typically takes between six and 24 months, though this timeframe is highly variable. The journey begins with a screening interview at an asylum intake unit, either at the port of entry or once you are in the UK. This is followed by a long, detailed substantive interview. After these stages, the Home Office makes a decision on your application, which may result in granting status or a refusal.
What happens during the substantive interview?: The substantive interview is a long and detailed session where you discuss the specific reasons for your claim. It is a critical part of the process where your evidence is examined. Usually, a solicitor and an interpreter will be present during this interview to assist you. This stage follows the initial screening interview and precedes the final decision by the Home Office.
What are the possible outcomes of an asylum decision?: The Home Office can grant refugee status, which provides five years of leave and a route to indefinite leave to remain. They may also grant humanitarian protection or leave outside the rules. If your claim is refused, you have the right to appeal. The decision depends on whether you qualify for protection under the Refugee Convention 1951 or other humanitarian grounds.
What can I do if my asylum claim is refused?: If your asylum claim is refused, you have 14 days to lodge an appeal with the Immigration and Asylum Chamber (IAC) of the First-tier Tribunal. This is the primary route for challenging a negative decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, there are further options, including appeals to the Upper Tribunal or the Court of Appeal, or making a fresh claim under specific immigration rules.
Where and when can I start an asylum claim?: You can claim asylum either at the port of entry when arriving in the UK or once you are already in the country. The process starts with a screening interview at an asylum intake unit, where your application is officially registered. This initial step is required before you can proceed to the substantive interview and the rest of the claim journey.