While you wait for our decision

This page explains what you must do while you wait for our decision on your asylum application. It also briefly explains what support may be available to you during this time.

Your case owner will tell you when you are expected to report to us. You may be asked to return to see your case owner, or to go regularly to another official centre.

At your first meeting with your case owner, you will have been given a form that confirms your address and any requirements you must follow, such as regularly reporting to us. You should always bring this form with you when you report to us, together with your application registration card. If you do not report to us when you should, any support you are receiving may stop and you may be detained.

Your case owner will assess your circumstances and decide if you meet the requirements to receive support. You may qualify for help with housing and living costs. If we provide housing, you will not be able to choose where you live but will go wherever suitable housing is available. For more information, see Asylum support.

You will not normally be allowed to work while you are waiting for our decision. For more information, see Employment.

If your circumstances change, you should tell your case owner immediately. You should do this in writing and make sure you sign the letter. For example, you should tell your case owner if:

• you change your name;
• any of your dependants reach their 18th birthday;
• you move to a different address;
• you get married or divorced, or separate from your partner;
• you are hospitalised;
• you, or your partner, become pregnant or have a baby;
• any of your children leave school, or leave home;
• any other family members join you in the United Kingdom, or leave you;
• anyone else joins you in your accommodation or leaves you; or
• you are put in prison.

If you are receiving support from us, you must also tell your case owner if:

• you receive or gain access to money that you had not previously told us about;
• you receive or gain access to money after selling something; or
• you no longer want us to provide accommodation for you.

As an asylum applicant, you have rights and responsibilities while you are in the United Kingdom.

Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.