Appeal an asylum support decision
If you have a hearing
Hearings may be held in person, via phone or video link.
You’ll be asked to:
- send some documents by post before your hearing takes place
- contact any witnesses that the tribunal wants to call up
If you, 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.
If your hearing is held in person
If a judge decides you have to go to a hearing in person, it will take place in London. The Home Office will pay for you to get there (usually by train). You’ll get free accommodation the night before if you have to travel a long distance.
At the hearing
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 might send someone to 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 (if they send one)
- 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 and the judge agrees it’s appropriate. They can either:
- wait in the waiting room with your family or friends
- be with you during the hearing