How to Appeal an Asylum Refusal in the UK

If your asylum application has been refused by the Home Office, you may still have the right to challenge the decision. This is known as the asylum appeal process.

It can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options and acting quickly could give you another chance to stay in the UK legally.

In this guide, we explain what a refusal means, how to appeal, what documents you’ll need, and how a solicitor in Manchester can help you every step of the way.

What Does an Asylum Refusal Mean?

When the Home Office refuses your asylum application, it means they believe you do not meet the legal requirements to be recognised as a refugee or to be granted humanitarian protection.

You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons behind the decision. This letter also tells you whether you have a right to appeal.

If you do have the right, you can take your case to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), where a judge will review the Home Office’s decision and hear your side of the story.

Can I Appeal a Refused Asylum Claim in the UK?

You may be able to appeal if:

• Your asylum or humanitarian protection claim has been refused
• Your refugee status has been revoked
• Your human rights application was denied

You usually cannot appeal if you only asked for a visa or entry clearance and weren’t applying for protection.

If you can’t appeal, you might still be able to request an administrative review or apply for a judicial review, depending on your situation.

Step by Step Guide to the Asylum Appeal Process

Step 1: Check Your Right to Appeal

Your refusal letter will say whether you can appeal and how long you have to do so.

• If you’re in the UK: You have 14 days from the date the Home Office sent the decision.
• If you’re outside the UK: You have 28 days from the date you left the UK or received the decision.

If your deadline has passed, you can still try to appeal, but you’ll need to explain the delay and ask the tribunal to accept your late application.

Step 2: Submit Your Appeal

You can appeal following ways:

From inside the UK:

• Online via the MyHMCTS service 

From outside the UK:

• By using this link Online 

You’ll need:

• Your Home Office reference number
• A copy of your refusal letter
• Supporting documents
• A valid email or mobile number

Step 3: Oral vs Paper Hearing

When filling in your appeal form, you’ll be asked if you prefer a paper hearing (decision made based on your documents) or an oral hearing (you appear before a judge).

In most cases, it’s better to choose an oral hearing. This gives you the chance to explain your case in person and answer any questions from the tribunal.

You can also request:

• A private hearing (instead of public)
• A male or female judge
• A video or phone hearing (if you are outside the UK or in detention)

Step 4: Prepare for the Hearing

The tribunal will let you know when and where your hearing will take place usually by email or post. It may be:

• In person at a tribunal centre
• By video link or phone

Make sure you’re ready. This means:

• Reading your refusal letter and understanding why your claim was rejected
• Organising your evidence (see below)
• Being prepared to speak clearly about your experience and answer the judge’s questions

You may also need to attend a pre-hearing to check if you’re ready for the full hearing.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Evidence

Here are the documents you’ll typically need:

• Your completed appeal form
• A copy of your refusal letter
• Any letters explaining the reasons for refusal
• Evidence that supports your asylum claim (medical reports, news articles, witness statements)
• A translated copy of any documents not in English
• Any bail notices, removal directions or deportation orders (if you received them)
• An anonymity request form (if you want your name hidden from public documents)

Never send original documents only copies.

Appealing from Inside vs Outside the UK

Where You Are	Time Limit to Appeal
Inside UK	14 days
Outside UK	28 days
In detention	14 days

The steps are similar, but people appealing from outside the UK may face extra challenges like access to legal help or delays in receiving updates.

How Much Does an Asylum Appeal Cost?

• Without a hearing: £80
• With a hearing: £140

You may not have to pay if you receive legal aid or are on asylum support. If you do need to pay, you can do so online or include card details on your form.

What Happens After the Tribunal?

The First-tier Tribunal (FTT) will either:

Allow your appeal

• This means the Home Office has to reconsider its decision.
• You may not automatically be granted asylum but your case gets another review.

Dismiss your appeal

• The original refusal stands.
• You may be removed from the UK unless you take further action.

What If Your Appeal Is Rejected?

You may still be able to challenge the outcome if you believe the tribunal made a legal error. In this case, you can:

• Request permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal
• If denied, consider applying for a judicial review

Both routes can be complex and require legal advice.

RealLife Example: Turning a Refusal Into Protection

Rahul (not his real name) applied for asylum after fleeing political persecution. The Home Office rejected his claim, stating insufficient evidence. With the help of a solicitor in Manchester, he appealed the decision and provided medical records, a statement from a human rights group, and a personal testimony. At the oral hearing, the judge accepted his case. Rahul was granted refugee status and now lives safely in Greater Manchester.

FAQs: Asylum Appeals in the UK

How long does the asylum appeal process take?

On average, it can take a few months, but complex cases or those with missing documents may take longer.

Can I stay in the UK during the appeal?

Yes, if you’re appealing from inside the UK and you submitted your appeal within the time limit, you can usually remain legally in the country until a decision is made.

What if I win my appeal?

If you win, the Home Office will review its refusal and may grant you refugee status or another type of leave to remain.

Do I need a solicitor?

You are allowed to appeal without a solicitor, but having legal support improves your chances of success, especially during oral hearings or when submitting complex evidence.

Can I apply for asylum again if I lose my appeal?

Usually, no. You can’t simply submit another asylum claim unless there’s new evidence or circumstances for a Fresh Asylum Claim. You may, however, apply for a judicial review or appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Need Help with an Asylum Appeal in Manchester?

Dealing with a refused asylum claim can be incredibly stressful but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our immigration solicitors in Manchester have years of experience helping clients appeal Home Office decisions successfully.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 Or book your free consultation here