The asylum screening is your first formal interaction with the UK Home Office after you have claimed asylum. It is an initial interview where an immigration officer will gather basic but essential information about you and your claim. While the in-depth details of your persecution will be explored later in your main substantive interview, being well-prepared for the screening with the correct documents is a crucial first step.
This guide provides a comprehensive and detailed checklist of the documents you should prepare for your asylum screening appointment for yourself and any family members included in your claim. Proper preparation can help make the initial stage of the process smoother and more efficient. Our team of specialist asylum lawyers provides expert guidance from the very beginning, ensuring you are fully prepared for every stage of your claim, starting with the screening.
The Golden Rule: Bring Everything You Have
When it comes to your asylum claim, there is no such thing as too much information. The most important rule is to bring every official document you possess, even if you are not sure if it is relevant. Documents that seem unimportant to you might contain a key piece of information for the Home Office.
Core Identity and Travel Documents
These are the most important documents to establish who you are, your nationality, and how you travelled to the UK. If you have them, you must bring them.
- Passports and Travel Documents: This is the primary form of identification. Bring your current passport and any expired passports you may have. The entry and exit stamps can be a vital part of your history.
- National Identity Cards: Your official government-issued ID card from your home country.
- Birth Certificates: This is essential for confirming your identity, age, and family relationships, especially for any children applying with you.
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificates: This is crucial for proving your relationship to your partner if they are a dependant on your claim.
Supporting Documents to Help Your Application
In addition to your core identity documents, you should bring anything else you have that can help support the facts of your claim. While you will rely on these more in your main interview, it is good practice to bring them to the screening. This can include:
- School Records or University Certificates: These can help to establish your personal history, timeline, and background.
- Political Party Membership Cards or Letters: If your claim is based on your political opinion, this is direct evidence of your involvement.
- Court Documents or Police Reports: Any official documents from your home country that relate to the persecution you faced.
- Newspaper Articles or Online Reports: If the events that affected you were reported in the media, bring copies of these reports.
- Letters from religious organisations, NGOs, or other groups that can attest to your situation.
Essentially, bring anything you think will help your application. Your legal representative will be able to advise you on which of these documents are most powerful for your case.
Proof of Your UK Address: A Mandatory Requirement
If you are already in the UK when you claim asylum, you must bring documents that prove where you are currently living. The evidence required depends on your living situation.
If You are Living in Your Own Accommodation (Rented or Owned)
You must provide official documents that show your full name and current UK address. Examples of strong evidence include:
- A tenancy agreement in your name.
- A recent household utility bill (e.g., gas, electricity, water) or a council tax notice.
- A recent bank statement posted to your address.
- A housing benefit book or letter.
If You are Staying with Someone Else (e.g., a friend or relative)
If you do not have a formal tenancy, you must provide documents from the person you are staying with. You will need both of the following:
- A recent letter from the person you are staying with. This letter must be dated within the last 3 months and must explicitly confirm that they are giving you permission to live at their address.
- Proof of their address. You must also provide a document in their name that proves they live at that address. This can be their council tax notice, tenancy agreement, or a recent household bill.
How Our Legal Team Prepares You for Your Screening
Being properly prepared for your screening interview can set a positive tone for the rest of your asylum claim. Our specialist asylum lawyers will:
- Conduct a full review of all your personal documents, identifying which are the most important and relevant to your claim.
- Ensure you have the correct and sufficient proof of your UK address to meet the Home Office’s strict requirements.
- Prepare you for the types of questions you will be asked during the screening so you feel confident and ready.
- Advise you on your rights during the screening process.
Your asylum journey begins at the screening. Start it on the strongest possible footing. Contact our expert legal team today for a confidential consultation and comprehensive preparation.
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.