What happens at the hearing

What happens at the hearing depends on whether you have a paper or oral hearing.

Paper hearing

You will not go to a paper hearing. A judge will make a decision based on:

  • your notice of appeal form
  • your documents
  • documents provided by the Home Office

Oral hearing

Oral hearings may be held in person or via phone or video link.

If you or your witness or representative is outside the UK and wants to give live video or audio evidence, contact the tribunal to request it. Tell the tribunal what country you, the witness or representative is in and what type of evidence is being given. You must do this as soon as possible.

You’ll present your case to the judge - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer, friend or family member. The Home Office will present the case against you.

The tribunal will provide you with an interpreter if you’ve asked for one. They can translate what happens during the tribunal but they cannot represent you or give you legal advice.

You may be asked questions by:

  • your legal representative (if you have one)
  • the Home Office’s representative
  • the judge

The hearing is public. Family and friends can attend. If the hearing is in person, they’ll have to pay their own travel costs unless they are witnesses.

Children can only attend if you cannot make childcare arrangements. They can either:

  • wait in the waiting room with your family or friends
  • be with you during the hearing