Steps to take if you have received a negative asylum decision

Steps to take if you have received a negative asylum decision -

(Correct as of October 2024)

This page can help advise you on next steps, including:

1. Making an appeal

2. Leaving your accommodation

3. Other things to consider

4. Organisations that can help

A negative decision on your asylum claim means the asylum application has been refused by the Home Office.

Making an appeal

• First, contact your solicitor or legal representative to find out if you have the right to appeal. If you do not have a solicitor, look at the ‘Organisations that can help’ section below or find a legal aid advisor (external website).

• If you have already made an appeal (or are in the process of doing so) you may be eligible for asylum support and accommodation – contact Migrant Help as soon as possible.

• If the Home Office has stated that you are ‘appeal rights exhausted’ you should seek legal advice to find out what options may be available.

• You can find more information on appeals in the Right to Remain Toolkit (external website)

Leaving your accommodation

• If you do not appeal, you’ll have 21 days from date of decision to leave your accommodation. Your asylum support will end on the same day.

• If you are on Section 4 support and receive a negative decision, you will have 14 days before asylum support ends.

• A minimum of 7 days’ Notice to Quit must be given by Serco. If you have received a Notice that gives less than 7 days, contact Migrant Help.

Other important points

1. If you would like to return to your home country, you can apply for help through the Home Office Voluntary Returns Service (0300 004 0202). You should talk to one of the organisations below or get legal advice about this first.

2. If you have a barrier to leaving the UK, like a health condition, family ties, or you are preparing a fresh claim, you may continue to be eligible for asylum support (Section 4 support). Contact one of the organisations below.

3. If you have children under the age of 18, your asylum support and accommodation should continue until your youngest child turns 18. If you have children but have been told to leave your accommodation, contact Migrant Help

4. If you are an adult who needs extra care and support because of physical or mental impairment or illness, contact your Local Authority as they might be able to support you. If you need more advice, contact one of the organisations below.

Organisations that can help

Negative decision handout - inaccessible (PDF, 143KB)