Your decision and what next

If you have been granted refugee status in the UK, this means:

You may legally remain in the UK for five years from the date you are a recognised as a refugee or in need of Humanitarian Protection
You can access public services, for example healthcare and schools
You may work
You may apply for social-welfare benefits to support you to live and find work
You can apply to stay permanently in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') after five years

Once you are recognised as a refugee by the Government's Home Office, you should read your decision letter carefully. It contains important information about the support you are entitled to, and what you need to do next.

Make sure you know the date when your support will stop. Start the steps for your move on immediately.

The Home Office will notify Migrant Help about the outcome of your asylum claim. Migrant Help will contact you within one working day, and they:

Can provide advice about accessing benefits, housing and other services before your asylum support ends
Can help you book an appointment at your local Jobcentre to access benefits and receive advice on employment
Will schedule a follow-on appointment. Appointments will be provided either via telephone or face to face: Call 0808 8010 503 or visit www.migranthelpuk.org/

If you choose not to receive assistance from Migrant Help, you will need to make appointments with each of the services we have included in this section of the website, as soon as you receive your decision.

Summary checklist

Have you received your decision letter from the Home Office?
Are you aware of the date that your asylum support will be terminated, and you must leave MEARS accommodation?
Have Migrant Help been in contact to explain your decision and next steps? If not, please contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503
Have you accessed your evisa?