The substantive asylum interview is the single most important event in your entire claim for protection in the UK. This is your main opportunity to explain, in your own words, exactly what has happened to you and why you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. The information you provide in this interview will form the primary basis upon which the Home Office caseworker will decide your fate.
Preparing for this long and detailed interview is absolutely essential. The stakes are incredibly high, and being ill-prepared can have devastating consequences for your claim. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect. Our team of specialist asylum lawyers is dedicated to providing meticulous and compassionate preparation for this critical interview, ensuring your story is heard, understood, and presented in the strongest possible legal context.
The Purpose and Importance of the Asylum Interview
The substantive interview is very different from the initial screening. Its purpose is to allow the caseworker to:
- Hear your full story: You must use this opportunity to explain in detail how you were persecuted and why you are afraid to go back.
- Ask detailed questions: The caseworker will probe your testimony to test its credibility and to understand every aspect of your claim.
- Gather all relevant information: You must tell the caseworker everything you want them to consider. Anything you fail to mention at this stage can be held against you later if you try to bring it up.
Failure to Attend: It is absolutely critical that you attend your scheduled interview. If you do not go, your asylum claim will almost certainly be treated as withdrawn, and you will have to start the entire process again.
What to Expect During the Interview
- Location and Format: Most asylum interviews are now conducted via video call. The audio of the interview will be recorded. You will be sent a letter telling you when and where you need to attend.
- Confidentiality: The information you share is strictly confidential. It will not be shared with the authorities in your home country.
- Interview Alone: You will usually be interviewed on your own, without your family members present, to allow you to speak freely.
- Professional Interpreter: A professional, independent interpreter will be provided if you need one. It is essential that you use this service if you are not completely fluent in English to ensure there are no misunderstandings.
- Difficult Topics: Be prepared to be asked questions about very difficult, traumatic, and personal events. While challenging, it is vital that you are as open and honest as possible to explain what has happened to you.
- The Interview Record: The caseworker will make detailed notes of everything you say. At the end of the interview, you will be given a copy of this ‘interview record’ to check for accuracy. It is crucial to read this carefully with your legal representative and correct any errors immediately.
Submitting Your Evidence: Proving Your Claim
Your testimony is the heart of your claim, but it must be supported by evidence wherever possible.
Core Identity Documents:
You must send your original identity documents (and those of your dependants) to the Home Office by post before your interview. This includes:
- Your passport
- National ID card
- Birth certificate
Evidence of Persecution:
You must email any and all evidence you have that supports your claim to the Home Office. This can include a vast range of documents, such as:
- Political party membership cards or letters
- Arrest warrants, court documents, or police reports
- Threatening letters or messages
- Medical or psychological reports detailing injuries or trauma
- Photographs or videos
- Country-specific expert reports and news articles
Your legal representative will be instrumental in helping you gather, organise, and submit this evidence in a way that creates a powerful and persuasive case.
The Essential Role of Your Legal Representative
You have the right to have a qualified legal representative (a solicitor or accredited advisor) present at your asylum interview. This is not a right you should waive. An expert legal representative is your most important ally in this process.
- Preparation is Key: A specialist lawyer will spend many hours with you before the interview, helping you to recall events, structure your testimony, and understand the types of questions you will be asked.
- Support During the Interview: Your representative will be present during the interview to provide legal support, ensure the interview is conducted fairly, and take their own detailed notes.
- Post-Interview Actions: After the interview, your lawyer will review the official interview record with you for accuracy and submit further legal arguments and evidence to the caseworker to address any issues that arose during the interview.
Your life and safety depend on the outcome of this interview. Do not face it alone. Contact our expert team of asylum lawyers today for a confidential consultation and let us provide the specialist preparation and representation you need and deserve.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.