Immigration and asylum paper appeals for legal professionals
How and when to make immigration and asylum appeals on paper or using the immigration appeals online tool.
When to apply by paper
Apply using a paper form if your client is within the UK and any of the following apply:
- they’re in detention
- their application was made before 6 April 2015
You should also apply using a paper form if your client is outside the UK and their application was made before 6 April 2015.
Post or fax the form to the address on the form.
You can also use immigration appeals online to apply for paper applications.
For everything else, you need to appeal online using MyHMCTS. You’ll need to create an account first if you do not have one. Learn how to make an immigration and asylum appeal using MyHMCTS.
Appeal from within the UK
You have 14 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent.
If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.
If your client is inside the UK use form IAFT-5 to appeal a decision where your client has been detained in prison (not an Immigration detention centre) and their decision letter was sent by the Home Office.
If your client has been detained in an immigration detention centre and their decision letter was sent by the Home Office use form IAFT-DIA to appeal.
Applications made before 6 April 2015 inside the UK
You can only do this if your client’s application being refused means your client does not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.
If your client is inside the UK use form IAFT-1 to appeal a decision where your client:
- applied for leave to remain as a Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrant or family member before 2 March 2015 and their application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
- applied for permission to remain as a Tier 4 migrant or family member before 20 October 2014 and their application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
- application for leave to enter was refused
- application to change (‘vary’) the length and conditions of their stay in the UK was refused
- application for a certificate of entitlement to prove your client has a right of abode in the UK was refused
If your client’s application for entry clearance was refused use form IAFT-2.
Appeal from outside the UK
You have 28 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent. If your client has to leave the country before they’re allowed to appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once they’ve left the country.
If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.
Applications made before 6 April 2015 outside the UK
You can only do this if your client’s application being refused means your client does not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.
If your client is outside the UK use form IAFT-3 to appeal a decision where your client:
- applied for leave to remain as a Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrant or family member before 2 March 2015 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
- applied for permission to remain as a Tier 4 migrant or family member before 20 October 2014 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
- application for leave to enter was refused
- application to change (‘vary’) the length and conditions of your stay in the UK was refused
- application for a certificate of entitlement to prove your client has a right of abode in the UK was refused
If your client’s application for entry clearance was refused use form IAFT-2.
Fees and payment
It costs:
- £80 without a hearing
- £140 with a hearing
Your client may also be eligible get help with court fees if any of the following apply:
- they have little or no savings
- they’re on certain benefits
- they have a low income
Contact the tribunal if you’re not sure if they have to pay a fee.
First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
Email: customer.service@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)300 123 1711
Fees for appeals on paper can only be paid:
- online
- by including payment card details with an appeal form
Where to send your application
You should send your appeal form to:
By post:
First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
PO Box 6987
Leicester
LE1 6ZX
By fax:
+44 (0)300 123 1711
By email:
IAGFAPPS3@justice.gov.uk
Legislation
Read the practice directions and practice statements for more guidance.
Last updated 3 January 2023 + show all updates
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Removed all references to the EU settlement scheme
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First published.