London, United Kingdom
Asylum is a form of international protection granted to people who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, persecution must be based on one of five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. You can apply for asylum in most countries if you are physically present in that country or at its border. You do not need a visa or legal status to make an asylum claim — the right to seek asylum is protected under international law regardless of how you entered the country.
The first step is to register your intention to claim asylum with the immigration authorities of the country where you are seeking protection. In the UK, this means attending a screening interview at an immigration office or port of entry. In the US, you must file Form I-589 within one year of arrival. In Canada, you make a claim at a port of entry or an inland IRCC office. In the EU, you apply at the first EU country you enter under the Dublin Regulation. Registration should happen as soon as possible after arrival — delays can weaken your claim, as authorities may question why you waited.
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful asylum claim. You will need to demonstrate two things: that you personally face persecution, and that conditions in your home country support your claim. Personal evidence includes your written statement (witness statement), identity documents, photographs, medical reports, police reports, and any correspondence that shows threats or persecution. Country evidence includes expert witness reports, human rights organisation publications, news articles, and government travel advisories about your home country. A country expert witness report from an independent specialist can significantly strengthen your case by providing tribunal-ready analysis of conditions specific to your nationality and claim type.
The asylum interview is the most important part of your claim. An immigration officer or judge will ask you detailed questions about why you left your country, what happened to you, and why you cannot return. The interview typically lasts between one and four hours. You will have an interpreter if you need one. Be honest, consistent, and as detailed as possible — vague answers can raise doubts about your credibility. If you cannot remember exact dates or details, say so rather than guessing. Prepare by reviewing your written statement beforehand and practising answers to likely questions with your legal representative.
After your interview, the authorities will review your evidence and make a decision. Processing times vary significantly by country: in the UK, initial decisions can take 6 to 12 months; in the US, asylum court backlogs mean cases can take 2 to 4 years; in Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board aims to decide within 2 months for some cases. During this waiting period, you may have the right to work, access healthcare, and receive financial support depending on the country. If your claim is refused, you usually have the right to appeal — this is where strong country expert evidence becomes especially important.
A country expert witness report is an independent, detailed analysis of human rights conditions in your home country, written by a qualified specialist. Judges and tribunals rely on these reports to understand the real risks you face if returned. Unlike general news articles or NGO reports, an expert witness report is tailored specifically to your nationality, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or social group — making it directly relevant to your individual claim. Human Rights Experts provides these reports for over 120 countries, prepared by academics, researchers, and former diplomats with deep regional expertise. Reports are typically delivered within 5 to 10 working days and are formatted to meet tribunal standards in the UK, US, Canada, and EU courts.
Request a country expert report for your case: Contact Human Rights Experts or browse our country coverage to find an expert for your nationality.
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but it is strongly recommended. Legal representation significantly improves your chances of success. Many countries have free legal aid for asylum seekers — ask at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (UK), legal aid organisation, or immigration court.
This depends on the country. In the UK, you can apply for permission to work if your claim has been pending for over 12 months. In the US, you can apply for a work permit (EAD) 150 days after filing your asylum application. In Canada, you can apply for a work permit once your claim is referred to the IRB.
If your claim is refused, you usually have the right to appeal. Appeal deadlines are strict — in the UK, you typically have 14 days to lodge an appeal. An appeal is a new hearing where you can present additional evidence, including country expert witness reports. Many refused claims succeed on appeal with stronger evidence.
Most countries allow recognised refugees to apply for family reunification. In the UK, you can apply to bring your spouse or partner and children under 18. In the US, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 on your application. Processing times and eligibility rules vary by country.
