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Integration

This page explains what we will do to help you build a new life in the United Kingdom when we have recognised you as a refugee or given you humanitarian protection (see Human rights applications for an explanation of humanitarian protection).

When you are given asylum or humanitarian protection in the United Kingdom, you will have the same rights as permanent residents of the country and will be able to start building a life here. We call this integration into our society.

Your case owner will give you the documents you need, including your residence permit (see Leave to remain for more details of this), and (if you applied for one at your asylum interview) a National Insurance number that will enable you to work and apply for benefits.

You will be allowed to work without any restrictions, and if you do not have enough money to support yourself and your family you can apply for official support, known as benefits.

There are organisations that will be able to help you, such as your nearest One Stop Service.

These organisations, or your case owner, can give you information about:

  • housing, benefits and work;
  • English-language classes and other training that may help you;
  • information on how you can apply to bring certain members of your family to join you in the United Kingdom;
  • contacting community, cultural or faith organisations; and
  • applying for travel documents (see Travel documents for more details).

Your case owner will also give you an application form to apply for a loan to help you build your life here. The interest-free integration loan can be between £100 and £1000. It should be spent on items and activities that will help you start your life here, such as a deposit for accommodation, training that will help you get a job, or buying essential items for your home or tools of a trade.

You can download the application form for the integration loan from the right side of this page, as well as the guidance on applying, which you should read. There is also more detailed policy information about the loan and how it works in the Working with us section.

From 1 October 2008 a new service which provides personal help with integration into life here and find work became active across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Application forms

Integration loan

See also