Information and advice for asylum seekers

Welcome to Peterborough

We hope this information helps you settle into your new life with confidence and clarity.

If you have received a positive decision on your asylum claim and have been granted refugee leave or another form of leave to remain, there are several important steps and changes you need to be aware of.

Leaving asylum accommodation

• Notice period - You will receive 28 days’ notice of the date by which you must leave your current asylum accommodation.
• Financial and housing support - Asylum support and 'section 4' support will end 30 days after the date on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Documentation and status

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): The Home Office will send your BRP by post. This document confirms your identity and immigration status.
• Online immigration status - Online immigration statuses are replacing BRPs, which will only be valid until October 2024. After this date, you'll use an online account to prove your status. Help is available for setting up your online status.

Using your status

You can use your BRP or online status to confirm your:

• Identity
• Right to study
• Right to access public services or benefits

Changes to expect

Once your asylum support ends, you will:

• Stop receiving a cash allowance.
• Need to move if you have been provided with accommodation as an asylum seeker.

Employment and Benefits

• Work - With refugee status, you are permitted to work in the UK in any profession and at any skill level.
• Benefits - If you are unable or not ready to work and have little to no income, you can apply for benefits.

Further information about work and benefits is available from the guides in the useful links section below.

Practical steps

• Bank Account - Open a bank account.
• National Insurance Number - Apply for a National Insurance Number.

Support While Awaiting Decision

If you are still awaiting a decision on your asylum claim:

• Financial support and housing - You can apply for support from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• UKVI Responsibilities - This agency is responsible for your asylum claim decision and providing accommodation and financial support while you wait.

Further advice and guidance

This advice has been taken from the government guide for new refugees. The full version of the guide contains information about your legal rights, advise on housing, benefits and healthcare as well as contacts and further information.

Please use the full version which can be downloaded from the Welcome: a guide for new refugees page on GOV.UK.