What will happen on the day?

On arrival, you will be screened for sharp or other potentially dangerous objects. You may have to pass through a metallic arch similar to those you find in airports. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. See the security screening and search process page for more information.

Like many public buildings, we may not allow you to take mobile phones into the reporting centre. If we take any items from you, we store them securely and return them to you when you leave.

Our reporting centres are small and can be busy. We know you may need to bring your children with you if they are not at school. If you need another adult to help you, please let us know before you arrive, and we will tell you if you can be accompanied. Please do not bring any children other than your own.

Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait to be seen. Reporting centres operate a queue management system, usually using a ticket system. Reporting centre staff keep the time you have to wait as short as possible. A notice in the reporting centre will tell you how long we expect you to wait.

At the counter we will ask you for your letter which shows your directions to report (IS96). Staff will record your attendance on our computer system. They may ask you some questions. These questions often come from your case owner and are meant to help us to conclude your case.

You can also questions at the counter. The counter staff will not know all the details of your case, but can deal with some questions and they can also pass messages on to case owners.

Staff may ask you to wait for an interview room to become available if we will need to talk to you for more than a couple of minutes.

The staff at the counter will tell you when you must next attend. They may write this on your directions to report (IS96).

Interviews at a reporting event

Sometimes we need to interview you privately:

• to obtain evidence so that we can approach your country's embassy or high commission on your behalf to obtain a travel document;
• to discuss whether you would benefit from an assisted voluntary return package;
• to discuss your case in more general terms with your case owner; and
• to renew or issue an asylum registration card (ARC).

The interview rooms are usually near the reporting counters. A member of staff will take you to the interview room.