Immigration FAQs

  • If you haven’t claimed asylum immediately on entering the UK you will need to make an appointment at the Asylum Intake Unit in Croydon to register your asylum claim.  You should telephone them first to make an appointment on 0300 123 4193

  • We do not provide representation in asylum cases, you will need to find a legal aid solicitor. It can be difficult to find a legal representative to help you with your case because most Legal Aid lawyers have many clients and do not have the capacity to take on any more. To find a solicitor, you can search on the Law Society website. Choose Immigration and Changing Country in the search.

  • We are not a homeless charity but we may be able to provide advice, depending on your circumstances.  Please call the advice line on a Wednesday.  If you have immigration status you can contract Citizens Advice Bureau  or Shelter.  If you are an asylum seeker you can apply for asylum support – call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 or contact via their website.

  • Yes, we may be able to help.  Please get in touch through our Immigration Advice line.

  • Notre Dame Refugee Centre is a charity and our services are free. Our work is funded through the generosity of grants and donations from our supporters.

  • No, we are not able to help with this kind of casework.  You would need to find a solicitor.

  • Our advisers may be able to help you, please contact our Immigration Advice Line.

  • Since 4th September 2025, the UK government has temporarily suspended Family Reunion for refugees.  We are currently waiting for the Home Office to clarify what their intentions will be for this route.

  • Certain Immigration Rules [Part Suitability Part 9] have recently changed. These changes may affect your case. Please get in touch by calling our Immigration Advice for more information.

Illustration of a digital ID card labeled eVisa inside a speech bubble, with a green checkmark badge and a blue question mark

Help with eVisas

  • We offer support with eVisas at our drop-in where a volunteer case-worker can help you with the process.

    Clients may be

    • unable to speak or read English/limited English language skills (we can offer eVisa support in French and Mandarin)

    • have physical or mental disabilities

    • be homeless/rough sleeping

    • be a victim of domestic violence/trafficking

    • have other vulnerabilities

    in which case we may be able to help

    If you need support with your eVisa access then please come to one of our drop-in days (Monday and Thursday from 10am until 2pm) and you will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

Advice is available for refugees and asylum seekers.

This advice is given by IAA Qualified Advisers over the phone
WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 10.30am-1.30pm 0207 440 2669 or visit our Immigration Advice Page:

IMMIGRATION ADVICE