Eligibility Quiz
Are you currently physically present in the UK?
Requirements
To qualify for refugee status, you must demonstrate that you meet the specific criteria set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention. You must prove:
- Fear of Persecution: You have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular "social group" (e.g., your sexual orientation or gender identity).
- Failure of State Protection: You must show that the authorities in your home country (police, government, or courts) cannot or will not protect you from this persecution.
- Internal Relocation: You must demonstrate that there is no other part of your home country where you could live safely.
- First Safe Country (Inadmissibility): Under UK rules, your claim may be refused if you have a connection to a "safe third country" or if you traveled through a safe country where you could have reasonably claimed asylum before reaching the UK.
Disqualifiers
You will generally be disqualified from refugee status if:
- You are a citizen of an EU country.
- You have committed serious non-political crimes or are considered a threat to UK national security.
- You already have protection or a pending claim in another safe country.
Conditions & Warnings
Status is now subject to a mandatory review every 30 months; if your home country is deemed safe, your stay may not be renewed.
The path to permanent settlement (ILR) has been extended to 10 or 20 years depending on your case profile.
You must be physically present in the UK to apply; applications from abroad are not possible.
Qualifications
No language requirement for the initial grant of refugee status.
Fees
Application is free; exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Settlement (ILR) after 10-20 years costs £3,029.