Staff guidance, instructions and country information
This section contains the policy, guidance and country information used by our staff. We publish these documents as part of our commitment to freedom of information.
A few documents are classified as 'restricted' because they contain sensitive information. In these circumstances we remove the sensitive information from the document or, on some occasions, we do not make the document available.
For policy guidance about applications under the points-based system, see the relevant tier and category in the Working in the UK and Studying in the UK sections.
Asylum policy instructions
These documents set out the UK government's policy on asylum. They are followed by our asylum case owners.
Asylum process guidance
Guidance for our asylum case owners, who handle asylum applications through the integrated end-to-end case management process.
Asylum support policy bulletins
These bulletins describe how we interpret the current legislation as operational processes and procedures. For information on section 4 support, see 'Asylum process guidance'.
Country of Origin Information
Accurate, balanced, relevant and up-to-date information on asylum seekers' countries of origin, used by our staff when determining asylum applications.
Country-specific asylum policy
Operational guidance notes (OGN) summarise the general, political and human rights situation in a particular country, and describe common types of asylum claim. Country policy bulletins provide clear guidance on dealing with country-specific issues that arise in asylum and human rights applications.
Immigration directorate instructions
The immigration directorate instructions (IDI) are internal guidance for our staff on the handling of applications.
Entry clearance guidance
Instructions used by our staff who handle visa and entry clearance applications made outside the UK.
Working in the UK casework instructions
Guidance and information for caseworkers dealing with work permit and other applications.
Non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations
Our policy on non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations.
European casework instructions
Guidance and information for case workers dealing with European applications under the Free Movement of Persons Directive (2004/38/EC).
Nationality instructions
Instructions used by our staff when deciding applications for citizenship.
Enforcement instructions and guidance
A manual of guidance and information forofficers dealing with immigration enforcement within the UK.
Contact management
This guidance explains how we maintain contact with asylum applicants and other applicants throughout the application process.
Detention service orders (DSOs)
Procedures followed by our staff working within the detention estate and contractors employed on behalf of detention services.
Operating standards for pre-departure accommodation
Operating standards for pre-departure accommodation for families with children.
Modernised guidance
We are currently rewriting our guidance to make it clearer and more closely linked to the Immigration Rules. This section contains the guidance that we have rewritten so far.
Complaints management guidance
This guidance explains our procedures for dealing with complaints about our service or our professional conduct.
Information management guidance
In this section you can find out how to get the most out of information by managing it effectively, reusing it where possible, sharing it appropriately and ensuring that it is adequately protected.
Stateless guidance
Guidance for caseworkers dealing with applications for leave to remain as a stateless person.