Asylum seekers and refugees

Things to do while you wait for a decision

Don't wait to hear from the Home Office about your asylum application. Start to prepare for if you get a positive decision. Once you do get a decision, you will only have a few weeks before you need to leave your current Home Office accommodation.

Improve your English

Find English courses in Hertfordshire

You may also find some free online English courses, for example ESOL courses – free English lessons online.

Libraries in Hertfordshire – you can get free access to computers, the internet, books and newspapers.

Consider your budget

Find out what benefits you will be entitled to and work out your budget.

Housing – research what you can afford

In nearly all cases, the government will not provide you with accommodation once a decision has been made about your asylum application.

You will have less than 1 month to leave the Home Office property if you receive your right to remain.

Housing advice – including types of housing, paying rent and tenancy agreements.

Improve your chances of getting a job

Volunteering – this is a great way to improve employment skills and will help when you apply for paid jobs in the future.
Writing your CV (Curriculum Vitae) – a summary of your qualifications, skills and experience.

If you get a positive decision on your asylum application and become a refugee

You will need an up-to-date Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If you have not received your BRP, let your solicitor and accommodation know.

Check when your permit will arrive

After you get refugee status – Citizens Advice guidance on opening a bank account, working, housing and claiming benefits.

Speak to the district or borough council where you would like to live about housing options
Apply for Universal Credit – people who claim can get up to 85% off their childcare costs.

Jobs

Refugee Employability Programme – sign up for help to find a job and improve your skills.

Find a job

Find full and part-time jobs. You can use your Biometric Residence Permit as evidence of your immigration status in the UK, including your right to work. You can also prove your right to work at www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.
The Refugee Council can also help you get a job.
Employment support – apply for personalised support from an employment advisor, job coach or mentor.
Work skills courses in Hertfordshire

If you need to prove your qualifications, you could get a Statement of Comparability, even if the original documentation is not available.

Jobcentre Plus

Find your nearest Jobcentre Plus – they can:

offer courses for people looking for work, including how to write a CV (Curriculum Vitae – a summary of your qualifications, skills and experience) and preparing for interviews
share details of local employers who have job vacancies and support refugee schemes
offer help with travel costs to people who find employment. Temporary bus passes and cheaper travel cards may also be available.

Health

GPs (General Practitioners – doctors) are the main route for general and non-emergency healthcare.

Find your nearest GP

If you get a negative decision on your asylum application

You can't leave your temporary accommodation without an up-to-date Biometric Residence Permit, or if you're appealing a negative decision.

You will usually have 21 days to leave the UK after a negative decision, unless you appeal.

Booklet about your asylum application (GOV.UK)
Contact Migrant Help for further support.

Resources for Supporters (professionals & volunteers)